100-Yard Paper Rocket Launcher

PVC paper rocket launcher designs are a dime-a-dozen. So why another one? Because I've tried many other designs found on Google and YouTube, and none of them are 1. fairly easy to build 2. perform spectacularly and 3. easy for kids to operate. I have finally come up with a design that fulfills all the criteria for an amazing rocket launcher after conducting the paper rocket project with my engineering class countless times.

This Instructable also outlines how to make a high-performing rocket, which is just as important as having a great launcher. The students in my engineering class have made rockets that can fly over 100 yards from this launcher - it's rather mind-blowing to witness.

The video doesn't quite capture the sheer distance that these rockets can reach, but I think you'll get the jist of it.

 

Step 1: Make the launcher

I work with elementary-school aged children, so making the launcher is something I do as part of my prep. Older kids (with a generous budget) can try to design their own launcher. View the last step for a complete list of materials.

This launcher works up to 60psi. You can wire in a second 9V battery to get the launcher up to 100+psi. 60psi is enough to achieve spectacular results. Pressures above 60psi dramatically increase the risk of exploding the rocket, and in my experience, most student-built rockets cannot withstand the speeds produced by 70+psi.

(and by the way, you might want to protect your work surface a bit better than I did)

Comments

[legoman111]

Cool! Exploding rocket!

[bhavesh1440]

what is the difference between modified valve and air actuated valve? and which we use in doing this paper rocket lancher?

[Fast React]

If i use a bigger persure chamber and more presure whould i go farther ?

[WYE_Lance]

I don't think so. A bigger chamber just takes more time to fill up to the max PSI.

[Fast React]

Tanks for the answer.so il just use the regular chamber

[Thekellygang]

I would really like to make this rocket, but cannot find a solenoid. I searched the itsablast website and could not find one anywhere. i also searched ebay and the internet in general, but only found motorbike starters. Please help.

[WYE_Lance]

Hi there,

The solenoid is included when you purchase the modified valve. The valve that I used in this design can be bought here.

Have fun!

[Thekellygang]

Thanks!

[tbrockert]

This is a wonderful project that worked just perfectly! The kids were very impressed by how far the double launcher worked.

I have some troubleshooting I was hoping I can get help with. After leaving the launcher alone for about a month, I tried it out again with some difficulties. Beyond the pressure of 30-40 psi the trigger won't work properly and won't expel the air from the barrel. Only after loosening the trigger from the chamber, will the air escape through the pvc. I don't know if this has occurred before in any of your models, but if so or not, do you have any tips?

[WYE_Lance]

Great to hear that! If the trigger won't work as well as before, try replacing the battery. If the battery is low then it won't have the power to activate the solenoid and release the valve.

[tbrockert]

That was it! The 9v had only 75% of the max charge, which I guess wasn't enough to pull the trigger fully under high pressure. Much thanks! Now I can use this even more!

[ryanmudry]

How is the "modified sprinkler valve" different from a home depot sprinkler valve?

[WYE_Lance]

I don't know exactly how to mod a valve, but I do know that the valve is modded to allow the air to escape more rapidly.

[minecraftplayer123]

hm you need this device to shoot the rocket darn!

[SoakedinVancouver]

You should try a whistle in the cone...

[maintann]

A serious suggestion - put a safety switch in the circuit - perhaps a toggle switch with a flip up cover. This way firing requires three actions ,flip cover, toggle circuit on , press fire button. It's never too early to impress safety on kids
Don

[WYE_Lance]

That's a great idea! It would be pretty easy to splice in a second switch, perhaps something that only the teacher can control. I like that it allows students to be in control of the launch without the risk of a misfire. Although my safety talk has so far been effective, it is indeed better to be safer than not.

[MrPTrog]

I like the idea of a second switch in series with the firing switch.
On the idea of teaching safety and responsibility; assign one student as a safety officer for each team. The safety officer would make sure all students are clear behind the safety line before calling range clear and pressing their button to enable the firing button. (does my military background show with this suggestion?)

[tbone1906]

You should also think about wrapping the PVC with several layers of duct tape. Overtime the PVC may weaken and the high pressure could rupture the pipe sending possible shrapnel into the crowd. The duct tape would contain any flying debris in the event of a failure. Or you can use metal pipe for the pressure vessel. With kids its always a good idea to be extra safe. Keep up the good work, I love it when kids get excited about science!

[rocklocker]

I have to agree with THAYRAY. Some of those kids were too close to the launcher. Perhaps a line which every one must be behind before launching. It's no fun going through life with one functioning eye, I know.
On the other hand this is really cool and is going into my grandpa projects to amaze the grandkids as soon as my kids make one for us. Maybe they need an instructable on how to make bqabies.

[WYE_Lance]

Thanks for the kind words and your concern for the kids. I'll admit that it is difficult to keep kids at a safe distance - everyone wants a good view of the launcher. I constantly remind kids to back up, but your comment gave me an idea for a better solution: I think it would be easy to use a brightly colored rope to create a safety zone around the launcher. I am conducting this project at many schools this week, so I'll try this out today and let you know how it goes.

[WYE_Lance]

I bought some thick and bright yellow rope to define a clear safety zone - it worked very well! Kids were even reminding each other to "Stay behind the rope." I've updated this Instructable with a photo of the rope being used in step 4. Very simple, easy-to-implement solution until I install a second safety switch.

[Little Mom on the Prairie]

Yeah...the mom in me cringed when I saw the kids so close but other than that this seems really fun! My munchkin is a bit young yet but someday...someday...

[WYE_Lance]

It does seem quite dangerous, though so far I've conducted hundreds of launches with no injuries. I thought about excluding some clips from the video because it looks dangerous, but showing true footage has prompted concerned members of the community to voice their ideas for safety improvements :)

[ajoyraman]

Great Work ! and Excellent use of common PVC pipe fittings.

[MTJimL]

I must be a klutz, as I could never get away with handling PVC weld without gloves. Would pipe-threaded joints be another option? Also, creative variations should prevent boredom with this project for about a hundred years. Very well done.

[WYE_Lance]

No, unfortunately if you're making a pressure chamber out of PVC you pretty much have to use solvent weld. One variation that I like is a double launcher tube so 2 rockets can fire at once (you may have noticed that two rockets are being fired at the same time at the very beginning of the video).

[Closer]

Rather than use a rubber schrader valve (for steel car wheels), you might consider using a clamp in one (for truck or alloy wheeles). This would eliminate the need for the sealing plastic.

[WYE_Lance]

I just checked out what a clamp-in valve looks like, and I think you're right - it seems much easier to install and you don't have to deal with KwikPlastic. I'll definitely include this in my next design update - thanks!

[schmitta]

The rocket really goes great. Excellent toy.

[thayray]

Isn't it kinda dangerous? At 0:35 I thought a kid was going to get a rocket in the eyeball.

[WYE_Lance]

It is very dangerous! Please follow the safety advice in step 4. Having a clear countdown is what alerted that kid

[Treknology]

For sale: One used model rocket kit.

Free to a good home: Only white mouse to have ever had a bird's eye view of Kensington.

[jktechwriter]

I like your design but it is very similar to the design by Rick S. that was featured in Make magazine. There are some subtle differences but if you did base your design off of Rick's design you should credit his design in your write up.

[WYE_Lance]

You're correct - I did use the idea for a base from a video by Make magazine. Actually, the entire launcher is an amalgamation of several rocket launchers I've built in the past couple of years based upon YouTube tutorials and this very site. With all due respect, it seems unnecessary to credit every person who has influenced this particular design. After all, one could define originality as a new combination of common ideas.

[jktechwriter]

Yes, but in this instance, your design is almost 100% identical to Rick's. I just compared my launcher that I built from Rick's kit to your photo above and I can see almost zero difference. I'll be more than happy to post a picture of my launcher if you like. I'm not trying to make a big stink about this, but your launcher shown above is pretty much part-for-part the same as Rick's published design and the design sold by the Maker Store.

[jktechwriter]

A link to Rick's design

http://blog.makezine.com/2010/07/11/how-to-building-the-compressed-air/

[WYE_Lance]

This link is useful if you're more devoted to DIY than I am - it shows you how to make the button assembly and modified valve without buying from ItsABlast.com

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

I believe the addition of a streamer or something may improve visual recognition for students and other observers.

[WYE_Lance]

The rockets are pretty easy to see in real life, though it's really quite challenging to capture a paper rocket on video. Streamers might look fun, but I think it would create too much drag. Perhaps a longer rocket would be more visible (and fun!)