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These are paper jets that fly off of a launcher.
 
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Step 1: The launcher

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The launcher is made from 1/2" PVC. You will need the following fittings, along with some used 2-liter bottles:
  • One 1/2" four-way fitting (all fittings are of the slip variety)
  • Two 1/2" end caps
  • One 1" coupling
  • One 1" by 1/2" bushing
  • One 1/2" 45-degree elbow
The assembly is exactly the same as what I have posted for the stomp rockets, except for the change to the 45-degree elbow. Please see that instructable for additional details on building a launcher.
john12345678910 says: Mar 28, 2012. 5:15 PM
this is cool i am going to try it this summer
HandyMan1959 says: Aug 3, 2011. 9:12 AM
Is there a reason you didn't make the wings one piece?
doxsys says: Jul 28, 2011. 9:32 AM
This would work well with Make's Compressed Air Rocket Launcher: http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKRS1
seamster (author) in reply to doxsysJul 28, 2011. 1:57 PM
Yes it would. I did compressed air rockets in scouts as a kid, and this project was partly inspired by those.
bgepp1 says: Jul 26, 2011. 12:21 PM
this is really cool! I love that video. I am sure you were the hero on the block that day! Nice work.

BG
actimm says: Jul 21, 2011. 11:53 AM
As, in your own words, the rudder doesn't do much, you could simply make the rear wing slightly larger and put about a 30 degree bend in it. This would still give you a certain amount of directional stability and keep you from stressing about trying to tweak the rudder about.
seamster (author) in reply to actimmJul 21, 2011. 1:00 PM
Definitely, a v-tail would simplify the build even more. Good tip!
Delo97 says: Jul 19, 2011. 7:05 AM
This is a GREAT idea! I don't think I'll build the base, because that would be expensive, but the jet/glider is REALLY good, and I'll be probably make some of them out of cereal boxes and wood sticks using your template, and launch them by hand.
chrispix in reply to Delo97Jul 21, 2011. 12:12 PM
The parts for the launcher should cost less than $10 at Home Depot.
magifarm says: Jul 21, 2011. 9:18 AM
Yay for Daddy! Your kids must have lots of fun!
rimar2000 says: Jul 18, 2011. 7:32 PM
Very nice design!
splazem says: Jul 18, 2011. 11:33 AM
This is awesome!
OrigamiAirEnforcer says: Jul 18, 2011. 10:03 AM
What would the range be?
seamster (author) in reply to OrigamiAirEnforcerJul 18, 2011. 10:13 AM
I made one do barrel rolls that flew straight for about 100 feet. It's one of the clips in the video I think.
earlyflyer says: Jul 18, 2011. 9:46 AM
I'm stopping at the hardware store for some PVC pipe on the way home today!

Great idea and nicely prepared Instructable.

Thanks!
Kaptain Kool says: Jul 18, 2011. 7:33 AM
These look awesome! What a great idea!
PKM says: Jul 18, 2011. 6:50 AM
At the risk of complicating and adding expense to a brilliantly simple, cheap project, there are some surprisingly small and cheap "spy cameras" around which might make a great addition to these planes.

With or without, though, they look like great fun and I wish I'd had something like this around when I was little!
ynze says: Jul 18, 2011. 12:23 AM
Pretty cool! We're gonna have lots of fun this summer :)
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