Designing a 13 Second Flight with a Rubber Band

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a device, such as a plane, that can remain airborne for 13 seconds using a rubber band as the sole power source. Participants explore various design considerations, launch methods, and the implications of weight and size limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in conceptualizing a design that can achieve a 13-second flight powered by a rubber band.
  • Another participant inquires about size and weight limits, suggesting that simpler designs may be more effective.
  • A suggestion is made to clarify launching conditions, noting that a paper airplane could potentially exceed the 13-second requirement if launched correctly.
  • It is mentioned that the construction strength of the vehicle will influence the launch method, with light free flight hobby airplanes being capable of long flights when properly launched.
  • A recommendation is made to research rubber-powered free flight models to gather ideas for achieving the desired flight duration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to achieve the 13-second flight, and multiple competing views regarding design and launch methods remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specified size and weight constraints, as well as the need for clarification on launch conditions and construction strength.

titus_polo
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im to design something, a plane, or any kind of material to let it stay from the time of release up to it falling into the ground for 13 seconds provided that it is powered by a rubber band...
i'm having a hard time thinking about it, having it stay in mid-air longer than usual, and just want to ask help from u guys...thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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is there a size and weight limit? and remember,

KISS - keep it simple stupid

always the most effective designs are the simplest
 
You should also specify the launching conditions. A paper aeroplane glider can stay in the air for far more than 13 seconds if thrown in the proper manner.
 
we can launch it anyway we want, as long as it can stay up to 13 secs..
and powered by 1 rubber band..
 
Well your launch method will depend on how strong your "vehicle" is constructed. Some very light free flight hobby airplanes can be hand launched and stay in the air for a very long time on a rubber powered motor (by hand launch I mean a light toss or even just let go after the prop is spinning).

As Danger pointed out you can get a motorless paper airplane if constructed right and launched righ tto glide for 13 seconds or longer.

Try searching on rubber powered free flight models and rubber powered free flight duration models and see what come up.
 

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