Ultimate Plane Launcher

Update: 08.10.2023

I added base with holes for M3 Screws. Use it when pins in your standard Base not fit well or broke down when printed.

After some days of development  and prototyping I bring you my ultimate plane launcher.

Easy to print and assemble. You have to only fold you favourite paper plane, load, aim and shoot it to fly. 

You need to only 3 rubber bands to have fun with it. One small for trigger and two larger for launcher (one for each side). 

Launcher is projected to assembly without screws and glue but your clearence may be different than mine. If somewhere cover don't fit correctly simply use glue to fix cover to base. After proper assembly you won't have to look inside. Rubber inside handle, stays for very long. Mine didn't break yet. Rubber bands on launcher can be strech in three position depends on rubbers size and desired force.

Warning: Shoot only with a loaded launcher. Shooting without a load can damage the "barrel". The occurrence of damage depends on the force of the rubbber bands.

Print tested with Prusa mk2,  material: PLA, 0.6 mm nozzle, from 0.2 to 0.4 mm layer height.

To print “base” and “trigger middle” use supports for rubber bands hooks. ( I often forgot about that but despite this prints went well )

Below is simple schematic of assembly.

To load correctly, the trigger must be in the up position. Often you have to set it with your thumb in the right position as in the video below

Loading looks like that

And launching

Update 15.03.2022

I designed small glider thar cooperate with launcher.

It is available here:

https://www.printables.com/pl/model/422709-swift-small-bird-glider

and works like that:

Have fun