Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
March 21, 2018 02:00 AM

Wacky World of Rubber: Rubber bands for the birds

Kyle Brown
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Birdkit.com
    This ornithopter kit is just one of several available for purcahse at birdkit.com.

    March typically is the month to head out to the park with a kite and make the best of windy weather. But what if the addition of a rubber band (and admittedly a decent amount of math and crafting) could make that kite really take off?

    This isn't a kite, per se, but an ornithopter, a type of aircraft that flies by flapping its wings like a bird. Youtuber RimstarOrg uses supplies from his local hobby store to build the body of the ornithopter, with a good deal of balsa, wood glue and cotton thread, plus a few paper clips to build the motor.

    His measurements are precise, and he provides notes for each of the parts, as well why he chooses to use heavier equipment in certain important places. Engineers will appreciate that he actually breaks out a protractor to get exact angles for those paper clip hooks. It's also worthwhile to note that he lets the parts dry while propped up on some well-used textbooks, which is no surprise with his level of detail. With all things done, his ornithopter weighs in at just 0.25 ounces.

    The blog's rule so far has been to use just household rubber bands, but given that shorter rubber bands will mean shorter flights, it's worth forgoing in this instance. RimstarOrg uses a 1/8 inch tan wide super sport rubber tripled up, wound up for about 200 turns. With the all-clear, he launches the ornithopter for a short burst of nearly bird-like flight.

    While his flight lasted for about 20 seconds, it's by no means the longest for hobbyist ornithopter constructors. According to The Ornithopter Zone, the website of the Ornithopter Society, the current record for an long-distance rubber-powered ornithopter is an astounding 21:44, set by Roy White in 1995.

    Kyle Brown is a reporter for Rubber & Plastics News who watched a lot of Mr. Wizard and Bill Nye while growing up. Follow him on Twitter at @kbrownRPN.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    ASTM's new rCB standard intended to ensure quality
    2
    R.E. Carroll acquires Kentucky elastomer supplier
    3
    Mearthane Products stays on acquisition trail, gets new PE partner
    4
    No alternative in sight: Why Michelin is emphasizing sustainability of hevea
    5
    NR market sees slowdown in supply, demand growth rates
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION