Click on the image to the left to view the detailed step-by-step instructions for building our newest design of the CAR v3.0 (Compressed Air Rocket launcher).
Click on the image to the left to view the detailed step-by-step instructions for building our previous design of the CAR v2.2 (Compressed Air Rocket launcher).
Click on the image to the left for instructions on how to assemble the Compressed Air Rocket Bounce recovery rocket that came in your kit, or that you ordered seperately.
Click on the image to the left for a link to all the free to download and print paper rocket templates.
Click on the image to the left for instructions on how to assemble the BRB parts around your existing slide valve.
Click on the image to the left for instructions on how to assemble the Launch Angle Protractor parts onto your existing launcher.
Click on the image to the left for instructions on how to assemble the ARG Air Rocket Glider kit.
Click on the image to the left or the link below for instructions on how to build Rick's foam rockets:
https://makezine.com/projects/high-pressure-foam-rocket/
Based on the article Rick wrote for MAKE Magazine issue #56, a fixed wing glider can be constructed in a few different ways. See the article here:
https://makezine.com/projects/mod-your-air-rocket-system-to-launch-gliders/
NOTE: The elbow fitting called for in these instructions is no longer necessary if your launcher was manufactured after 2016 (when we changed to v2.2 and added the spring inside the QEV). Simply loosen the wing nuts and rotate the launch tube to a shallow angle to launch the fixed wing glider. You will want to keep the pressures lower - start with about 10-15 PSI. If you build a fixed wing glider with rubber bands or velcro, higher pressures may cause the body to launch, but not the wings...
ADJUSTING YOUR GLIDERS TO FLY BETTER
Your glider should fly level with a gentle climb. If it stalls or dives, try the following:
If your glider noses up, stalls, and then falls to the ground, you can try moving the main wings forward or adding weight to the nose. A neat and clean way to add weight is to take off the nose cone and tape one or more ¼” washers inside the nose cone before putting it back on again.
If your glider goes right into a dive, you need to move the main wings back and/or add weight to the back of the glider.
If your glider flies level, but banks to the right or left, try adding a moveable cardboard (or post-it note) rudder or ailerons.
Your glider is all about trial and error and learning what it takes to get it to fly straight and level.
