Science News

Rubber Band Powered Aeroplane

On the subject of alternative energy, an aeroplane powered by nothing more than a rubber band had its first trial at Van Nuys airport in California recently. Called rubber bandit and capable of carrying a passenger 1 mile at an altitude of 100 ft the aeroplane is driven by a wound-up 1 metre-wide elastic band. The elastic band drives a propeller carrying the craft forward at speeds of around 55 miles per hour. The project has been funded by sponsors and the plane built by volunteers. The group are hoping to break the world record for rubber-band powered flight. They even have a web-site dedicated to their venture which you can look at - find it at www.rubberbandit.com !

20th Aug 2000