NEW Deluxe CAR v3.0 System
This is our New Deluxe version of the recently updated compressed air rocket launcher, available to order on our Shopify Website here.
Includes:
CAR V3.0 Launcher
Large 9" x 18" baseplate with rubber feet
A BRB (Big Red Button) with a magnet in the base
A total of Three (3) CARB rockets
A spare foam nose and 5 paper templates
FULLY ASSEMBLED AND TESTED
Optional Pressure Regulator for repeatable pressures - Order here
Optional "Bauer Box Adapters" to allow it to clip to the top of low cost portable bins available at any Harbor Freight. - Order here
The Deluxe Version Features:
We've completed ALL of the assembly for you, so you'll be launching right away!
This design integrates the protractor option right into the base as standard.
The CAR v3.0 is built of industrial metal air pressure rated parts, and a sturdy CNC cut SOLID PLASTIC BASE for many years of use. Mounting holes for a pressure regulator option.
Pairs perfectly with a Leyzyne brand bike pump, Portable tire inflator, or air compressor.
Lezyne Pump with RED or YELLOW fitting: https://shorturl.at/CsQ4k
Craftsman Tire Inflator (without battery): https://shorturl.at/G4P1a
Milwaukee Tire Inflator (no battery): https://shorturl.at/D9y4h
Dewalt Tire Inflator (without battery): https://shorturl.at/8TfHP
Special thanks to The Perloff Family Foundation, for whom we developed this set initially. We started working with Dave and Sandy Perloff back in 2023. To learn more about the Perloff Family Foundation, and the amazing work they have been doing for the students of Maine, visit their website here: https://www.perloffgrants.org/
To see how the teachers of Maine are using the launchers and 3D printed rockets, check out this fantastic slide show: https://shorturl.at/ZsOZN
NEW CAR v3.0
The newest version of our heavy duty compressed air rocket launcher is now available to order on our Shopify Website here.
It features:
Preassembled pneumatic parts - no tools required, gets you launching faster!
NEW - Integrated launch angle protractor included, 0° Horizontal to 90° Vertical
No need to purchase the accessory seperately
Same method to easily adjust and lock the launch angle with wing nuts
NEW - Solid machined plastic base with improved graphics
Same price!
Compatible with the Big Red Button accessory to convert slide valve into a BRB
Q: What is an Air Rocket?
A: An air rocket is simply a rocket launched using air pressure.
The simplest type is when you blow the wrapper off a straw.
Q: How does the Air Rocket work?
How the Compressed Air Rocket launcher V3.0 uses compressed air to lauch your rockets:
Full_AirLaunch_Demo_Animation_v3.mp4Animation by nickhenning3d.com Thanks Nick!
Q: What can Air Rockets be made from?
A: All kinds of things!
Paper & Tape - printed on paper and assembled with tape
DIY instructions on how to make them from foam pipe insulation, Article by Rick Schertle
Plastic body tubes, foam noses, and sticker fins, found through the Shop tab above
3D printed parts added to our rocket parts
Turn your rocket launcher into a Glider Launcher! See Rick's article in Make: here.
Use your imagination!
Wine bottle corks, super balls, lump of clay or Play-Doh make great nosecones
Try tape or stickers for fins (angled fins don't tend to get caught in branches)
How many fins are needed? 2? 3? 4?
What happens when you move the fins forward?
What happens when you shift the CG (Center of Gravity)?
Experiment with different materials - BUT NEVER USE METAL OR ANY SHARP OBJECTS
Get creative!
Q: Who uses our Compressed Air Rocket launchers?
NASA
NASA contacted us to build a high end version of our compressed air rocket launchers in 2016/2017 for use with their Educational Outreach Program. We couldn't possibly say no, so we worked with one of the top engineers at NASA Kennedy Space Center to create a electrically controlled launch control panel made from an aluminum case from the Space Shuttle program.
Check out our Templates page for free to download and print paper rocket templates of the four rockets launched from KSC, three from ULA and the Falcon 9 from SpaceX.
ULA
ULA saw the system that NASA was using with their educational outreach program and ordered a few for their own use at their three main locations in Colorado, Alabama and Texas.
ULA was also kind enough to share the rocket templates their graphic artists created, which can be found on our Templates page.
Educators
Numerous teachers, STEM educators, summer camps all around the world are using our products to teach kids about rocketry and physics.
Pictured above is one of our launchers that was modified by our friends at Explo. We have also worked with Texas A&M summer camps, BetaBox Labs, STEAM & Co. in the UK, YMCA (Australia), MinuteMan Missile program (who used a grant to donate them to 40 teachers across the US), the Boston Museum of Science, etc.
Anyone Else
We have sold thousands of our launchers to individuals over the years.
We have received wonderful stories about how they have been used for birthday parties (where the adults join in), they have been used with boy scout troops, girl scout troops, family gatherings, etc.