Balloon Launching Massive 16 Foot Rubber Band Airplane

HUGE thanks to Chris at cal-tool.com for helping this project out with helium. It very well may not have happened without their generosity. If you have welding needs in southern California I recommend checking them out.
If you are interested in Bambu Lab 3D printers you can use this affiliate link to purchase: shrsl.com/29j80-2yn7-1cwx9 It costs nothing extra and helps sustain the channel.
Consider becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/user?u=65589116
Let me know what you think of the videography and editing by Chris Edghill, I think I found my new secret weapon!
Thank you Curtis for helping every step of the way. Would not have gotten this off the ground that morning without him.

[@thanoob2978]

I'm glad you got over the incident and any self destructive thoughts that came with it. Go. Go bigger. Go stronger and push the limits of what is perceived as possible.

[@NicholasRehm]

Despite the crash, this project/video is one of the greatest W’s in recent RC-Maker-KZbinr history. Raising the bar once again

[@Aussiem8e]

😂

[@tylerrivera2126]

They should throw a small gas RC engine on it

[@paulspomer16]

It really isn’t lmao

[@atheed9426]

Thanks for the spoilers. Lol

[@DriveCrashShorts]

Spoiler alert now i wont watch ot ffa

[@stuartwood7252]

For me personally. You are the most entertaining content on the tubes. Mid 80s, I was free flighting when it was still, and Windsurfing when it wasn't. Freeflighting is definitely a polymath's sport. All you do is run and think. (1988 Australian hand launch glider champion. 6 one minute max's, second throw was 27 minutes) Love your work Stu. Melbourne

[@David.-_-]

Servos were soo expensive even in the late 90's. So many people have access to inexpensive flight now. It's awesome as a hobbyist

[@jack6764e]

Aww man! The whole time I was watching I just knew it was going to fly beautifully then the tragedy 😫. Great project, so glad you are going to continue.

[@antonsvids5237]

This man refuses to give up and is dedicated to making the most masterfully crafted models. That's why think flight is so different from so many other youtubers

[@robaust3049]

“The joy of success is greater…” good advice, I like it. We’re looking forward to Part 2

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

Gotta say your cinematography is top notch.. i can't wait for part 2!

[@thinkflight]

Thank Chris!

[@thegrimstreaker4669]

Same here

[@kennethjessop6073]

Great project and collaboration. Can’t wait for part 2 from a hill.

[@thewayfaringanarchists8157]

You are 100% worthy of a KZbin channel. This was a great video, showing the progress through failure is about the healthiest thing you can share and will make your eventual success well worth it for all of us.I cannot wait to see the next video. Thank you again for great content

[@iandrake4683]

You probably can't see it from your side, but this was epic. It might have been a failure, but we come here to see the moon shot, win or lose. From a channel perspective you win either way by attempting what most of us could only dream of.

[@AerialWaviator]

Definitely epic! Success is not a destination, it's a journey. Something is only a failure if we don't learn and improve. Failures are just waypoints of pause on the way to success.

[@OldWhitebelly]

The balloons! We wanted to see them pop! So fortunate that your video captured exactly what the failure mode was; it's so much easier going forward when you can see where you're going. Love the channel!

[@snakepliskin3530]

This Video deserves a lot more views than it has! Every adult that ever bought a Barn Stormer when they were a child should watch this. I watched the first video of the build months ago and I am impressed.

[@Zothaqqua]

We all learned something at 12:36. Nothing wasted. Well done.

[@BlackFoxLovesYou]

I’ve been so looking forward to this!

[@thelonewrangler1008]

I'm so glad youre not giving up on this project because this is super cool and it's going to be epic when you get it to work. "The only differnce between failure and a lesson learned is your mindset"

[@bekleiner]

in my mind it's never the outcome of an project like this that makes it "worthy", but the fact that you attempted it. great video. keep them up. no matter which way they end up going.

[@carycosgrove8898]

Awesome stuff, glad you are not giving up! Reminds me of loosing free flight models in trees as a kid

[@alex4alexn]

Chris is the man, wish more business owners supported local creators, i know they got businesses to run but some are just awesome. Thanks Chris

[@rfriday2651]

Countless early aviation pioneers may well have experienced this phenomenon in full scale and not lived to be able to even ponder what went wrong. You have very admirably demonstrated the importance of simple torsional rigidity in an aircraft wing, albeit unintentionally. If I were teaching aerodynamic fundamentals I would make a clip of this video mandatory viewing. Whilst you may not have achieved that which you set out to, I think you have recorded something of equal or better value. Sincere congratulations.

[@mattiasfagerlund]

How is that a failure - the video turned out great and now you get to make another one!

[@mdbizzarri]

Such a simple concept, yet the journey proves it's anything but. Perfecting simple, upscaled models is a noble cause. It's not the why, but why not. This is a very interesting series, and really enjoy the editing, video shots, and music on top of what you are doing. I hope to see your success in this journey!

[@bbrockert]

Fun project, even if the ending wasn't what you were looking for! If you do more balloon projects in the future, please lay the tank in use on the ground, or strap it to a stand. An unrestrained tank falling over without the safety cap can shear off the valve and take off like a deadly rocket.

[@guerrillaradio9953]

This looks like an idea I would've had when I was 9, and I'm 100% here for it, let's GOOOOOOOO

[@rklauco]

You build it twice, you build it good. That's the SV Seeker motto - very suitable for this situation. I expected a crash (normal in model planes) - hurts, but the joy of flying after repair is worth it. Best of luck!

[@Kalishir]

Do no loose sight of your goal, and thrust the process. The journey is where you learn the most. Love your work and your channel! Thank you!

[@BelieveInYeshua]

I love your determination. In the propeller’s blade twist, I recommend the propeller’s root angle not exceed 75 degrees away from the blade’s direction of rotation. Your current design clearly reaches a full perpendicular 90-degree divergence from the blade path, which creates extreme drag and reduces the thrust output.

[@imran88pk]

Well done for all the effort. When one bravely ventures into the unknown, there are surprises. There is a saying in my country, “only riders fall from horses, he who walks on his knees does not fall”.

[@earthsciteach]

This build is so beautiful. It will fly gloriously as long as you keep at it.

[@Raytenecks]

I think failure is easier to stomach when you can see a way forward, and you've clearly got that vision. I look forward to more!

[@ChristieNel]

Loving the music and the quality of the filming. It feels very dramatic and professional.

[@RCTom]

Definitely made the right choice in putting this up Laugh it off if you can but know, we your viewers love everything you’re doing so good on you! Thank you 😊

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

I wanted to see the balloons pop! Beautiful model, looking forward to the Phoenix edition.

[@KurtVFX]

I'm glad so happy you are continuing, I wanna see that thing soar!

[@kennethacason410]

The success is that we are never disappointed. Your story telling and film making are a pleasure to follow. Thank you

[@BananaWarrior23]

Keep it up! Amazing series. Your production quality and story telling, outside of the amazing engineering, is amazing.

[@miniphase]

Keep on going! The repairs never take as long as you think, especially with an open structure like this. Diagonal bracing between the ribs for torsional rigidity, but also check the angle of incidence... tricky to tell form the video but it looks as if the main wing hasn't got much of an angle of attack relative to the tailplane. With more decalage, the model wouldn't have sped up as much upon release. I'd also add a couple more degrees dihedral too.... great work, very much looking forward to the next instalment!

[@abelladeau9354]

I got sick to my stomach watching that beautiful plane lawn dart like that, but you were absolutely right, it was a huge oversight to not try to account for the change in forces exerted on the airframe. Build back better, I’m excited to see this thing fly!

[@JamesDowningFPV]

Ugh! I know that feeling of failure... but we all fail. Don't give up and keep sharing what you learned!

[@baddestmofoalive]

That was epic! Can’t wait for round 2!

[@hi-techredneck7069]

As a man child and a FPV hobbyist , HELL YEAH! Rubber band powered balsa- planes is what usually gets us wanting to fly bigger. Alot of math going on there. Watching from the sticks Of Tennessee. If your not Crashing,,Your not doing it Right!❤

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

That's a nice airplane.The giant version of my first flying models as a 6 year old I loved the Gillows ones that come in skinny bags.I had every version of them including a bi-plane.aThey were great fun.

[@The-Master-Chief]

A sequel!!!

[@licencetoswill]

love this project. so pure.

[@TechCOG]

Looking forward to version 2! Never give up such an amazing project.

[@mbasiletti]

YES! I wanted to see more of this project...sorry for how it ended but learning happened and better for it -keep on! One thing may help, aside from improved wing torsional rigidity; slightly more down thrust and a bit more decalage. You'll probably need to adjust the c.g. fwd. The initial powered flight in this video showed it nose up a bit. Probably could have a longer powered flight from hand launch. In any case, superb build and engineering. Yeah, ok enough armchair engineering from me. Thanks for continuing- looking forward to more!

[@rapharigoti]

Fantastic!! Back to the lab with new ideas on wing structure!!

[@peraltarockets]

So wild to see Lucerne Dry Lake green! I'm sorry about the failure, but this is all learning. You're doing great work.

[@adamhale6672]

Wow these projects keep getting higher stakes. Cavin is a serious professional by this point.

[@benmochrie7832]

As a kid, my Grandad and myself had huge fun with elastic band powered planes. Your work really brought back those feelings! Also, the guy who donated the gas! What a cool Dude. Carry on Sir, you rule. 👊👊👊

[@christianbowes7907]

I guess you know now that you start with zero airspeed which causes a dive that’s hard to come out of without elevator control. Looking forward to the next ep

[@WindCatcherRC]

Wow, what a fantastic project! Seeing that plane fly under it's own power is amazing. Seeing her flip over after being released from the balloons is heartbreaking. Looking forward to your next projects and the continuation of this one. I wish you all the best with this and your other projects and good luck.

[@kiefercosgriff7300]

awesome project

[@underworldfromparteigenose4182]

Everyone for us got so cool experience with you. Thanks!

[@crashmode3401]

Thank you for showing your failures along with your successes. It really encourages a maker like me to keep trying when I walk home with t-shirt full of foam bits

[@AerialWaviator]

Am so impressed with the engineering of this design that keeps this aircraft light, strong and being fully transportable in a normal vehicle (9:17). Such an impressive set of engineering logistics and constraints to balance and manage, while staying true to scale of the original balsa model. 🤯♥ The flight sequence from 11:40 was not expected! Left me wondering if could have pre-revved propeller rpm, so as to release with positive thrust? Questioning if the aircraft was able to create positive thrust relative to airflow profile as it flew. At higher speed the blades of a fix pitch prop, can act as airbrakes. Thinking negative thrust may have been a contributing factor to the downward pitching moment. While the outcome may not have been desirable, this chapter of the project did collect lots of great data. Making connections with Chris, Curtis and others helping behind the scenes was definitely a positive outcome for this chapter. Thanks for sharing your rollercoaster of engineering and learning endevors. Look forward to the next chapter. :)

[@kwaaaa]

It's still a magnificent build and I enjoyed this from conception to crash!

[@vishal01mehra]

Excellent cinematography and kudos to your will power. This channel is a 💎.

[@linecraftman3907]

Chris is a legend, huge respect to him. Glad you were able to so precisely identify the problem, personally I thought it was a CG issue! Also curious about your thoughts regarding a tow launch? This looks to have a wing loading low enough that you could actually run with it

[@dhavalbhalara1664]

I truly admire your building skills, production quality, tenacity, and perseverance! Simply Great! Can't wait for the next video!

[@nash5718]

Not a failed attempt at all. KEEP GOING! You got this!

[@oatechaosincycles]

That hand launch was glorious though!

[@onjofilms]

There is no greater joy than to be in a dry place when it's raining.

[@petronioaznar]

Gooooo!!! Your channel is so amazing and your projects just stunning. The fact that after such a blow you decided to try again made me cry. You both rock!

[@austntexan]

I think we were all yelling at our screens collectively "Noooooooooo!" It weathered the crash pretty well though. Looking forward to V.2!

[@jaceowens6242]

This was incredible despite an undesired outcome. Now you know where to improve so that next flight will be even greater! You've got this!

[@TheIronHeadRat]

Great job, thanks for sharing 👍

[@christophercone3535]

Glad you posted despite the finish. You're so talented and most of your projects work well as a result. This one shows you are both human and humble. Love your channel and will always watch!

[@johnbrant2454]

Great video and so sad it crashed. Having flown RC for years I can understand how it feels when you have a crash like this. Look forward to the repaired, stronger version. I also liked your system for exploding the balloons after your release, instead of them just floating off somewhere.

[@Mr89Falcon]

Beautiful cinematography and inspirational project! Love your work! 👍

[@avelkm]

This project is amazing, please continue! Your perseverance and attitude towards failures are very inspiring! Thanks! Greatings from Ukraine!

[@microflite]

Totally awesome project! Don’t stop. Love every moment!

[@jonathanclark4274]

Great attitude man, I love your videos.

[@simonabunker]

This is becoming an epic project. Good luck with the next fight - can't wait to see it!

[@DerMaje]

Chris is such a cool guy and this video is just awesome. Not just only the project alone is interesting and super fun looking. Your quality is so good (plane and video). I was lucky to find your channel over RCTestflight and the ground effect vehicle. It is so fun to watch your videos. I had gosebumbs when this thing did it‘s 20s flight, i dont know why.

[@MB120478]

You entertained me.... and you will continue to do so... keep up the good work mate

[@ChrisRollins]

this should be on "Trending"! awesome video!

[@treeturtle9378]

Persistence always pays off. Love your channel 👍.

[@CarbonPhysics]

WOW! That's fantastic! I've really enjoyed your journey tot his point, too. Thank you for sharing. Too bad about the plane, but everyone learns.

[@robe4314]

Failure is a part of the learning process and essential for improvement. KEEP GOING!!!

[@localsms]

This channel is such an inspiration

[@mrJakestetler]

This is so great. I’m glad you decided to keep going.

[@thewatersavior]

Thank you for the reminder to keep on building.. you got this boss

[@PatrickKniesler]

I'm glad you aren't giving up!

[@SunriseKnight]

This was beautiful dude. Keep it up!

[@paulbizard3493]

Lol. Nice show. You got crazy ideas and you make them come alive. 👍

[@foolwise4703]

Ooooh noooo - what a crash! But still, great video, awesome project - whatever the (temporary) ending. But, lessons learned and passion sowed - what more can one ask for?

[@robward7662]

This is so cool, can’t wait to see a successful flight.

[@error.418]

Thanks for sharing your failures, too! And big thanks to Cal Tool for the donated helium! Keep on rising to the challenge 💪

[@iamtherealzim]

That was awesome! I can’t wait to see more!

[@masbeetleboy9169]

This isn't over yet? "To be continued"? GOOD, I look forward to seeing what improvements are put into the next version of this beast.

[@_B_K_]

I think you should use a shorter rubber band. Your issue seems the power and not the period for which it's produced, so a shorter band will help with that. In addition, it'll drastically reduce the weight. I could be wrong with this theory, but seems logical to me.

[@RandomKSandom]

You rock. I can't wait to see the next installment.

[@superdutyspinner]

Psyched for the rebuild! Beautiful video

[@DieCastoms]

I have nothing invested in this project other than about an hour that I've watched the videos .... but I cried anyway . . . . . I am sorry for your loss, but at least you learned some valuable information for the next iteration.!

[@evilsciencedoglabs2394]

Even though it did not do want you wanted, that was an epic short flight.

[@Tbi331]

Love your videos and deep research, sad didn't worked out this time :/

[@1freedlander]

I feel so sorry that the plane crashed. It was nicely designed and initial flights were encouraging. Thanks for your effort and good wishes for your next flight(s).

[@hewy1]

Awesome videography and looking forward to the next iteration!

[@kersgames6382]

Damn!!! I am so glad that you did upload your succes!!! Every fail is a big step closer to the goal. Making things by failing goes faster than making things without even testing. Go go go! You can do it!!!

[@RAD-RC]

Beautiful video for an even more amazing model. Best of luck getting it all back together to try again!