Turbo Darts & Launcher

This is a miniature version of my AutoGyro Ring Glider that launches with a rubber band powered push launcher. The darts will glide 12m or so -- plenty far for indoor fun.

Printing, Assembly & Use
I printed this using Tough PLA (sometimes called PLA+ or PLA Pro) using 0.2mm layers. You can use regular PLA or PETG, but the tubular body of the dart may be kind of fragile. No supports are needed.

To assemble, you'll need a 3mm wide x about 75mm long (unstretched) rubber band for the launcher. Insert the rubber band through the hole in the end of the stick as show in in the 2nd photo. Slide the stick into the grip in the orientation shown in the 3rd photo. Then hook the rubber band ends into the slots on either side as shown in the 4th photo.

To load the dart, slide it onto the nub at the end of the stick, and then push the stick all the way in until one of the little tabs between the fins clicks onto the latch as shown in the last photo. To launch hold the grip firmly and aim the dart level or at a slight incline. If you don't have a fairly firm hold on the grip, the recoil from the stick hitting the end-stop will disrupt the trajectory of the dart.

CAUTION: The darts fly very fast and are pointy, so don't aim people, pets or siblings. You could easily put an eye out.