Both teams build a machine to launch frisbees. The goals could be (A)for distance (B)most launched in a timed event (C)Accuracy (D)any combination of the above, or (E) ?.

Or, as in some firearm competitions; launced at knockdown or swing targets, or with the the teams side by side; at swing targets that swing back off your side of a pole, but will swing back when your apponent hits his on the other side of the pole (four or five vertical targets that need to be knocked away to win-unless your aponent's hits bring them back). I think the frisbees should be the real thing...It might be too difficult to build twenty or thirty of the things from scrap...

The machine could be cannon-like, skeet-thrower-like, crossbow-like, or whatever! Maybe even throw in an auto feeder for the frisbees! Mechanically powered? Of course!

Well gang, what say you!? Any variations?

VK

-- Vic Klotz (vklotz@coronado.ca.us), March 06, 2001

Answers

Just building a machine that could successfully launch a Frisbee would be quite a challenge: The disk has to be spun on its axis for stability in flight, as well as propelled forward for the flight itself. The launch angles are critical for direction (left/right) and distance (fore/aft). I can see these problems solved in a couple of different ways- This might make a great challenge! And never forget: "To fly, flip away backhanded." (Part of the instructions on the back of every Frisbee.)

-- Chip Haynes (ehaynes@co.pinellas.fl.us), March 30, 2001.

I for one think this would be a very good challenge. Something that an expert would be hard to find, but, it could be done.

Justjay

-- JustJay-captain-Three Rusty Juveniles (justjay@neo.rr.com), March 30, 2001.

This is a great idea but it's really hard to launch freesbies. we can do it only with rocks or something of heavy

-- Ilia denotkine (iliaden@hotmail.com), January 07, 2002.

It is not diffucult at all to launch a frisbee. In fact, it is a freshman engineering design project at Virginia Tech. Not only do the freshman engineers there have to bulid a frisbee launcher without the use of a compressor, but they must adhere to a budget of $60. I'd expect something more from junkyard wars.

-- Rebekah (confuzzed17@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002.

I am a student from Virginia Tech, and a Freshman in Engineering. My design team has just completed our frisbee launcher, and needless to say, it sucks. We approached the design with the idea of clay pigeons and mini-disc launcher in mind. However, a few students were able to build an effective model using a curved pathway and spring that creates torque and centripetal acceleration, launching the frisbee fairly accurately at distances of 35 and 45 ft (the required distances). These launchers are inexpensive and can go as low as $20.

-- Long Tran (momoney123@juno.com), April 16, 2002.

I too am in an engineering class where I have to build a frisbee launcher- but at Texas A&M University. Our specifications say that we must hit a 2ft.x2ft plywood board with a circle in the center. We receive 1 pt if we actually hit the wood and 3 pts if we make in it. Then they added more specifications.....we have to hit it from 15 feet then 30 feet then 45 feet. Oh FUN!! IN addition the actual apparatus and any extensions must fit within a "box that is 3x3x4 feet. Any suggestions or comments would be VERY helpful. You can email me at b1g_guy@hotmail.com ~ Thanks & Gig'Em ~

-- David G (b1g_guy@hotmail.com), April 17, 2002.