Air Cannon - Pfft!

[Steven P]

Did a similar thing with the boys at the local museum, 50mm pipe I think, screw in car valve, foot pump and a paper rocket weighted at the end, flew a good 15 to 20m - still rising as it hit the far wall. Actuator was a 12V shower valve and launch pipe 15mm plumbing -  think that's the difference between the 2 is that the stored energy can be released quicker through a 32mm launcher.

 

Good fun, so in the garage, still be to be built is a nerf-gun rocket launcher, I reckon it should have enough energy in for 20 nerf bullets.

 

 

I'm assuming here an electrical actuated valve, looks like they are £200+ ? Do you reckon you could get a quick enough opening speed with a manual valve?

 

Edited March 4 by Steven P

[Dan Maynard]

23 hours ago, Steven P said:

Do you reckon you could get a quick enough opening speed with a manual valve?

Ball valve goes from closed to almost full bore with 90 degree handle rotation, can be pretty quick.

[Ledburyjosh]

On 04/03/2025 at 16:32, Devilgate said:

Hi All - I made myself a brilliant air cannon with 32mm PVC pipe.

It easily fires a 340g bag 25-30 metres into the air with only around 35-45psi. Refills with a standard car valve.

The actuating valve is also a full-bore 32mm, which cost a bit more to get, but well worth it.

I'm so chuffed with it, that now I'm wondering if maybe there's a market to make these - or perhaps put together a kit that includes everything for you to construct it yourself.

It's not just a straight pipe design like you normally see. It's a bit fancier than that.

My first question is - what would you be willing to pay for one?

Have you a video?

 

I've never tried one so not a valid opinion to compare, but I do have a catapult that readily goes 30m and doesn't require punping up each time so don't see the point of a air gun thing. Sounds fun though

[Steven P]

I'll see your 30m.... Had a couple of Wild Slings knocking about somewhere, they were good