Model use

Model use

Rubber bands have long been one of the methods of powering small free-flight model aeroplanes, the rubber band being anchored at the rear of the fuselage and connected to the propeller at the front. To 'wind up' the 'engine' the propeller is repeatedly turned, twisting the rubber band. When the propeller has had enough turns, the propeller is released and the model launched, the rubber band then turning the propeller rapidly until it has unwound.

One of the earliest to use this method was pioneer aerodynamicist George Cayley, who used them for powering his small experimental models. These 'rubber motors' have also been used for powering small model boats.