rubberpower

Rubberpower is a term used to describe propulsion systems driven by stored elastic energy in rubber or elastomeric bands. It most often appears in hobbyist and educational settings to describe rubber‑band powered devices, especially small model aircraft. In a typical rubberpower airplane, a propeller is connected to a drivetrain that is wound by stretching rubber bands around a central axle or spool. When the bands are released, their stored energy accelerates the propeller, creating thrust that powers the aircraft for a limited time.

Design factors include the material and thickness of the rubber, the number of bands, their total winding length, the size and pitch of the propeller, and the weight of the model. Performance is influenced by rubber fatigue, creep, temperature, and friction in the drivetrain. Builders seek a balance between high starting torque and the endurance of the winding to maximize flight duration.

Rubberpower has a historical presence in aeromodelling and science education, providing a simple, low-cost way to study propulsion, energy storage, and mechanics. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any mechanism or device that uses elastic bands for power. In some contexts, rubberpower is a brand name or product line, so the exact meaning may vary by source.