Soft Drink Can Flyer

Here's how to make a flyer from a soft drink (or another beverage) can.

Its pretty easy to make and fly's 20-40 feet.

• Remove the top of the can using a barstard file.
• After every 10 stocks, rotate the can, after a few minutes filing, the top will come off nicely.

• Remove the label from the can by peeling it off - if it has this sort of label, otherwise leave it as it is.
• Smooth the inside of the rim with some fine sandpaper.

• Cut the can about two thirds of the way down from the top. This can be done using a craft knife.
• Trim the top section to be 70 mm or about 3" long using scissors.

The bottom section can also be trimmed into a small bowl. (useful for measuring out breakfast oats or for cutting out scones).

Flames were added to the outside of the can to make it go better and look way cooler.

• Print off some pictures of flames on a colour printer.
• Apply clear packing tape on top of the flames.

• Soak the flames in a bowl of water overnight.
• Remove the backing paper from the tape by rubbing with your fingers.
• Apply the flames to to rear of the flyer.

The can is spined when thrown to help it travel straight. In a similar way a rifle has a spiral in its barrel to spin the bullet for straighter travel.

Applying a bit of Rotational Kinematics theory, as encapsulated in the equation τ = m(r^2), it became apparent adding some Play-Doh or blue-tac around the rim would help it spin more.

• Roll some Play-Doh or blue-tac out as shown. Blue-tac is probably better as the Play-Doh dried out after a couple of days.
• Add it to the inside front rim of the can.

This makes the can easier to spin when thrown.

Throw the can so that it spins through the air.

An underarm side throw can be used to throw the can. Hold the can nearer the back with thumb and index finger forming the letter 'C' around the can. As the can leaves the hand spin it with the finger under the can. Throw the flyer slightly above horizontally. Experiment until you get it right.