“The Martian Dance of Ingenuity: Crafting Your Own Mars Rotorcraft”
Ingenuity Rotorcraft Assembly Guide
Supplies Needed:
- 1 propeller assembly
- Rubber band
- Balsa motor stick (dimensions: 0.125” x 3.75” x ~7”)
- Masking tape (3”)
Tools Needed (if cutting out your own template):
- Good scissors
- X-acto style knife (use only under close supervision!)
- Cutting board
- Straight edge/metal ruler
- Tape or glue stick
For Parents:
Building a rubber-powered rotorcraft is simpler than a rubber-powered airplane, but younger students may still benefit from adult assistance. The template requires precise cutting to create the box, so parental help might be necessary. If you have the AMA Jr. Camp Flight Kit, pre-cut templates simplify the process. Adults may also assist with winding and launching.
Objectives:
- Fine Motor Skills: The construction involves manipulating materials and intricately connecting flexible and solid components.
- Problem Solving: Torque adds complexity during testing, providing a critical thinking challenge.
- Hypothesis: Discuss how you think this aircraft will fly. Consider the forces acting on the fuselage and propeller. Why does the Mars Ingenuity helicopter have two rotors at the top?
Instructions (If building from the AMA Jr. Camp Kit, skip to step 5):
- Print the template sheet on an 11x17 piece of paper.
- Cut out the templates along the solid outer edges using good scissors.
- Inside the outer circles, cut straight lines across the dotted lines in an “X” pattern.
- Cut out the inner dashed line triangles.
- Fold along the orange lines.
- Gently insert the balsa shaft into slot one. Continue inserting the balsa stick from 1 to 3.
- While holding slots 1-3 together, slide the balsa stick to slots 4-6. Leave approximately 1” of stick protruding past the top slots (1-3).
- Glue or tape the tab to the square to complete the fuselage body.
- Bend a paperclip to match the image provided.
- Use masking tape to affix the paperclip to the bottom of the balsa shaft. Ensure it points toward the AMA Jr. Camp icon.
- Place the propeller assembly on top of the balsa stick, aligning the rubber band attachment with the AMA Jr. Camp logo.
- Slip the rubber band onto the propeller hook and the paperclip. (The wound rubber band stores energy for our model rotorcraft. When released, it spins the propeller, generating lift.) Avoid over-winding, especially on the first flight.
- Hold the rotorcraft vertically and release! Observe what happens.
Background Information:
Rotorcraft, like helicopters, are more complex than fixed-wing aircraft. However, the underlying physical principles remain similar. While airplanes rely on forward motion for wing-generated lift, rotorcraft achieve lift by spinning their rotor blades. Let your imagination take flight!
Safety Tips:
🚁 Launching Techniques:
- When releasing your rubber-powered rotorcraft, consider a slight delay between propeller/rotor release and the full launch. A gentle push in the desired direction can enhance flight stability.
🔗 Avoid Tangles:
- Keep the rubber band and rotor blades well away from potential entanglements, such as long hair or electrical cables. Safety first!
🔄 Experiment with Windings:
- After successful flights, experiment with more or fewer winds on the rubber band. Observe how it affects performance. Will you need a larger or smaller stabilizer? Let curiosity guide your Martian exploration!
