World’s Largest Super Soaker: A Scientific Marvel
The Invention of the Super Soaker
The Super Soaker, a beloved water gun that revolutionized water play, was invented by NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson. While tinkering with a refrigeration system in his bathroom, Johnson had the idea for a powerful water gun that could shoot a stream of water across the room. After refining his invention, Johnson spent years trying to find a manufacturer to bring his water gun to children. Finally, in 1990, the “Power Drencher” was released, later rebranded as the Super Soaker. It became an instant hit, with 20 million units sold the following summer.
NASA Engineer Builds World’s Largest Super Soaker
Inspired by the original Super Soaker, NASA engineer Mark Rober set out to build the world’s largest Super Soaker. His creation is not a toy for children—it’s a scientific marvel that can slice through glass and watermelons with ease. Powered by nitrogen gas, the Super Soaker shoots out water at speeds of 243 miles per hour, with a force of up to 2,400 pounds per square inch. Rober has formally applied to Guinness World Records to have his Super Soaker judged as the world’s largest.
The Science Behind the Super Soaker
The Super Soaker works on the same principles as the original, but on a much larger scale. Air is pumped under pressure into a tank of water, and pulling a trigger shoots that pressurized water out of the gun. The main difference is that Rober’s design uses tanks of pressurized nitrogen gas to achieve supersized results that wouldn’t be possible with mere hand pumping.
The Legacy of the Super Soaker
The Super Soaker has had a profound impact on the world of water guns. It has inspired countless imitations and spin-offs, and it remains one of the most popular water toys today. The Super Soaker has also been used for scientific research and educational purposes, demonstrating the principles of fluid dynamics and engineering.
Building Your Own Super Soaker
While Rober’s massive Super Soaker is not likely to be sold in toy stores, ambitious fans can build their own using his list of parts and computer-aided design files. Building your own Super Soaker is a great way to learn about science, engineering, and physics.
Additional Information
- The Super Soaker was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2015.
- The Super Soaker is the best-selling water gun of all time, with over 100 million units sold worldwide.
- Lonnie Johnson has been awarded numerous honors for his invention of the Super Soaker, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.