14 Toys That Were Made Possible by Military Tech
Many of today’s most popular playthings owe their existence to innovations first developed for war.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Military research has often led to inventions beyond the battlefield. Some of them ended up as toys. From precision engineering to advanced materials, technology born for combat has been reimagined for fun. This list looks at 14 toys that wouldn’t exist without their surprising military origins.
1. Silly Putty
Steve Berry on Flickr
Originally created during World War II as a potential rubber substitute for tires and boots, Silly Putty wasn’t suitable for military needs. Instead, it found fame as a children’s toy thanks to its stretchy, bouncy, and moldable qualities.
2. Frisbee
Stefano Zocca on Unsplash
While modern Frisbees are recreational, their origins trace back to aerodynamic research and disc-shaped projectiles tested by the military. Improvements in lightweight materials made the design perfect for play.
3. Nerf Blasters
Marco Hazard on Wikimedia Commons
Nerf foam dart technology benefited from studies on safe projectile design originally conducted for military training purposes. Engineers adapted the principles to create fun, low-impact toys
4. Remote-Control Cars
Shingo.a on Wikimedia Commons
Radio-control systems were first developed to guide military drones and vehicles. Once miniaturized, the technology was applied to toy cars, boats, and planes.
5. LEGO Technic Gears
MichaelFrey on Wikimedia Commons
While LEGO is rooted in play, the precision gears in its Technic sets borrow from engineering standards used in military machinery. These durable, high-tolerance components allow kids to build complex moving models.
6. Super Soaker
Fleur Phillips on Flickr
Invented by Lonnie Johnson, a former Air Force engineer, the Super Soaker was born from experiments with pressurized fluid systems. His expertise in propulsion and fluid dynamics made the toy a backyard phenomenon.
7. Gyroscope Toys
Steve Berry on Flickr
Gyroscopes, vital for navigation in military ships and aircraft, inspired spinning toy versions for children. The principle remained the same: balance and orientation, but now, it was pure entertainment.
8. Walkie-Talkies
Everyday basics on Unsplash
Two-way radio systems were essential in wartime communication. Post-war, the technology was scaled down and simplified for kids to use in games.
9. Hot Wheels Track Launchers
Pete on Flickr
The precision springs and mechanics in Hot Wheels launchers were influenced by military catapult systems. Engineers adapted the concept to propel tiny die-cast cars at high speeds.
10. Mini Drones
PickPik
Modern consumer drones for kids use flight stabilization and control software refined in military UAVs. Once restricted, technology is now common in toy-grade quadcopters.
11. Etch A Sketch
Unused0022 on Wikimedia Commons
The drawing screen’s design originated from military plotting devices that used aluminum powder. When repurposed, it became a magical sketchpad for kids.
12. Toy Parachutes
Wikimedia Commons
Parachute playthings mimic the nylon canopy technology perfected in WWII for airborne troops. The same aerodynamic principles that saved soldiers now float little plastic figures to the ground.
13. Model Rockets
Hkhatun7 on Wikimedia Commons
Rocketry, born from military missile programs, quickly found a safe hobbyist form for children. Solid-fuel engines were adapted for low-risk launches.
14. Plastic Army Men
PickPik
Modeled after real military uniforms and gear, these figurines were a product of post-war manufacturing capacity. The detailed molds were drawn directly from wartime reference materials.