http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Paper-Airplanes/ Introduction Welcome to Instructables eBook, Ultimate Paper Airplanes! Paper airplanes are beloved for a reason: they're cheap, easy, and awesome. You can create a wide range of styles and designs, all from a simple sheet of paper. From complex designs resembling origami to the most simple airplane shapes, you can find them on Instructables! The Instructables editors have chosen some of our best paper airplane projects to educate and inspire you to make great things with easily-available tools. Instructables is the most popular project-sharing community on the Internet. Since August 2005, Instructables has provided easy publishing tools to enable passionate, creative people to share their most innovative projects, recipes, skills, and ideas. Instructables has over 40,000 projects covering all subjects, including crafts, art, electronics, kids, home improvement, pets, outdoors, reuse, bikes, cars, robotics, food, decorating, woodworking, costuming, games, and life in general.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
IntroductionWelcome to Instructables eBook, Ultimate Paper Airplanes!
Paper airplanes are beloved for a reason: they're cheap, easy, and awesome. You can create a wide range of styles and designs, all from a simple sheet of paper. Fromcomplex designs resembling origami to the most simple airplane shapes, you can find them on Instructables!
The Instructables editors have chosen some of our best paper airplane projects to educate and inspire you to make great things with easily-available tools.
Instructables is the most popular project-sharing community on the Internet. Since August 2005, Instructables has provided easy publishing tools to enable passionate,creative people to share their most innovative projects, recipes, skills, and ideas. Instructables has over 40,000 projects covering all subjects, including crafts, art,electronics, kids, home improvement, pets, outdoors, reuse, bikes, cars, robotics, food, decorating, woodworking, costuming, games, and life in general.
Instructable: How To Make a Paper Airplane From A4/Letter sizeAuthor: dyiguyLicense: Attribution-ShareAlike (by-sa)
Instructable: Tubular paper airplaneAuthor: stanholdLicense: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (by-nc-sa)
Instructable: No, this is the absolute greatest and easiest to make paper airplane, no really, try it!Author: SoDDiggerCplLicense: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (by-nc-sa)
Instructable: Paper airplane tipsAuthor: crazyace81License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (by-nc-sa)
Instructable: How To Make The Banshee Paper Airplane
DisclaimerAll do-it-yourself activities involve risk, and your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you haveadequate skill and experience. Some of the resources used for these projects are dangerous unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear.Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. The projects are not intended for use by children.
Many projects on Instructables are user-submitted, and appearance of a project in this format does not indicate it has been checked for safety or functionality. Use of theinstructions and suggestions is at your own risk. Instructables, Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense. It is your responsibility to makesure that your activities comply with all applicable laws.
Twin jet paper airplaneby neelandan on March 6, 2008
Author:neelandan author's websiteEmployed as an Engineer in Electronics.
Interested in building small circuits around tiny chips (the electronic kind).
Intro: Twin jet paper airplaneLong ago, before the internet was invented, we used to make these paper airplanes out of paper torn from our notebooks in class. It looks great and flies fast.
The video shows me making and flying the plane.
Step 1: Dismember a magazineTo keep the tradition alive, I shall build this plane out of scavenged paper - from a magazine.
The first step is to tear off (or cut) a rectangular piece of paper from suitable stock. I am illustrating the process with an old magazine I had lying around.
Step 3: Straight foldNow fold the bottom part upwards. This puts a fold exactly where the rectangular piece of paper may be cut to make it into a square one.
The body of the plane is folded from this large square piece.
Step 4: Cut and separate the tailNow open up both folds, and tear off or cut at that straight fold. You will end up with a large square piece, to make the body of the plane, and a smaller, rectangular piece,that makes the tail.
Step 5: Fold along the other diagonalNow fold the paper along the other diagonal and open it up again. You will have a square piece of paper with folds along the two diagonals.
Step 8: MagicIt's magic. There is no other explanation, since the paper will automatically fold itself into a sort of triangular hat shape with four leaves at this point.
If it doesn't, (you're a squib?) just take up that piece of paper and urge it to fold along those three lines, all at once.
The two pictures show the paper on my scanner, and the picture taken by the scanner. It is a great way to document instructables, since the scanner automatically takescare of all lighting and framing and exposure.
Step 10: Fold the enginesThe ends of the triangular pieces you have just folded are folded inwards to make the two engines.
Keep them small if you want performace. Or make them large for your plane to have large mean looking engines.
These add drag, so it is preferable to keep them small.
Step 11: Fix the tailNow assemble the plane. Take that rectangular piece of paper you did not throw away when you cut it off and insert it into the body of the plane.
Fold the body in half, along the line of the tips of the engines. This fold will also lock the tail in position, and prevent it from taking independent flight when you launch it.
The plane is best launched by an overhand throw, nose pointed slightly downward. It shoud swoop close to the ground, then climb because of the initial speed, and thenlevel out and settle gently into a descent.
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No, this is theabsolutegreatest andeasiest to makepaper airplane,no really, try it!by SoDDiggerCpl
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Totally Awesome Paper Airplaneby Taiku on March 5, 2008
Intro: Totally Awesome Paper AirplaneHow to build a paper airplane that can really soar, look cool, and impress!!!
Image Notes1. The pilot
Step 1: Foreword + Printout GuideWelcome to my first Toss-It entry and my first instructable. I did not create this airplane but rather learned it from someone else. However i think this is a great airplaneand the Instructable community needs to know about it. I did make the guide and decal sheet.
If you think you may need help deciding where to fold, print out the guide. it is exactly 11" by 8.5".
Print Guide Note : If you cannot print it borderless than format the margin in paint to match your printer margin. For instance my printer prints with a top margin of .12, sosince there are 72 pixels per inch and .12 of 72 is 9, subtract 9 pixels from the top and 18 from the bottom. My left margin is .25, so i subtract 18 from the left and 32 fromthe right. Print Guide Download Link
If you want a cool plane like the one in the intro, print out the decal sheet, it to is exactly 11" by 8.5".
Before you build it here is a small video of some test flights with the second or third one i made.
Image Notes1. Pilot2. The Windows3. Well, thats just what it is!4. The contest!5. The instructable author!
Step 2: Folds 1 - 3Terms:The colored side of the paper is the top face.The side with the triangle is the top and the other sides are relative to it.
Fold 1:Turn the paper onto its back side, then fold the the upper left hand corner, down across the paper, forming a right triangle, with two identical sides.
Fold 2:Open the paper back up, and repeat for the other corner.
Fold 3:Open the paper up again, and then fold the paper so that the upper left hand corner meets the end of fold 2, and the upper left hand corner meets the end of fold 1.
Image Notes1. end of fold 12. end of fold 23. Bring this corner down to the end of fold 2.4. Make sure this corner also lines up with the end of fold 15. Fold 3 across this line
Image Notes1. If your paper looks like this, then you are ready for Step 3: Fold 4
Step 3: Fold 4This fold is slightly tricky to do (well) but fold 3 should have helped make this easier.
First make sure the top side of the paper is facing away from you and that the paper is face down.
Bring the left side of fold 3 and the right side of fold 3 together. Now holding the corners, lower them onto the center of the paper. Then crease the left and right sides ofthe newly formed triangle.
Step 4: Fold 5 + 6Have the colored face down, so the large triangle made from fold 4 is facing you.
Fold 5 : Fold the lower right hand corner of the triangle up to the top of the triangle. This fold should be across the green line.
Fold 6 : Repeat for the left side, except this time fold along the red line.
Image Notes1. Lower right hand corner.2. Lower left hand corner.3. Top of the triangle.4. Fold the fifth fold across this line.5. fold the sixth fold across this line.
Step 5: Folds 7,8,9 and 10Fold 7:Take the topmost corner of the triangle on the left hand side and fold it down to lowest corner. Fold it across the purple line.
Fold 8:Repeat fold 7 using the right triangle and the yellow line.
Fold 9:Now take the left hand corner of the left triangle and fold it so it meets the triangles hypotenuse. Fold it across the purple line.
Fold 10:Repeat fold 9 using the right triangle and the orange line.
Image Notes1. Topmost corner of left triangle.2. Topmost corner of right triangle.3. Lowest corner of left triangle.4. Lowest Corner of Right Triangle5. Fold 7 across this line.6. Fold 8 across this line.7. Fold 7 across this line.8. Fold 8 across this line
Image Notes1. Fold 7 SUCCESS!!!!
Image Notes1. Fold 9 across this line.2. Fold 10 across this line.
Step 6: Folds 11 and 12.These two folds can be tricky to describe, so you might have to rely on the pictures.
Fold 11:Basically you are going to tuck the bottom of the right hand triangle underneath itself, so that the inner fold is on the blue line. Now the pink and blue lines might not lineup perfectly with your fold, as it depends upon how perfect your precious folds were (or they could just be a little off).
Fold 12:Repeat fold 11 for the left side, using the pink line.
Image Notes1. Fold the blue line up underneath this flap.
Image Notes1. This is what your fold should resemble.
Step 7: The Tail : Folds 13 - 15Fold 13 :If you have scissors available cut along the green line on the top face of the paper.
If you do not have scissors available (like your at school), fold the bottom of the paper up until it meets resistance (triangle folded in step 2), or fold it across the greenline. Now slowly drag the fold across your tongue. Then fold it onto the other side, and drag it across your tongue again. Repeat this until you have severely weakenedthe fold. Now simply tear down the fold, the weakened fold should easily tear down itself.
Fold 14 :Hold the newly torn piece with the colored face up and fold it in half the long way. (Bring the bottom up to the top to the fold is directly in the middle. Fold it across the blueline.
Fold 15 :If you have scissors available, cut the light blue lines.
If you do not have scissors available, hold the two blue lines together and tear down both lines at the same time.
Now fold the two flaps outward, bring each of their tops down to meet the green fold and crease. (or fold them across the yellow and red lines respectively.)
Image Notes1. Fold this in half, bringing the bottom side up.
Image Notes1. Fold 13 folded along the green line.
Image Notes1. After folding and licking, it should tear easily and exactly, like this.
Image Notes1. The two blue lines ripped together.
Image Notes1. This is what your tale should look like.
Step 8: Folds 16, 17, 18 and 19.Fold 16:Fold the top of triangle back along the yellow line.
If you are not using the guide the top is folded backwards so that the fold that was tucked underneath lines up with the edge of the new fold. If confused, look at thepictures.
Fold 17:Line the left side up with the with the right side and fold it down the center, or across the purple line.
Fold 18 + 19:Open up the paper so that you can manipulate both sides. Now take the either side and fold it so that the front of the wing (facing all the folds) is slightly higher than theback of the wing or fold along the light ping or blue line. Repeat for the other wing.
Image Notes1. Fold the top back along this yellow line.
Image Notes1. Notice how the inner folds line up with this new fold.2. Fold 17 across this line.3. Fold 18 or 19 across this line.4. Fold 18 or 19 across this line.
Step 9: The Final FoldsFold 20 + 21:Fold the tip of either wing about half an inch from the tip, or along the purple or orange line.
THE FINAL THING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Insert the tail underneath the triangle pointing towards the tail. THATS IT!!! YOUR DONE BUILDING IT!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Image Notes1. Fold 20 or 22 across this line.
Step 10: Flying your TAPA.When you try to fly your TAPA make sure that the wings rise above the top of their folds.However if you want to make it fly upside down, fold them down really far.
To make landing gears pull out the flap hidden in the side of the airplane and fold it so that it points downward. Repeat for the other side. Then move them apart until theycan support the plane.
To correct any flight problems you can cut flaps in the back of the wings or you can curve the tail fins.
If that doesn't work, here are some other uses for a dud airplane:1) Fire starter2) Confetti3) Paper ball4) food
Paper Aeroplane: Thunder Bomberby Loosewire; SOE Operative on December 3, 2007
Author:Loosewire; SOE OperativeI have just finished college,so I a now free to build what I please. At the moment I regularly flick between K'nex, prop making, mechanical models and anever-growing 1/72 model of wartime Stalingrad - amongst others too. But I always manage to find time to look at some of the fantastic and wonderfulcreations that the people of this website dream up and create.
Intro: Paper Aeroplane: Thunder BomberThis is one of the very best of paper aeroplanes, it is extremely stable in flight and glides excellently. It is fairly easy to make with no complex folds and no cuttingneeded.
Step 1: Step 1Take an A4 piece of paper and find a smooth, flat surface to do your folding.
1. Crease down the vertical centre of the paper from side to side, then unfold.
2. Fold across the horizontal centre of the paper from top to bottom.
3. Now you have to fold the paper along a line from the top of the central fold to the bottom corner.
4. It should look like so.
5. Now fold from the top corners to the crease that you just made.
Step 2: The tricky bits1. Refold the folds that you just made, so that both creases face towards each other. Now push the corners down, so that the top corners are now inverted down insidethe rest of the folded piece of paper.
2 & 3. It should now be like this.
4. Fold along the dotted line to join point A to B, then repeat on the other side of the paper.
Image Notes1. Push this down between the 2 sides.2. This too.
Image Notes1. Note how it is now inverted inbetween the 2 halves.
Step 3: The final folds1. Fold the top flap back and then fold down the centre line.
2. It should now look like this. Fold each 'wing' outwards horizontally at around the place shown on the picture.
3. It will now look like this.
You may have noticed that the end of the wings are split, there is a reason for this, they are folded up and help to stabilise the plane in flight (but they look cool too!)
4&5. Fold from the top wing tip upwards from where the top front flap meets the wing beneath it (keep it inline with the back line of wind so it stands straight andperpendicular to the plane's body.
Step 4: FlightWhen throwing the plane hold it by the body in the middle so that it feels balanced, then aim, move your elbow forward and gently flick your wrist so that it glides throughthe air.Now all that is left to do is ENJOY!
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Paper Fighter (yes it flies)by optimized4perfection on February 28, 2008
Intro: Paper Fighter (yes it flies)Make a lifelike and realistic fighter plane that actually flies!Impress your friends, your dog/cat and yourselfneed: 2 A4papers, 15 mins and some SKILLZ only
You will need:
2 A4 papersStapler, ruler, pencilAbove average skills at paper planes5 minutes upward
Tips
Fold precisely, even half a millimeter makes a dfferenceAll folds symetrical except for the nose fold overUse crisp paper without punched holes etc..
CanardWings - a variation of Paperang, a cool paperplane/gliderby layangman on October 3, 2007
Author:layangmanSelf employed , happily married with 2 teen girls.
Intro: CanardWings - a variation of Paperang, a cool paperplane/gliderThis is a variation of the famous Paperang. I found the Paperang works, but does not fly as well despite tweaking the trailing edge.I began to explore to see if I can somehow create a pair of canards or stabilizers at the nose since the wings are aerodynamically shaped.After several attempts...the CanardWings was born....
Step 1: You need a sheet of A4 paper 70~80gmFirst print out this trailing edge curvature for the wings.You may also want to experiment with different curvatures.After printing, cut along the curve line, set it aside. It will be used for tracing onto the actual glider.Print this
Step 2: The fold...Use a fresh sheet of A4 paper, place it on a table with the long side towards yourself.Fold in half, aligning the edges as accurately as possible. Crease the fold.Fold paper in half
Step 8: Center fold cut...Cut from the top of triangle...Center fold cut
Step 9: Fold down along center cut...Fold down the flap made possible by the cut center fold.Repeat fold on other side and flip over again.Fold down along cut center
Step 10: Both sides done...This photo shows both sides folded down...ready to trace the printed curvature on the trailing edge and cut the curve.Both side folded down
Step 11: Trace and cut the curved trailing edge.Now take the template from the previously printed trailing edge curvature and trace it to the wings as shown. Next cut out along the curve line forming the trailing edge.Do this by holding the folded sheet firmly and cut as close to the curvature as possible. When opened up, you will get identical curved wings on both sides.Trace and cut trailing edge
Step 12: Cut center fold againNow use the razor and cut the center fold as before, but this time only HALF of the length as shown by the RED line in the previous photo. This cut allows 1 final fold tothe leading edge, it also stiffens the wings and gives the right aspect ratio.Cut center fold again
Step 13: Cut center fold halfway...This photo shows the exposed view of the center fold being cut halfway.This cut will allow the final fold for the leading edge of the CanardWings.cut center fold halfway
Step 14: Forming the canardsNow to fold the canards. Just fold it along the folded center fold, crease and unfold, repeat on other side and flip over:Folding the canards
Step 15: Final fold of the canardFold the right edge to meet with the center fold.Then fold the whole folded canard to the left again, repeat on other side.Fold in the canard
Step 18: Underside view of CanardWingsThis is a shot from underside, your almost finished CanardWings should look like this.The stapled is bent slightly to create a dihedral and the staple retained the shape well. The degree of angle of dihedral plays an important role on the flight characteristicsof the CanardWings. Experiment and have fun.A view from under side
Image Notes1. These canards' tips can be bent slightly, experiment with them and see itflies.
Image Notes1. Dihedral created by slightly bending the stapled part. The staple retains thedihedral shape.
Step 19: Finishing touch...Slightly bend UP the trailing edge. This creates a foil that gives the wings lift.Bend up the trailing edge
Step 20: Now launch the CanardWingsHold the CanardWings as shown in photo.To launch hold it above your head and lightly toss.This wings are great indoors and outdoors...tweak the trailing edge and canards (can be slightly bend DOWNWARDS) to create different flight patterns...enjoy your flight!Hold this way to launch
Image Notes1. Dihedral created by slightly bending the stapled part. The staple retains the dihedral shape.
Step 21: Video of CanardWing's long distance flight...The CanardWings was launched from the 17th floor. The distance travelled was roughly 60~80 meters then caught the wind and was blown back a bit.It flew to the left and was hidden was a few seconds and then came back into view, appearing on the left screen again, flew across the street towards the oppositeapartment block and was blown back. It finally landed on the top deck of a multistorey carpark.
A slightly larger and better video hosted by VEOH
Image Notes1. These V2 canards stablizes better than previous versions.
Image Notes1. The trailing edge no longer has the sharp tail end, as advised by Ed Hui, theinventor of Paperang. It does fly better though...2. Another variant of the canard, I found this version to be the best flier.
Toss It!: The Instructables Robot Paper Airplane; Classic.by GorillazMiko on February 29, 2008
Author:GorillazMiko
Intro: Toss It!: The Instructables Robot Paper Airplane; Classic.Ahh.... the paper airplane. Did you know, paper airplanes have a long history? Paper airplanes are very old, and they were made for many generations, done by many ofour ancestors. They stretch back as far as 600 B.C., done by cavemen. Yes, they used leaves, and they got big ones to stretch to paper size, and they would make theseclassic paper airplanes to fly to places such as Los Angeles, Hollywood, even New York, just to see the Statue of Liberty. But now, I have took things up a notch. Here isan Instructable on how I let the Instructables Robot go for a ride on a plane. Have fun Instructables Robot, be sure to write and/ or send pictures!
P.S. I am not responsible for you getting punched in the face by somebody at school telling them that cavemen made paper airplanes, getting papercuts (and dyingbecause of loss of blood), or getting poked in the eye, or burning yourself SOMEHOW, or getting attacked by a dinosaur.
Thanks to Firebert010 for the airplane design , same with T-Man for the same design posted a few days earlier. I already knew how to make this airplane, but I have togive credit because you guys did post the model before me.
Thanks to both of you!
Have fun flying your airplanes!
Image Notes1. The Airplane.2. The best robot in the whole world....3. ...is the Instructables Robot.
Step 3: Arrow folds.Here is where you do the first two arrow folds. Fold the two edges WITHOUT THE ROBOT ON IT up towards the center crease. Look at the images for help.
Step 5: The Last of the Folding.Here's the last folding you will have to do.
Fold it in half. Not that way! Look at the pictures.
Once you do that, fold the wings down, so they're parallel. Good, good. Then, fold the other one, so they're both parallel. Did I just repeat? Oh well. Repeating is good...
Well once you do that, guess what? Congratulations, you're done! Have fun flying your Instructables Robot paper airplanes! :D
-GorillazMiko
Image Notes1. Folded in half.
Image Notes1. Looks done, but this wing needs to be folded.
Image Notes1. Done.2. Now you can take the Instructables Robot out for a.... fly!
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Star Destroyer Style Paper Airplaneby Spoiled Potato on March 5, 2008
Intro: Star Destroyer Style Paper AirplaneThis is a paper airplane with a design similar to that of the Star Destroyer... This is also my very first instructable, so umm, please bare with me here... The video willcome soon...
[edit:] I know there is supposed to be a video for this contest entry, but I've been at work on a rig for the past 35 days, a job that was supposed to only last 2 weeks. And Idon't have a video camera out here... So that is my excuse for having no video.
Step 1: Beginning FoldsThe beginning of the airplane is much like a normal paper airplane... One thing to keep in mind while making this or any paper airplane is that Symmetry equals Stability...
Ok, first off you begin with your basic folds...
First you start by folding the piece of paper in half length ways as seen below...
The you fold in at a 90 degree angle for the nose and do the same on the other side...
Image Notes1. Fold in opposite front corner to center.
Step 2: Next foldFor this fold, you want to keep the rear corner at a point... So I just put a small crease in the rear corner... Look at the pictures for reference...
Image Notes1. This is how it'll look after step 2.
Image Notes1. I put a small crease to ensure a nice point in the rear corner.
Step 6: Step 6Here you'll fold the airplane in the center... Once you do that you fold down the wings... I fold them about 1 centimeter from the center crease outward... Then once youdo that fold up the stabilizer flaps...
Image Notes1. Fold in half via the crease in the center.
Image Notes1. Fold down wings.
Image Notes1. Fold stabilizers up.
Step 7: Step 7Here you will use a small piece of tape to keep the top-front part of the fuselage together. Then you will pull up on the top and push in the sides creating the diamondshaped fuselage...
Note: the last picture here is just a preference, adding extra strength to the nose.
The Smallest paper Aeroplane on Instructablesby Kiteman on August 5, 2008
Author:Kiteman MakerDayAn East Anglian Maker, who spends a lot of time in a very small shed. Interested in science, kites, beer (proper beer, not lager) and the general Maker ideal.
Need help on the site? I'm a member of the Community Team, so drop me a PM.
Credo:
Faith, noun; Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.
''Faith is believing what you know ain't so'' - Mark Twain
Science, noun; Set of processes that explain the universe and its contents through hypotheses and theories based on observable evidence.
I am in the universe, a part of the universe. I was not created, I am the most recent product of several billion years' worth of random mutation selected byenvironmental and sexual pressures, plus a healthy dose of accidents.
I am a unique individual, with my own mind, knowledge, skills, dreams. I am a husband, father, son and friend. I teach others and learn from others.
No god had a part in my genesis. I have no religious faith, although I respect those that have (so long as they do not expect others to share it withoutquestion). I take responsibility for my own actions, and bear the guilt for any wrong-doings without feeling the need to confess them to a higher being. When Idie, all that will remain of me will be the memories held by those that knew me. I will go to neither heaven nor hell, nor will I be resurrected. When I am gone,I am gone.
To quote the famous philosophers; ''Cogito ergo sum'' and ''I yam what I yam!''.
''Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities'' - Voltaire.
''READ CAREFULLY.'' ''By reading this article, you agree, on behalf of your employer, to release me from all obligations and waivers arising from any and allNON-NEGOTIATED agreements, licenses, terms-of-service, shrinkwrap, clickwrap, browsewrap, confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-compete andacceptable use policies ("BOGUS AGREEMENTS") that I have entered into with your employer, its partners, licensors, agents and assigns, in perpetuity,without prejudice to my ongoing rights and privileges. You further represent that you have the authority to release me from any BOGUS AGREEMENTS onbehalf of your employer.''
Intro: The Smallest paper Aeroplane on InstructablesOK, I had to give in and make a paper plane ible eventually.
Step 1: The Paper.The secret to a tiny 'plane is thin, light paper.
The thinnest, lightest paper I know is cigarette paper.
You need one paper for one aeroplane.
Disclaimer: I do not smoke. I do not recommend you smoke. Really. It's bad. And expensive.
However, for only 23p (about half a dollar) you can buy a packet of fifty cigarette papers - that's a lot of 'planes.
Image Notes1. The papers used to have proper square corners. Or maybe I bought the wrong brand. If you can, try and get the papers without trimmed corners - they will bemore symmetrical.
Step 2: The first fold.With the glued edge closest to you, fold the top-right corner over to meet the bottom-left corner.
Crease sharply.
You can slightly dampen the glue to hold the paper in place. Not too damp, or it goes wrinkly and sticks to your lip. That's not pleasant.
Image Notes1. (1) This corner...2. (2)...creases over...3. (3) ...to this corner.4. (4) Dampen this glue slightly to hold the crease.
Image Notes1. A wonky attempt at compensating for the trimmed-off corner.2. Turn this crease towards you for the next step.
Image Notes1. The front point gets folded up to the middle of the 'plane.
Step 5: The body and wings.Fold the 'plane in half along the centre crease, with all the previous folds on the outside (this locks the last fold of the previous step in place).
About 3mm from the centre crease, fold both sides down to make the wings.
The 'plane should start to look just like a 'plane now.
Fold the tips of the wings upwards for stability.
The larger the wing-tips you fold up, the straighter the plane will fly, but the smaller they are the longer it stays in the air. It's up to you.
Image Notes1. The triangle you made in step 4, on the outside of the fold.
Image Notes1. Fold the wings down to make the body.
Step 6: Flight.There is one thing you never do with this plane, and that's throw it.
You gently launch it, or even just drop it, but you never throw it. It simply won't work.
The best way to fly the 'plane is to hold it by the very back of the body, 'twixt finger-tip and thumb-tip, hold it as high as you can, and drop it with a gentle push forwards.
The plane will then drift earthwards, sometimes in a gentle spiral.
Because of the small size, tiny differences in creasing have quite dramatic effects, so every one of these i have made has flown differently at first.
To alter the flight, gently adjust one or both of the wing-tips - either lay it out flatter, stand it up straighter, or give it a slight twist.
When you're happy, take it somewhere high to fly it - from the balcony of a theatre, from the choir stalls of a church, or from the upper levels of a mall. Or take it to acastle and see if you can fly it down a spiral stair-case.
I did try and video mine in flight, but failed miserably - they're just too small to catch with my camera.
I ought to add that this is not mine design, but came from a ragged old book I got second hand, called Paper Airplanes.
Image Notes1. Hold it high...2. Yes, the ceiling of my shed is that odd colour.
Build the Barnaby Paper Aeroplaneby ll.13 on May 23, 2007
Intro: Build the Barnaby Paper AeroplaneThe barnaby flyer paper aeroplane was named after Capt. Ralph S. Barnaby (USN Ret.) (naturally). Paper aeroplanes are very cool and impressive, so impressive thatthere are international paper aeroplane flying contests.The most poplular kind of paper aeroplane is the simple dart, practially everyone knows how to make these and they are probably the most simplest to launch and finetune.
Image Notes1. A3 sized, these don't fly as well. ;)2. A4 sized.
Step 1: Choose your construction material.I would recommend strong paper with a decent thickness, the A4 printer paper in your office (if you work in one) is ideal, as it is the makings of small and sturdy paperaeroplanes that can do crazy stunts when launched and tuned properly.
Note: I tried using A3 size paper and they do not fly as well, the reason for this is if you consider the rc aeroplanes people fly can do much better stunts than their full sizebrothers, I cannot fully remember why this is but I presume it has to do with aerodynamics.
Image Notes1. This is the A4 artists paper I tried using first. (supplier, Lidl)
Step 2: Create the leading edgeYou will need to fold the leading edge up until there is about 14cm. left unfolded (or 6in.) unfolded, Please remember there are no rules, nothing in concrete about howthese are to be made, majority of making them is design and trying out new designs and experimentation!
Image Notes1. I tried folding the front edge from 1in. or .25in. for the best leading edge tryaround .5in remember you must experiment.
Image Notes1. This is the front (leading edge) being folded up.
Step 3: Fold it up...After the folded edge has been created it needs to be folded in half and worked out where to cut it. Although drawing out the lines where you want to cut it is notnessesary it does help.
Image Notes1. Folded in half.
Image Notes1. Use your initiative when drawing the lines.
Image Notes1. Drawing out the curves, this shape didn't work very well. ;)
Step 4: ...and cut it upAfter you have drawn (or thought out) where you want to cut, grab your (favourite) scissors {or you can just rip it} and cut along the lines you drew, you do not have to beregimental about keeping to your drawn lines, anyway you cut it it'll still do something when thrown.
Step 5: Fold the tailplanes to shape, and try out!Now the end is in sight, you have not quite finished with it though, the shape you cut hopefully should have given the plane some nice tailplanes, the ends of these willneed to be folded down, It is recommended you angle them in to the centre of the plane, but don't do it at too much of an angle.
After you have finished folding the tails down hold the plane by the tails towards you and check that it look symmetrical, if it isn't then it won't fly very well. No matter howmany you've made one will always turn out into a lemon. and all paper planes never last forever and will turn "lemon" sooner or later.
Enjoy making and flying, these Barnabys can also be made to loop the loop! and fly round in a circle like a boomerang.
How To Make The Skyknight Paper Airplaneby OrigamiAirEnforcer on November 7, 2010
Author:OrigamiAirEnforcer My 4th Paper Airplane ContestI am someone who mass produces paper airplanes and am always developing new designs.
I am also currently hosting a contest (link below).
Intro: How To Make The Skyknight Paper AirplaneFast, long range and vaguely resembling the F-104 Starfighter in shape and concept, the Skyknight is a fairly straightforward paper airplane. It is a nice little aircraft withgood handling characteristics that make it an excellent choice for an interceptor. With a blunt tip, it is also preferable for its survivability.
TAA USAF Designation: F172-1
Image Notes1. F172-1 Skyknight
Step 1: MaterialsRequired:1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper (A4)TapeOptional:Pencil
Step 4: Preparation For Nose Folding; Wing Extension FoldingFold the nose down along the bottom of the corner folds made previously. Then pull them up. From there, pull the paper that is covering itself out so that it jetties out fromthe edge of the center paper. When you pull it out, the fold should run from the bottom of the corner fold to the fourth fold in the trailing edge of the wing. Do this on bothsides.
Step 5: Nose And Security FoldingAlong the prefolded line below the corner folds, once again pull the top down. Then pull the front corners down toward the center but not all the way. Once done with that,pull the paper up below it which then becomes a triangle, (this step covers folding similar to that of the Super Dart's security fold).
Step 6: Wing And Winglet FoldingFold your airplane in half along its center. Along a straight line above the security fold triangle, fold the wing. At the front and back, the wing should come down so that thetrailing edge completely aligns and parallels with the rear fuselage. After both of the wings have been folded, start on the winglets. Do this by folding the winglet upparallel to the fuselage and up to the inner panel of the wing. Repeat this on the other side.
Step 7: TapingNow begins the final step, you are almost done. First tape up the front and back, then the wing panels. Taping the front and rear sections is easy, and is just the usualmethod across. For the wing panels, go to the section where the extension jets out of the main wing and tape the top of the main wing to the bottom of the extension.Repeat on the other side.
Image Notes1. The rear taped up.
Image Notes1. The front taped up.
Image Notes1. Close-up of the taped up rear.
Image Notes1. A close up view of the taped left wing extension.
Image Notes1. A close up view of the taped right wing extension.
Step 8: FlightHaving a dart shape, the Skyknight is capable of very high speeds for a paper airplane. It is only at low speeds that its handling is rough and stability diminished. To makeyour Skyknight fly far fast, give it a good throw. Enjoy!
Image Notes1. F172-1 Skyknight
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Make a Ministry of Magic memo (owl airplane)by shangrilarcadia on July 17, 2007
Intro: Make a Ministry of Magic memo (owl airplane)Everyone who has read or seen The Order of the Phoenix knows that the Ministry of Magic uses paper airplanes to send inter-office memos (the owl droppings weremaking a mess),
The Daily Prophet is reporting that some owls are quite peeved about loosing their jobs. In an effort to prevent an owl strike, the Department for the Regulation andControl of Magical Creatures has used transfiguration to create a dropping-free owl/paper airplane hybrid.
Now you can make your very own owl airplane to transmit your super-secret messages. Just don't be suprised if is flies a little more like Pigwidgeon than Hedwig ;)
Step 1: Choose your owlChoose either my photo owl, my coloring page owl, or a plain sheet of paper.
Choose one of the links below, then save the picture to your computer and print it from a image program. Full size, they are 7.5" x 10" and designed to be printed with a.25" border on each side.
Step 5: Fold triangles on each sideMark off a point 1.5" up from the bottom on each side.
Fold a tirangle from the center-top point to the mark you just made on the right side.Repeat the same thing on the left side. Now you should see the owl face on top with a little tab hanging over.
Image Notes1. The triangle starts at the top of the center crease2. This point is 1.5" up from the bottom.
Image Notes1. 1.5" up from the bottom2. Top of center crease again3. Overhang - you will fold this on the next step.
Step 6: Tuck in the tabTurn the paper over and fold the tab so that it overlaps with the rest of the paper.
Image Notes1. This is the tab that you have folded over
Step 7: Fold down the faceFold the face down. The crease should be right along the line where the face graphic meets the feather graphic.
Step 8: Fold in halfFold the owl in half with the blank side facing out.
Image Notes1. These two edges touch when it it folded in half - it just doesn't look like it from this angle
Step 9: Create the center bodyFold the graphic out on one side along an imaginary line from the outside edge of the eye to the bottom. This will create a new crease about a centimeter from the center.
Repeat again on the other side. When you do this, the outside edges should be right on top of each other.
You will now have a little pyramid standing up on the backside of the owl (important to help with the owl's aerodynamics)
Step 11: Your owl is ready to fly!Send your owl soaring towards its destination.
Hold the body (that littl pyramid on the bottom) about a quarter of the way down from the top of the head. Hold it so that the head is pointed slightly upwards and throw itgently overhand.
It works best indoors or when there is no breeze
Image Notes1. Hoot Hoot
Image Notes1. Unlike in this picture, you should hold this pointing slightly upwards when youthrow it
Step 12: Reveal the secret messageWhen your owl lands, the recipient casts a Aparecium spell and opens the owl it to find out the secret message.
Intro: Cicada Paper-air-planeI have named this the cicada plane because the nose resembles a cicada! When adjusted correctly it will fly in an eradic manner just like a cicada would in real life, it caneven fly upside down! The front 'legs' double as canard wings as well as landing gear! This plane promises to impress you as well as your friends!
Step 1: Materials!All you need is:
- piece of computer paper- (opt.) art supplies for decorating your cicada
(note: Note book paper will NOT work! It is far to light!
Step 2: Step two!Do the Trademark paper airplane fold to the center of the paper!
Step 3: Step 3!okay...unfold what you did in step two. Now flip the paper over to the opposite side and do the trademark airplane fold again. Flip the paper over AGAIN. Now...look atthe pics...you take the out side edges of the airplane fold and bring it to the CENTER fold....do not crease the flaps that you made with the airplane fold!!
Step 4: Step 4!fold the forward most vertex of the diamond to the backward most vertex to get a frontal triangle with a smaller triangle inside!
Step 5: Step 5!Fold the lef and right corners of the front triangle to the smaller front triangle! This is hard to explain so look at the pic its really simple!
Step 6: Step 6!Fold the unfinished plane in half along the line that is made by the folds already made! Make sure that the folds that you have already made are visible on the side of thefinished feusalage!
Step 7: Step 7!Now to finish the plane! The wings should be folded a little more than half way down the nose.
Intro: Toss it paper airplanehey this is my first entry on the toss it competition with many more to followthis plane is called the eagle all my classmates worship it since it glides so well and they dont know how to fold itit is rather uncomplicated thoughthis is my video and if the door wasn't there my plane would've gone way further
Image Notes1. i like this flap thingy
Step 1: Materialsthis aircraft is a real plane that means: no cuts or more then 1 paperso materials:1 a4 printer paper
The Eagle Jet Paper Airplane "you cannot hide" ;-)by one-lightbulb on March 2, 2008
Intro: The Eagle Jet Paper Airplane "you cannot hide" ;-)This is a tutorial for the "Eagle Jet". I have seen it many times before but not on of it has colored Wings.
Here is a short demonstration:
Step 1: Take a sheet of paper (A4 or Letter)You can either take a blank sheet or print out the pdf files.
Print tossit1.pdf on on side and tossit2.pdf on the other (of one sheet).The two "Print arrows" must point in the same direction!
Please do not print it in "Photo" or "High Quality" mode otherwise the paper will get wet and limp so that you can not fold it anymore. Instead print it in "safe Ink" or"economy" or "fast" mode.
I have also made different colors so pick your favored one.
Toss It! Speed Challenge _ Paper plane : the unthrown oneby alexsolex on March 2, 2008
Intro: Toss It! Speed Challenge _ Paper plane : the unthrown oneI'm going to show you a glider made of paper. This one is made to not be thrown.. he he...
I would like to excuse myself as I may need some more english vocabulary to explain myself.You'll understand later why I called it 'unthrown', to explain that you don't have to throw it to make it fly. Let's see now the few steps to build it, then I'll explain you how tomake it fly.
Image Notes1. Finished plane
Step 1: Making the base foldfold you sheet of paper in the middle following the length
Step 2: Prepare the front of the plane- mark with folding the corner like first pic. Then unfold. It should look like second pic- then fold over the mark (this new fold should be on the crossing of the first 2 folds). You should get 3rd pic.
Image Notes1. Doing this will mark here for next fold
Image Notes1. here is the mark we need now
Image Notes1. here were the mark made just before
Step 3: Make the front body plane- fold the corners like 2 firsts pics- fold the front 'point' up to the middle of the back
Step 7: Finish the tail flapsPut the plane on "its side" (first pic) and cut with a sharp knif or use scisors (2nd pic). The cut goes on the body, i.e the fold you catch with your finger to throw the plane,at the rear (3rd pic).
Then return the plane, and reverse the back of the body where you just cutted, so that it become over the plane like a vertical flap on real plane (arg... so hard to makemyself understandable) see 4th pic
Image Notes1. here will be the cut
Image Notes1. carefully cut diagonaly ! Watch your fingers !!
Image Notes1. inverted part of the body to make the vertical flap
Step 8: FinishNow it's time to tune it !
First take the body between your fingers and with your other hand lift the wings to make a light "V shape like"
Make sure the tail flaps are not too much folded
Image Notes1. Finished plane
Step 9: Make you plane flightThis step is exactly what make this plane so special I think.
Contrary to many planes you don't have to throw it.Just catch it at the rear of the body between your fingers and let the nose facing the floor.
Put your hand at the maximum height as you can
Now you're ready, just release the plane, it should go down, catching speed, then fly normally flat with a beautiful and very interesting flight.
If the plane want to go up too much, try softing the rear flaps fold
If the plane goes directly the nose on the floor, make the rear flaps fold more aggressive.
If the plane turn or if you want to make it turn, you can play with the shape of the rear flap folds only on one of the side. Try left or right and see the effects
If you don't want it to turn try to sharpen the 'attack fold'. Fold it very good using something hard.
How To Make a Paper Airplane From A4/Letter sizeby dyiguy on October 16, 2009
Author:dyiguy author's websitegeek and DYI fan
Intro: How To Make a Paper Airplane From A4/Letter sizeUnlike most paper airplanes who start from square this one works and looks much better when made of A4 or Letter sheet of paper. I have no name for this one, it'sinherited from the Stealth. When made well, it flies well and long, but mistakes in the design make it go up and then down.
Step 1: Step 1: Let's startFold the paper exactly on the middle of the long side. Reopen it back.
Image Notes1. Proper holding technique.2. Bring corners B and C together and tape/glue/staple together.
Step 1: Finding the centerFold in half (corner A to D), then fold opposite corners together (corner B to C) to find the center (just pinch it there). This is important for getting the plane square.
Step 5: Popes hatImage 7: Bend corners B & C together forming a circle and tuck one end into the other. It should look something like a Pope hat. Use glue or tape or a staple to keep thecorners together.
It's easiest to throw when held as shown in image 7. A slow pitch works better than a knuckle ball hurl so go easy. The curved edges of the tail can be bent for trim, whichis likely necessary. On a calm day it will go as far as you care to walk after it. Or don't, you can make 10 for less than the cost of a cold root beer. Happy folding!
Image Notes1. Proper holding technique.2. Bring corners B and C together and tape/glue/staple together.
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No, this is the absolute greatest and easiest to make paper airplane, no really,try it!by SoDDiggerCpl on February 7, 2007
Intro: No, this is the absolute greatest and easiest to make paper airplane, no really, try it!This instructable gives you detailed instructions as to the creation of the WORLDS BEST PAPER AIRPLANE
Image Notes1. Hits the wall here2. See my room-cleaning instructable!--lol
Step 1: The basic startFirst, you fold a peice of 8.5X11 paper in half, crease it, and reopen it.Then, you flip it over so that the fold is mountain (/\) side up.Next you fold the top corners (at 45 degree angles) towards the /\ crease.
Step 2: Make the wingsFlip the plane over so the plane is pointing away from you, and the center crease is in a valley orientation (v).Now, fold the wings so that the once-leading edges of the wing are one mm from the v crease, and crease.Flip the plane over, and bend the nose in half, under the front, and crease.Flip back over, and fold one whole side so that the leading edge is touching the bottom of the plane, crease, repeat on the other side, and there are your wings
Step 3: Finish the plane (add tail)Open the wings, and make a cut one inch from the rear of the plane on the bottom of the v slanting slightly forward, and push it up to convert it from a v to an /\, andcrease it so it stays up strait.Fold the wings back down, and perk the up a little, so that the still face downwards slightly, but aren't facing up.
Step 4: Give it a slow to moderate throw!the plane is complete, and flies very well at many speeds. Just throw, and let go right where you want it to fly (it goes in almost exactly straight flight paths. Watch thevideo to see how well it goes!This is my first instructables, criticism and compliments welcome.
Image Notes1. Hits the wall here2. See my room-cleaning instructable!--lol
Step 4: Blunt-nosed planeto make the blunt-nosed plane you need to:
fold in half and unfold,fold corner over a little off-center,and do that to the other side,fold nose up,fold in half,fold down wings,and fold stableizers.(this plane NEEDS stableizers)
Step 5: Trick planethis is a more complicated plane that has a tail fin on the back and is totally customisable!to make it you need to:make a square by folding diagnaly and cutting off extra paper on the bottom,then fold in half,(after you unfold it!)fold down front corners,fold down wings,cut the tail fin by cutting up to the top of the wings,fold the tail fin out.
How To Make The Banshee Paper Airplaneby OrigamiAirEnforcer on November 20, 2010
Author:OrigamiAirEnforcer My 4th Paper Airplane ContestI am someone who mass produces paper airplanes and am always developing new designs.
I am also currently hosting a contest (link below).
Intro: How To Make The Banshee Paper AirplaneFast, long range and featuring retractable landing gear, the Banshee is a very impressive paper airplane. The Banshee is a development of the Skyknight (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-The-Skyknight-Paper-Airplane/) paper airplane interceptor.
TAA USAF Designation: A54-1
Image Notes1. A54-1 Banshee
Step 1: MaterialsRequired:1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper (A4)TapeOptional:Pencil
Step 2: Length FoldingFold your paper in half length-wise. Proceed to do this again so the paper will be divided into 4 tall but skinny sections.
Step 3: Cover FoldingFrom one of the two short sides, pull paper down from the corners to the opposite sides. Along the center of the X, pull the paper down so it overlaps over the other halfof the X. Then tuck the fold.
Step 4: Wing Extension FoldingFrom the bottom of the cover fold to the edges of the rear of the paper, pull the paper out from on top of itself. Once one side is done, repeat on the other by folding it upwhile the airplane itself is folded in half. During this second step, the cover fold should be folded down away from the fuselage.
Image Notes1. The cover fold exposed for easier construction.
Step 5: Nose FoldingPull the nose down to the bottom of the cover fold. Then pull the two tips of the cover fold into the center as shown.
Step 6: Wing And Winglet FoldingFrom half an inch up from the center of the aircraft, fold each of the wings down. On the wing extensions, fold the the wingtips into the inside panels of the extension in aparallel lines.
Step 7: Landing Gear FoldingTo make your retractable landing gear, fold the cover fold tips into the center onto the fuselage. Each side should then have retractable landing gear.
Step 8: Taping Your BansheeTape your Banshee together at its front and back and across the wingroot just behind the front and just in front of the rear. Proceed to then take the wing extensions up tothe main wing.
Image Notes1. The right wing extension is now taped.
Image Notes1. A54-1 Banshee
Step 9: FlightHaving a dart shape and retractable landing gear, the Banshee is capable of moderate-to-high speeds for a paper airplane. It is only at very low speeds that theBanshee's handling is somewhat rough and its stability diminished. To make your Banshee fly far fast, give it a good throw. Enjoy!
Image Notes1. A54-1 Banshee
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Simple Micro Toothpick Gliders!by crankflip on February 25, 2009
Intro: Simple Micro Toothpick Gliders!H'okay, so, this is my first instructable, it's for making cute little gliders that are fun to make and fly. Making gliders out of toothpicks has always seemed so perfectlyscaled and fun to me, and I personally just free-hand the entire thing and have no plans or designs, only ideas. Since this may be hard for some, I'll give you instructionson making one of my simplest gliders. It requires a toothpick(or about the same sized piece of wood, balsa etc. Heck, use whatever scale you want), some thickishpaper(construction paper generally works, but the thicker it is the stronger, but also heavier. If you have someplace where the plane is unlikely to be damaged, you coulduse thinner paper, but I, in my crowded dangerous house, use 28 lb white printing paper which is probably heavier then required to survive a bad landing), and superglue(gel or not, I prefer gel just because it doesn't soak in as much), and something to attach to the nose for balance(I use polymer clay, but pieces of toothpick glued onwork just as fine). Tools you need are scissors and maaaybe needle nosed pliers for a more advanced models. Also, there are a few I have made, the orange one isclosest to the one we'll be making(see last step for more of my creations). Oh yes, and excuse the dirty fingers, they're the result of working with super glue often. Now,lets get started!
If you just want to look at some cool airplanes, see the last step(But building them is easy so I'd suggest that)
*** Thanks too: http://www.centennialofflight.gov/toothpick/build.htm and http://www.flyingflea.org/Toothpick/ToothpickHM8HM14.pdf for lots of inspiration in basic designand structure, but NONE of my models are directly copied from either source ***
Step 1: Begining constructionSo, to start, select a relatively straight/strong toothpick, shape of the toothpick doesn't really matter, This will be your frame. Now, take your paper, and cut a simplerectangle out of it, then fold the rectangle in half the long way and trim until it's perfect. Unfold until it's a little less than 90 degrees, then glue the crease to the toothpicklike the picture shows, about 1/3rd down from the front of your toothpick(front for me is the thicker end, but if you don't have thicker ends any end you pick will work). Thisangle is the frame that will hold your wings on, so keep it relatively folded.
Step 2: Wings!Now it's time to make/attach the wings. To start, cut a rectangle out of your paper that's about as long as the toothpick and maybe 1/3rd inch wide, shape doesn't have tobe perfect at this point. Now fold it in half the long way, and trim the edges for a symetrical shape. Also cut the top corner off the folded rectangle, like in the picture.Unfold, and you've got your wings! You want to keep them slightly folded, to give it stability, but not to much. At this point you have the option of cambering the wings, oradding an airfoil, go to step 5 if you want to do this(Not at all necessary, but may result in slightly better flights). To attach, simply put a bead of glue on the top two edgesof the frame(from the last step), and carefully place the wings on them, be sure to get them on facing straight forward, and nicely centered. Now all you have to do is waitfor them to dry! I'd say allow at least a minute or so before going on.
Step 3: Tail FinsNow that you have wings, you need a tail. My favorite tail design is fairly simple, and I'd say works better then normal ones, also looks better. To start, cut out a rudder,(orvertical fin), shaped like the first picture. Make sure the top flat area is aimed downward slightly, this will keep your plane from diving straight down. Once you have that,glue it to the back end of the frame, and pay attention to if it's straight forward and vertical, you can check this by looking strait down the plane and comparing with thewings. Now, once that's dry, cut out your elevator just like you did the wings, only about half size. This goes on top of the rudder piece, like in the pictures once again. Dothe rear-sight check again. Now it looks like a plane!
Step 4: Balancing And TuningNow, to make any airplane, a few simple tricks can be used to give it stability and level flight:Firstly, to gain more side-to-side stability, bend the wings up slightly, either in the middle(Known as "Dihedral") or at the tips, this makes it so not all the lift is aimedstraight down, and makes it so the plane is less likely to flip to one side(not necessary, but helps a great deal if you're having problems with this).Secondly, you want your plane to be generally aimed up, so it doesn't dive to the ground. This can be achieved by aiming the front of the elevator down, or the wings up,I'd say about 7 degrees off from each other is good(Note the off-set of angles in the pic below).Third thing is balance, the weight of your plane must be close to directly under the wing(as low as possible also helps for stable flight), because the wing is holding mostthe weight while flying. Add weight to the nose until you can balance the wings(Near the back for slower flight, like pic) on your fingers like the picture(Don't stop as soonas it's "good enough", you can always remove weight).
If you follow these steps, just about ANY airplane will work, so experiment around and have fun.Now you have a completed airplane! Aren't you proud? Why not add some detail and originality? See next step for ideas, or skip to step 6 for flight patterns and my ownmodels.
Step 5: Advanced Model TricksThere's a few things you can use to make your models work better and look better, however NONE of these are necessary for the basic glider shown in the intro, so if youwant a basic model skip all this.
Still here? Greeaaat! These... Things, are good for accurate replicas, or for just nice looking planes, so if you have a specific plane you want to make, these will probablyhelp. These things include landing gear, cambered(airfoiled) wings, bi-plane struts, plane holders, etc.
Landing gear is fairly simple and not to crucial unless you want a picture-perfect landing. They can be achieved by a simple inverted V glued to the bottom, I wouldsuggest near the front to aid with balance, or a more square shape with a V inside it(like far left, first pic). You could also just add 2 skids to the bottom of your wings, likepicture 3.
Cambered wings are said to make a glider go slower and longer, to me they also seem to help with stability and a bit of wing stiffness. To make them, simply take yourwings before attaching and press about 1-2mm of the front edge under a ruler or straight edge, and bend the rest of the wing up, like picture 2(In the picture, the wing isupside-down(And crooked..)), this should make the front edge of your wing bent down, I would suggest no more then maybe 35 degrees. When attaching these wings, itmay be necessary to aim them slightly higher. If they don't seem to do any good, try adjusting the camber more/less and/or aiming the wing slightly higher.
Bi(or Tri, Quad, Penta, Hexa, Septa, Octa, etc. etc....) plane struts are how you attach wings on top of each other. The most basic are 2 struts on the outside edge, but Isuggest a slightly harder(and much stronger) idea I came up with. Take a strip of paper maybe 1-2mm wide, and cut into a little less than an inch length. Fold it down themiddle, so they make Vs, then take both ends of the Vs and bend them out so they are level to each other. Make 2 of these. Now, mount them on your bottom wing byflipping one upside-down and gluing the bent ends to the wing, mount the other right in front/behind so the tip of the V is glued down(This may take some holding while itdries). If you're confused at this point, see picture 3. This should result in a nice 3-point platform to mount your top wings on, and it's structurally fairly strong. Most wingsI've done at this point with these struts is 3, and more may be difficult due to weight issues.
Plane Holders, are really easy to make, just get a piece of squishy foam(Not stiff, the more fluffy bendy stuff), cut into something about .5"x.5"x1", then put a slice goinghalfway down the middle, the long way(See pic 4). You can then just put your airplanes in this crack, after gluing the whole thing to a piece of cardboard or the inside of abox(I have 23 mounted in a box for safe travel :-P).
I'd love to hear more original ideas, and if I think they're largely useful I'll post them here with credit to the submitter, but I reserve all the right to choose which I post andno offense if I don't post yours.
Step 6: Flying A Plane and Unusual DesignsThere's a few flight patterns that can be used, most basic is just aim it slightly down and toss lightly(Blue). If your plane seems to always turn, your wings may be warped,which can be fixed by carefully warping them the opposite way(you can use the head-on check to see if they're straight). Another pattern I like alot is HEAVE it with ALLyou got, if done right the plane will do a loop, then continue in level flight(Red). You can launch it tipped sideways, which will result in a circle pattern, or hold it nose upand belly towards yourself, throw it straight up and if you're good enough, it will loop around and come back to you(Green). There's tons of fun ways to fly, and with thesethey don't need much room(it is more fun though). You can also get some friends and see who's airplane can stay up longest or go farthest, or even do more advancedtricks. Airplanes can be made specifically for kinds of flight, more stream-line wings can give more speed, or long thin wings can give a smoother glide. There's no end tothe possibilities, and I'd highly suggest trying to make your own designs or ideas work!Just to show that different designs work, here's some unusual ones I've made:Quad plane, based on this:http://flickr.com/photos/jerub-baal/132671055/, flies very well.Dual-frame Bi-plane, this was actually going to fly the other way, but I turned it around last minute :-PBasic Mono-plane, This one was mostly a test for advanced framing and landing gear, tends to turn but flies fairly well.Helicopter, This one is fairly old, simple rubber-powered, tends to spin out of control instantly but CAN gain some height before dying!Basic Bi-plane, This one, with it's relatively short wings and large tail, is quite fast and smooth in the air.Auto Gyro, Doesn't work so well :-P It was worth a try, and it coasts to the ground with almost realistic speed... But not a beginner design to be sure.Langely Aerodrome Historic Replica, This one is heavily based of the Langely Aerodrome, originally a competitor to the Wright brothers. It flies surprisingly well,sometimes rocking from side to side but generally great.Fokker Dr.1 Triplane, Another "historic" replica, I had to try to make one :-P It flies fairly well, main problem is it's high weight from all those wings and struts.Twin-Tail experimental, Pretty basic, flights are ok but not the best.Flying Wing, a surprisingly simple design, works out well due to low air friction and no added weight. However, these wings are hard to balance and very hard to tune,and you can't just chuck 'em however like the others.Elevated-Wing Tandem, since my Langley Aerodrome model worked so well, I decided to make another tandem wing design, this time cutting the tail. It works quitesmoothly, and I believe the dihedral of the wings is crucial for stable flight."Butterfly" Almost Flying Wing, a very simple design simply made up by my silly brother... It works pretty well, but is difficult to launch due to lack of grip points and thewings sometimes "cut", causing a fast dive.Rear-Wing, these have always seemed the easiest to build, but I could never quite get one to work very stable. This one seems to work well due to a low center of gravityfrom the rudder, and from the heavy up-thrust caused by the front elevator. It has some slight stability problems, and flies fairly fast but all-in-all the lack of balance weightI think gives it an advantage in theoretical distance potential.Basic Bi-Plane, This is a very basic plane, doesn't use the cross-struts. It flies fairly slowly and somewhat stable, probably one of my best fliers.Random Weird Thing, I was trying for an original design :-P Ended up with the rudder in the back and elevator in the front.. It's a kinda wobley flier, but still fairly smooth.Avro Triplane Replica, This was my replica of the Avro Triplane, built 1909-10. It's not very to-scale, but notice the British flags :-P It flies smoothly, though somewhatheavily.Bi-Plane Canard, This was made at my grandma's house just out of boredom.. I didn't have much to counter-weight with so I made it a canard. It has a sharp turnproblem, but I believe it could be fixed with slight adjustment.
More to come!
This concludes my tutorial on toothpick gliders and basic aerodynamics, I hope you find it useful and fun! Anything you're wondering just leave me a comment, and I'll trymy best to answer!
How to make a 4 winged paper Gliderby FFVIIBOY on May 7, 2010
Author:FFVIIBOY My Quizilla FileIts not what i am underneath but what i do that defines me
People who arent not awesome
- Legofanatic- Glad(to-meet-ya)ys- Acidbass
Intro: How to make a 4 winged paper GliderFor a school project in science we had to make gliders. I made the glider below. For a new project in Language Arts I am talking about what instructables is and I willbe showing an example of a tutorial.
Hooray i got an A
This Tutorial is now available for the Kindle and ebook i think
Step 2: FoldThe beginning is like making an origami paper frog. For the first step you start by taking one of the top corners and folding it down like in the picture; then unfold.
Step 3: Fold AgainFold the same way but with the other top corner, then unfold again
Step 2: Start FoldingFold the paper along its width. Then fold it in half again, to result in fourths. Then open the paper. You should have a paper divided into four.
Step 3: Folding the top downFold 3/4 of an inch down from the top. Repeat until you reach the mid-section. Fold the paper in half along the center line.
Step 4: StabilizersWhile the wing is folded in half, cut two small fins into the wing. The cut should be from 1 inch back from the trailing edge at a shallow angle, (less than 45degrees), 3/4 inch into the wing. Then fold the fins up. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: TapeTape the previous fold down on the leading edge of the aircraft.
Image Notes1. Tape here.
Step 6: FlightYour aircraft is now finished. Have a nice flight.
Step 7: ModificationsFrom the many variants this airframe can be made into this is one:
TF85-1 Cadet: A basic trainer/demonstrator variant of the Skystreak with a fuselage. Skystreaks can be converted to this standard. (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-The-Cadet-Paper-Airplane/)
Image Notes1. TF85-1 Cadet
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Step 5: Now you can make your own glider of any size by using the same proportions.Keep these facts in mind for a good design1. The wing shouldn't be on the center of the fuselage but a little towards the nose.2. The area of paper used on side 'A' should be equal to side 'B'. This can be done by first measuring the area of side 'A' and then adjusting the length of 'X' so that thearea of 'B' would be the same as 'A'.