How to Fold Paper Airplanes: 3 Competition Winning Designs

Paper airplanes are a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. They are also a great way to learn about aerodynamics and flight. In this blog post, we will be exploring three competition-winning paper airplane designs that you can fold at home.

The Dart

The dart is a classic paper airplane design that is known for its long flight distance. It is a simple design to fold, and it is a great choice for beginners. To fold a dart, you will need a single sheet of paper.

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down to the bottom crease.
4. Fold the wings up on either side.
5. Bend the nose of the airplane down to create a pointed shape.

To throw a dart, hold it by the nose and launch it forward with a gentle flick of your wrist.

The Glider

The glider is another popular paper airplane design that is known for its long flight time. It is a more complex design than the dart, but it is still relatively easy to fold. To fold a glider, you will need a single sheet of paper.

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down to the bottom crease.
4. Fold the wings up on either side.
5. Fold the nose of the airplane down to create a pointed shape.
6. Fold the wings down at a 45-degree angle.

To throw a glider, hold it by the nose and launch it forward with a gentle flick of your wrist. You can also adjust the angle of the wings to change the flight path of the glider.

The Fighter Jet

The fighter jet is a more advanced paper airplane design that is known for its speed and maneuverability. It is a more challenging design to fold than the dart or the glider, but it is well worth the effort. To fold a fighter jet, you will need a single sheet of paper.

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down to the bottom crease.
4. Fold the wings up on either side.
5. Fold the nose of the airplane down to create a pointed shape.
6. Fold the wings down at a 45-degree angle.
7. Fold the back of the airplane up to create a tail fin.
8. Fold the tail fin down to create a rudder.

To throw a fighter jet, hold it by the nose and launch it forward with a strong flick of your wrist. You can also use the rudder to steer the airplane in flight.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many competition-winning paper airplane designs that you can fold at home. With a little practice, you can fold your own paper airplanes that fly far and long. And who knows, maybe you'll even win a competition yourself!