How to Make a Paper Airplane that Flies Over 100 Feet

Have you ever dreamed of making a paper airplane that could soar through the air for what feels like forever? Well, your dream can become a reality with the Hawkeye paper airplane design. This incredible design, created by Aiden Dominguez, won a grand prize in a paper airplane competition for its impressive flight distance and time in the air.

The Hawkeye is not just a simple folded piece of paper; it’s a testament to the power of aerodynamics. Its unique wing shape and carefully crafted folds create lift and stability, allowing it to glide through the air with grace and precision.

What You’ll Need:

• One sheet of square paper (8.5 inches by 8.5 inches is recommended)

Instructions:

1. Fold the paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Make a crease along the fold line.
2. Unfold the paper and then fold the top corners down to meet the center crease line. This will form two smaller triangles at the top of the paper.
3. Fold the top flap down so it aligns with the bottom edge of the paper. This will create a rectangular shape.
4. Fold the wings up by folding the paper along the crease lines you made in step 2. The wings should be angled slightly upward.
5. Fold the nose of the plane down by folding the top flap of the paper down toward the bottom edge. This will create a sharp nose that helps the plane cut through the air.
6. Adjust the wings to find the optimal angle for your plane. You may want to experiment with different wing angles to see what works best for you.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality paper. Thicker paper will hold its shape better and allow for a more stable flight.
• Make sharp creases. Sharp creases will help to give the plane its shape and ensure a smooth flight.
• Practice throwing. The way you throw the plane will affect how far and how long it flies. Experiment with different throwing angles and speeds.
• Take advantage of the wind. Throwing your plane with the wind at your back will help it to fly farther and longer.

Beyond the Basics:

Once you’ve mastered the basic Hawkeye design, you can experiment with different variations to see if you can improve its flight performance. Try adding ailerons to the wings, adjusting the wingspan, or even adding a tail to the plane.

Paper airplanes are a fun and engaging way to learn about aerodynamics and flight. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create a paper airplane that will soar through the air with amazing grace and distance. So, grab a sheet of paper, follow these instructions, and let your imagination take flight!