How to Make Paper Airplanes: 3 Competition-Winning Designs

Paper airplanes are a fun and easy way to spend an afternoon. They are also a great way to learn about aerodynamics and how things fly. In this article, we will be exploring three competition-winning paper airplane designs that are easy to fold and fly. So grab a piece of paper and let's get started!

Design #1: The Dart

The Dart is a classic paper airplane design that is known for its speed and distance. It is a relatively easy design to fold, and it is a great choice for beginners. Here are the instructions for folding the Dart:

1. Start with a standard sheet of paper. Fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about halfway down the paper.
4. Fold the wings down, making sure the edges are aligned with the center crease.
5. Fold the nose of the plane up, creating a pointed shape.
6. Now, gently bend the wings back slightly, creating a slight dihedral angle.

To fly the Dart, hold it at the nose and launch it forward with a gentle flick of the wrist. The Dart should fly straight and far.

Design #2: The Glider

The Glider is a paper airplane design that is known for its long flight times. It is a bit more challenging to fold than the Dart, but it is worth the effort. Here are the instructions for folding the Glider:

1. Start with a standard sheet of paper. Fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about halfway down the paper.
4. Fold the wings down, making sure the edges are aligned with the center crease.
5. Fold the nose of the plane up, creating a pointed shape.
6. Fold the wings back up, creating a dihedral angle.
7. Fold the tail of the plane down, creating a horizontal stabilizer.

To fly the Glider, hold it at the nose and launch it upward with a gentle toss. The Glider should glide through the air for a long time.

Design #3: The Boomerang

The Boomerang is a paper airplane design that is known for its ability to return to the thrower. It is a more complex design to fold than the other two, but it is very rewarding to fly. Here are the instructions for folding the Boomerang:

1. Start with a standard sheet of paper. Fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about halfway down the paper.
4. Fold the wings down, making sure the edges are aligned with the center crease.
5. Fold the nose of the plane up, creating a pointed shape.
6. Fold the wings back up, creating a dihedral angle.
7. Fold the tail of the plane down, creating a horizontal stabilizer.
8. Fold the wings back down, creating a slight dihedral angle.
9. Fold the tail of the plane up, creating a vertical stabilizer.

To fly the Boomerang, hold it at the nose and launch it forward with a gentle flick of the wrist. The Boomerang should fly in a wide arc and return to the thrower.

Tips for Flying Paper Airplanes

Here are a few tips for flying paper airplanes:

• Use a smooth, flat surface to launch your paper airplane.
• Make sure the wings are straight and symmetrical.
• Launch your paper airplane with a gentle flick of the wrist.
• Experiment with different launch angles to see what works best.
• Have fun!

Conclusion

Paper airplanes are a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. With a little practice, you can learn to fold and fly these simple aircraft. So grab a piece of paper and give it a try!