How to Make Paper Airplanes: 3 Epic Competition-Winning Designs

Paper airplanes have been a beloved pastime for generations, capturing the imaginations of children and adults alike. But beyond the simple joy of flight, there's a world of competitive paper airplane design, where enthusiasts strive to create the most aerodynamic and impressive models. This knowledge base provides instructions on how to fold three competition-winning paper airplane designs: Solar Flare, Bosklapper, and Frostbite. These designs were winners of the Foldable Flight Paper Airplane Designer Contest and offer a range of difficulty levels for different skill sets.

1. The Solar Flare: A Classic with a Twist

The Solar Flare is a classic paper airplane design that has been modified for improved flight performance. It boasts a long, streamlined fuselage and a wide wingspan, allowing it to glide effortlessly through the air.

Folding Instructions:

1. Start with a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
3. Fold the top two corners down to the center crease, forming a triangle.
4. Fold the top flap down again, covering the triangle.
5. Fold the wings up, creating a 90-degree angle with the fuselage.
6. Fold the wings down again, but this time, fold them slightly forward, creating a slight dihedral angle.
7. Fold the trailing edge of the wings down to create a more streamlined shape.

Tips for Success:

• Use a sharp crease to ensure a clean fold.
• Experiment with the dihedral angle of the wings to adjust the flight characteristics.
• A gentle toss with a slight upward motion will help the Solar Flare achieve a long and graceful flight.

2. The Bosklapper: A Powerful Performer

The Bosklapper is a more advanced design that utilizes a unique folding technique to achieve impressive flight distance and duration. Its distinctive shape and aerodynamic properties make it a favorite among competitive paper airplane enthusiasts.

Folding Instructions:

1. Start with a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
3. Fold the top two corners down to the center crease, forming a triangle.
4. Fold the top flap down again, covering the triangle.
5. Fold the bottom flap up, creating a small pocket.
6. Fold the wings up, creating a 90-degree angle with the fuselage.
7. Fold the trailing edge of the wings down to create a more streamlined shape.
8. Fold the wings down again, but this time, fold them slightly forward, creating a slight dihedral angle.
9. Fold the top flap down again, creating a small flap at the nose of the airplane.

Tips for Success:

• Use a sharp crease to ensure a clean fold.
• Make sure the pocket is securely folded to prevent the wings from collapsing during flight.
• Experiment with the dihedral angle of the wings and the size of the nose flap to adjust the flight characteristics.
• A strong, upward toss will help the Bosklapper achieve a long and powerful flight.

3. The Frostbite: A Master of Stability

The Frostbite is a highly stable paper airplane design that is known for its smooth and controlled flight. Its unique wing shape and balanced fuselage contribute to its exceptional performance.

Folding Instructions:

1. Start with a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
3. Fold the top two corners down to the center crease, forming a triangle.
4. Fold the top flap down again, covering the triangle.
5. Fold the bottom flap up, creating a small pocket.
6. Fold the wings up, creating a 90-degree angle with the fuselage.
7. Fold the trailing edge of the wings down to create a more streamlined shape.
8. Fold the wings down again, but this time, fold them slightly forward, creating a slight dihedral angle.
9. Fold the top flap down again, creating a small flap at the nose of the airplane.
10. Fold the wings down again, creating a small flap at the nose of the airplane.

Tips for Success:

• Use a sharp crease to ensure a clean fold.
• Make sure the pocket is securely folded to prevent the wings from collapsing during flight.
• Experiment with the dihedral angle of the wings and the size of the nose flap to adjust the flight characteristics.
• A gentle toss with a slight upward motion will help the Frostbite achieve a smooth and controlled flight.

Beyond the Basics: Experiment and Explore

These three competition-winning paper airplane designs are just the beginning. The world of paper airplane design is vast and exciting, with endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. Don't be afraid to experiment with different folding techniques and variations to create your own unique and impressive paper airplanes.

Whether you're looking to impress your friends, participate in a competition, or simply enjoy the simple joy of flight, these designs will provide you with a solid foundation for your paper airplane adventures. So grab a sheet of paper, follow the instructions, and let your imagination take flight!