Make a Delta Wing Paper Airplane
The delta wing design, in which the wings are shaped like triangles, offers modern airplanes several advantages that enhance speed and maneuverability. Apply the same principles to a paper airplane for a sleek design and a surefire way to impress your friends. You'll have the best paper airplane on the block!
Contents
Steps
- . Use letter size (8.5 inches by 11 inches) or A4 paper.
- Fold and crease the paper to locate the center. Fold and unfold the paper vertically and horizontally to form the creases. They should bisect exactly in the center of the paper. Orient the page width-wise, or hamburger-style.
- Fold the two top corners down until they touch at the vertical crease, leaving a flat horizontal line at the top of the paper.
- Fold the top of the paper down to the center of the paper. It should line up exactly with the horizontal crease running through the paper.
- Fold down the top corners to meet at the vertical crease, this time leaving a point at the top.
- Fold the paper in half along the vertical crease. You should end up with a triangle shape.
- Draw a line 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) from the center fold.
- Fold each wing down along the line you just drew. The body of the plane should be vertical, and the wings should be horizontal at a 90 degree angle.
- Finished.
Tips
- Use lightweight paper. Heavier papers won't fold as tightly, resulting in a floppy plane.
- If you throw the plane just right you might beat somebody's delta wing record!
- Make folds as tightly and accurately as possible. Use your thumbnail, a heavy and flat object, or a bone folder (you can buy one at your local craft store) to make creases extra sharp.
- Use a paper clip to increase balance.
- You can decorate it, but do so carefully.
- Try putting a small paper clip on the nose to hold the two sides of the body together.
- Throw the plane gently and tilted slightly upward. If it spins, you threw it too hard.
Warnings
- Don't throw paper airplanes in class (unless they are part of what you are learning about). You'll get into trouble and probably have to see the principal.
- The point of this plane can be sharp. Be careful when throwing the plane near other people.