How to Make the AeroDart Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the AeroDart is a straightforward paper airplane meant to be easy to make and capable.

The AeroDart was developed from the Vulcanoid series as a simplified derivative of the latter meant to give origami aviators interested in making and flying the type experience with similar aircraft when changing over from more basic aircraft like those of the Buffalo series. As the AeroDart's design was extremely conventional, flight testing went along quickly and showed the aircraft's handling to be docile and performance good, as predicted. Once the design was proven, it was approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F427-1

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Pencil

Ruler

Optional:

Scissors (additional surfaces only)

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then pull the corners in and fold them into the center. Then flip the paper over and pull the creases of the corner folds inward.

After doing this, place the corner folds back against one another inside of the paper and fold the outside edges into the crease as shown in the eighth to eleventh photographs. The paper should then appear as it does in the twelfth photograph.

Pull the tip of the nose back to the rear edge of the airfoil folds as shown in the first photograph. After doing this, pull the paper in toward the center until you reach the limits of the paper on each side, as shown in the second photograph. After making these folds, tuck the paper into the folds as shown in the third photograph and pull the triangle of paper forward as shown in the fourth photograph.

Fold the canards down by aligning their leading edges with that of the nose. The paper will tear at the rear edge of the canards; this is normal.

Measure 1 inch above the center crease and then fold the paper down at this point on each side as shown in the fourth and fifth photographs. Measure 1 inch from the wingtips along the trailing edges of each side, as shown in the fourth and fifth photographs. Fold the wings down at the first mark. After doing this, fold the winglets perpendicular to the wings at their marks.

Apply tape where designated in the photographs to complete your AeroDart.

The AeroDart flies where pointed in a predictable manner much like most other dart paper airplanes.

Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitudes at moderate to high speeds. Test flights should be conducted to see if any trimming is necessary. Additional applicable surfaces include ailerons, elevators, elevons, rudders, air brakes and an "electronic warfare" tail.