How to Make the SkySwift Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the SkySwift is a dart paper airplane that can also glide well at high speeds. It is designed as a successor to aircraft like the Warhawk and HyperSwift.

I decided to develop the SkySwift to create an aircraft that was simple to make, fast and capable of gliding well. To that end, designed the aircraft with fourth folds to ease its construction. Other design aspects were also adopted for their abilities to simplify the aircraft ultimately. When I tested the design, it proved itself very worthy. The SkySwift showed itself to be fast but capable of gliding long ranges, on par with many "cruiser" types. Satisfied with its performance, I approved it for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F398-1

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Optional:

Pencil (additional surfaces only)

Ruler (additional surfaces only)

Fold the paper in half along its width; then fold the outer edges of the paper into the center crease to make fourths. Make sure all creases are folded in the same direction, then flip them so they are all folded one way. While in this position, pull the corner of the paper to the fourth fold of the opposite side, stopping when the front edge of this fold intersects with the center crease as shown. Then repeat on the other side.

Pull the overlapping paper back out from over the other side and make it so it lies on top of itself as shown. Fold the overhanging portions at the rear into themselves as pictured.

Pull the outer edges of the paper into the creases as shown. Pull the forward edges of the folds created in the last step back to the creases created in the last step. Fold the triangular folds that result back into themselves and tuck them in to the new folds. After doing this, pull the creases these triangular folds are connected to the crease. Restore the original airfoil creases and pull the forward diamond outward.

Pull the tip of the nose back to the forward edge of the diamond fold's dense portion. Fold the trailing edges of the diamond folds into the center and then tuck them into the nose fold as shown.

Fold the wings down by aligning the wing root crease with the top of the nose fold and keeping the trailing edges parallel with themselves. After doing this, fold the wingtips into the fourth folds and crease to make the winglets.

Apply tape on the leading edge of the nose, the trailing edge of the fuselage, across the wing roots and at the trailing edge of the diamond nose folds. This will complete the aircraft.

The SkySwift is a fast paper airplane the handles well and glides quite good; it is fairly easy to use but may need some trimming. Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitude at moderate to high speeds. Conduct test flights to determine what (if any) trimming is required to make the aircraft perform as you wish. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, ailerons, elevators, air brakes and an "electronic warfare" tail.