How to Make the StarDagger Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the StarDagger is an improved variant of the AstroDagger paper airplane with the redesigned canard design of the Super StarVulcan fitted to give the aircraft better high speed handling.

Development of the StarDagger was done quite quickly; the great commonality of the aircraft with the AstroDagger and the identical canard design allowed for it to be easily fitted. As with the Super StarVulcan and other planes which were refined with the adoption of the new canard design, the StarDagger took to it readily. Flight testing proved the conventional design to be a capable performer and it was quickly cleared for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F336-4

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Optional:

Pencil

Scissors (for additional surfaces only)

Ruler (for additional surfaces only)

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then pull the corners in and fold their creases into the center. Unfold the paper, then fold the edges into the creases you have made with the previous folds. After doing this, fold the corners of the paper down on each side, as shown. Pull the folds back outward on each side then restore the original airfoil folds as shown in the last photograph.

Fold the previous folds along the existing creases as shown, then pull the overhanging paper back away from the center crease. Repeat on the other side. Pull the tip of the nose back until its tips meet the apex of the diamond; then tuck the edges of the paper underneath the other layers after pulling the portion that will not fit back forward once again as shown.

Pull the tips of the paper along the trailing edges into the center fold and crease to make the fourth folds. After making the creases, unfold.

Pull the overhanging paper back over the center crease. Repeat on the other side. Pull the diamond back until its tips meet the apexes of the diamond; then tuck the edges of the paper underneath the other layers as shown after pulling the overhanging portion back forward.

Fold the airframe up in half along the center crease, then fold down the canards as shown. To fold the wings, align the fourth fold creases with the center crease. Then allow the airframe to sit inverted. Fold the wingtips in to the fourth folds to make the winglets on each side. Tape where designated in the photograph to complete the aircraft.

The StarDagger is quite conventional and has flight characteristics similar to traditional dart paper airplanes like its direct predecessor, the AstroDagger. Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitude at moderate to high speed. It is important that the wings are symmetrical in their angling. Trim may be required; test flights should be conducted. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, elevators, ailerons, flaperons, elevons, rudders, air brakes, canard trim and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!