How to Make the Strike Predator Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and versatile, the Strike Predator is an aerodynamic paper airplane that represents a compromise between a dart and a glider--flying quickly and far too.

The Strike Predator resulted from an attempt to reverse engineer the (then unnamed) Vulcan Predator without tearing apart the latter's sole prototype. As there were some differences in the attempt, the resultant aircraft featured several differences from the VP. The design had a larger wing and required fewer measurements. As a result of these qualities and good performance in testing, the Strike Predator was approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F420-1

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

Fold the paper in half along its length, then along its width. Once this is done, pull the width edge of one side of the paper into the width center crease and make a crease. After doing this, unfold the paper. Taking the same width edge again, pull the paper into this fourth crease and make another crease.

Pull the leading edges' corners into the center crease on each side and crease. After doing this, pull the crease itself to the center fold. After doing this on both sides, unfold.

After unfolding the leading edge folds, turn your attention to the folded section at the blunt leading edge of the paper. pull the corners in on this fold as shown in the seventh and tenth photographs. Reverse these corner folds and tuck them underneath the fold as shown.

Fold the outer edges of the paper into the creases as shown and repeat on both sides.

Pull the tips of the corners of the paper into line with these creases as shown on each side and then pull the rear edges of these same folds forward until reaching the edges of this fold are the corners of folds and the folded portions below them. After creasing, reverse the fold and tuck it underneath. Repeat on the other side.

After working with the corner folds initial angling, pull their leading edges down in line with the crease as shown. Repeat on the other side. Fold along the creases as pictured.

Along existing creases, fold the the leading edges down as pictured in the first photograph. With this done, there will be a portion of paper that hangs over the center crease. Revere this fold as shown in the second photograph and repeat it on the other side. Lay the paper out flat and pull the forward edges of the diamond down until reaching the apex. Crease at the point. After doing this, pull the triangle forward again until the layers underneath are revealed. Crease the triangle and then tuck the entire fold in under the edges of the nose.

With this done, take the blunt front edge of the nose and pull it to the trailing edges and crease. After you have done this, pull the nose forward again until the existent crease sits over top of half crease you have just made. Crease when the paper is positioned correctly. Fold the corners of the paper on each side to this new crease and then pull the nose forward again to lock the corner folds down.

Fold the canards down on each side while aligning their leading edges with that of the nose.

Measure 1 inch above the center crease and then 1 inch from the wingtip along the trailing edge (make these on both sides at these points), as shown in the first and second photographs. Fold the wings down at the first mark. Repeat on the other side. After doing this, fold the winglets at the second set of points. Keep the trailing edges of the winglets parallel with those of the wings.

Apply tape where designated in the photographs to complete your Strike Predator.

The Strike Predator flies in a very conventional manner like most other darts--where it is pointed is where it goes. Origami aviators with experience with the Vulcan series or its derivatives should have little difficulty transitioning to this type.

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. Enjoy!