How to Make the Turbo AeroDelta Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and stealthy, the Turbo AeroDelta is a small flying wing paper airplane meant to complement similar types like the Turbo Omniwing and UltraDelta. Like its namesake, the AeroDelta, the Turbo AeroDelta does not require any cutting and is fairly simple to construct.

The conceptual development of the Turbo AeroDelta was initiated to provide a newer and simpler "fast flying wing" aircraft than existing types offered. This is in part because of the recent lack of such designs and because such a plane would likely be useful as a trainer for a larger flying wing currently in development tentatively called the Zeta. The Turbo AeroDelta's layout was inspired by basic folds the Osprey Precise paper airplane by Hangar 13, although their similarities taper off beyond the initial folds and general configuration. Flight testing showed the Turbo AeroDelta to be a smart and handy performer, so it was soon approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F396-1

Required:

1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Pencil

Ruler

Optional:

Scissors

Fold your paper in half first along its length and unfold as shown. After doing this, fold along its width and then unfold. After doing this, select one width edge and fold it into the center width crease as shown and crease.

When you have reoriented the paper so the section with the two fourths laying over atop of one another are above the rest of the paper, pull the corners of the overlaying section into the center crease as shown. After doing this, measure 1 inch inward from the trailing edge along the center crease and make a mark. After doing so, pull the tip of the nose to this point and crease the folds at the leading edge. To finish the step, again fold the corners into the the center and crease as pictured.

Open the last set of corner folds you made on the previous step. Once you have done so, align the crease which had sat over the center crease of the paper with the creases of those corner folds as shown. Once you have done this, tuck the paper in as shown for the outer portions. After doing this, reverse and pull the creases which sitting over the leading edge inward to rest over the center crease as pictured. This will complete the airfoil folds

After these pockets have been pulled into position, pull the triangle of paper behind them forward and over them. With that done, pull the lose flaps of paper inboard until the limit of the paper is reached at the rear ends of these flaps (be sure that you do not tear the paper) and the rear perpendicular edges of the last airfoil folds will align with one another as shown. This will ensure that these vertical stabilizers are aligned with the center crease of the aircraft.

Apply tape in the designated points and in the order given. The aircraft can be finicky if it is taped in an alternate order.

The Turbo AeroDelta has a launch technique similar to the its namesake and the Omniwing family.
The Turbo AeroDelta should not be thrown; it should be held with 4 fingers over the wing (between the two vertical stabilizers) and the thumb under the aircraft. With the launcher's hand positioned like this, the aircraft should be advanced forward in the air and let go at a moderate speed at a neutral or (slightly) positive attitude. Additional surfaces include ailerons, elevators, elevons, spoilers, and trimmable rudders. Enjoy!