Introduction: Building the Paper Arrow

This is my first instructable, and while I have followed this site for a couple of years I never contributed my own...until now.

This is a paper airplane I created many years ago when I tried to 'improve' on the basic design of the paper airplane that we all built and flew in school. In particular I wanted to create a more realistic looking plane that looked like a fighter and could actually glide. Personally I think it looks like the Avro Arrow, hence the name of it.

We just need a few basic materials, some 8" x 11" paper, scissors (or X-acto blade), tape and a smooth flat surface.

Step 1: Creating the Engines

All planes have engines, right? Well at least this one does. And while it might not be functional as in the true purpose of an engine it does add to the flight characteristics.

With a single 8" x 11", cut it in half as shown, each one will become an engine.
Take one side and fold that in half. Work from one side and within that half fold it onto itself multiple times till you reach the middle, this creates the front of the engine or the 'intake'.

Now we have to make it look like an engine.
Fold each engine so it creates a box (keep the intake folds on the inside of the box). This is one of the more challenging parts as to keep each side even. Once you have created the engine, use a small piece of tape at the front to keep the box shape. Don't worry about the rest at this point.

Repeat for the other piece of paper to create the second engine.

Step 2: Delta Wings, Engine & Tail

Now we create the delta shape which many of you will be familiar with.
Use an engine to determine the best folds for the wing.

The ideal location for the engines is to place them under the wing where their edges meet. Use a small piece of tape at each end to keep the engines in place. Keep the seam of the engines in the fold of the plane.

Using another piece of paper, create a tail as shown. Place it into the fold at the back of the plane, use another small piece of tape to keep it secured.

Step 3: First Flight

Once done, test it out. You may need to adjust the engines a bit for optimal balance, and you can add some elevators in the back for balance, but it should glide decently as it is.