How To Make The SkyGnat Paper Airplane

Designed to replace the popular Gnat interceptor, the SkyGnat is a fast, simple miniature paper airplane. Although it is one of my smallest aircraft, the SkyGnat has the capability to incorporate many additional features, unlike its predecessors.

A successor to the Gnat had been desired since its publication but due to the already small size of the airframe, no further size reductions were feasible. This slow developmental process enabled a "fighter gap" to envelope the Gnat and its larger contemporary, the Super Manx. For several months, no new "drone-fighters" were designed or rolled out. With the success of the later SkyHornet and Super SkyManx paper airplanes, the "Gnat II" project's importance waned. In September 2012, using knowledge gained from designing the SkyHornet and Super SkyManx, I decided to make a new--albeit larger successor to the Gnat with better aerodynamic performance. Equipped with leading edge root extensions (LERX), a high-mounted wing and horizontal stabilizers, the SkyGnat's prototype demonstrated better speed, range and stability compared to its predecessor. With its performance clearly excellent, I decided to make an instructable for the able little airplane. 

The SkyGnat is a great choice for use as a fighter-interceptor, stunt and/or research testbed airplane.

Some usages for educators could include studies of:

• Glide ratio
• Hangtime versus other aircraft
• Weight and balance

TAA USAF Designation: D254-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper (4 boxes per inch)
Tape
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Stapler

Comments

[wilgubeast]

This might be my favorite name yet for one of your planes. A world of tiny Terminators arriving through time and space in SkyGnats.

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

Thank you! :)

[mitch and sean]

Wait, so it can't fly?

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

The SkyGnat can fly--very well in fact. However, I cannot make a video showing flights at this time.

[OldShotgunYoungShooter]

I need some troubleshooting help. My skygnat just tumbles through the air. Is there anything I can do?

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

You may need to add dihedral to your SkyGnat's horizontal stabilzers. If this does not completely cure the problem, you may wish to also give the wings and LERX a slightly anhedral angle. If neither of these work, please tell me.

[OldShotgunYoungShooter]

Alright, thanks ill see if it works.

[SN1P3RL0RD]

Built it. Good job.

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

Thanks!

[toezar00]

Very cool, but can you make a video to show how to fly's?

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

If I had the capability to, I would gladly do so. Unfortunately, I do not. :(