How to Make the StarComet Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and nimble, the StarComet is a small "drone-fighter" paper airplane designed to replace the Mite and complement the Meteor. While the wing shape of the StarComet is different than that of the Meteor, the two have equal wing loading factors.

The StarComet's development began at the same time as the Meteor, as a successor to the Mite; as the two designs were developed in parallel to share some commonality for ease of construction. Like the Meteor, the StarComet was found to be a stable, nimble airplane easy to make and fly. After its testing affirmed the StarComet's capabilities and was concluded, the aircraft was designated as ready for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: D314-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil

Step 2: Begin Construction

Fold your paper in half so that half a box is at the crease line. Make two marks 9 boxes from one another and mark out the fuselage as shown. The counterweight should be made as a 2 by 3 rectangle, with canards and the vertical stabilizer behind it.. Measure 1 box forward along the half box line, 4 boxes forward.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (1 boxes in length by 7 boxes in width, with a leading edge swept portion in front of this box of 2 boxes of chord eliminated every 3 boxes of span and 1 box of chord eliminated every 3 boxes of span).

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Cut out your fuselage and fold its counterweights and canards into place. Once this is done, fold along the vertical dotted line and cut along the solid horizontal line. Once the cut has been made, undo the fold. At this point, cut the extra vertical fin off and tape where designated. Proceed to cut off the part of the vertical fin above the solid horizontal line near its top.

Step 4: Applying the Wings; Taping

Cut out the wings, and then fold down the wingtips as shown. Pull the wing through the slit in the fuselage, then apply tape. Flatten the wings and canards to where they have no anhedral deflection. This will complete your StarComet.

Step 5: Flight

The StarComet flies in a way very similar to the Meteor; any origami aviators with experience flying that airplane should have little difficulty adjusting to the StarComet. Launches should be at neutral or positive attitudes at medium to high speed. Launches can be done at a positive attitude, but launch speed should be increased (range may be reduced). Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!