Introduction: How to Make the StratoHammerhead Paper Airplane

About: Paper airplane maker: 400+ designs so far and more in development!

Fast, long range and stealthy, the StratoHammerhead is an excellent fighter paper airplane. Incorporating some features from wat.'s Hammerhead Glider II and others from the Intruder, I developed this, the StratoHammerhead. This airplane is an excellent fighter-interceptor capable of fast, accurate flights. It is a great choice for anyone's paper air force.


TAA USAF Designation: F230-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Scissors
Optional:
Pencil

Step 2: Length, Fourth and Corner Folding

Fold your paper in half length-wise. Proceed to do this again so the paper will be divided into 4 tall but skinny sections. Pull the corners of the paper inwards to the fourth folds. Once you've done this on each side, flip the paper over and pull these folds toward the center crease until they meet.

Step 3: Canard Fold Preparation

From its previous position, flip the paper over so its "clean" side is facing upwards. Then pull the tip of the nose back to the point on the center crease which is equal in distance to the ends of the leading edge sweep. The flip the paper over and pull the blunt section of paper in towards the center.

Step 4: Canard Folding

From its previous orientation, flip the airplane over and pull the nose open as shown. Then flatten and crease the paper, while tucking the forward edge of the nose into the main portion of the canard.

Step 5: Excess Folding and Cutting

Fold the rear edge of the paper forward, towards the airfoil. Then cut along the crease you've just made. Once you've made this cut, you may discard the scrap paper.

Step 6: Wing and Winglet Folding

Fold the wings of your airplane down by pulling the paper down until the bottom of the fuselage can be seen under the point at which the canard and wing meet. Repeat on the other side. Then unfold the wings and have the plane sit upside down. From here, pull both wingtips inward to the fourth folds.

Step 7: Wing Fold Adjustments and Taping

Fold your wing roughly as shown. The inner sections should have a dihedral deflection and the outer, anhedral. The two winglets should be able to both touch the ground while the fuselage does too. After a check flight, you may need to trim your StratoHammerhead specifically to its specific needs.

After the wing has been folded into the approximate shape depicted in the second photograph, tape it in the following points: the front, rear and the flaps on the fuselage. 

Step 8: Flight

Like previous Hammerhead models, the StratoHammerhead is a fast, long range paper airplane. At launch give your aircraft a moderate throw for best performance. Addition surfaces applicable to this aircraft include slats, rudders, elevators, ailerons, elevons, flaps, spoilers/spoilerons and air brakes. Enjoy!