This instructable, inspired by the proliferation of micro-sized paper airplanes, contains instructions for building a miniature sailplane out of paper and a staple. It has a fuselage measuring 40 millimeters, a wingspan of 60 millimeters, and a height of 7 millimeters. Despite its small size, it has surprisingly good aerodynamics, which is due to the fact that it shares similar dimensions and attributes with full-size sailplanes. This includes:
- High aspect-ratio (long and thin) wings for increased lift with less induced drag
- Slender and streamlined fuselage for less drag
- T-tail empennage/stabilizers for effective pitch and yaw stability
- Dihedral for roll stability
Due to these attributes, this small glider can glide for substantial distances, perform tight aerobatics, and even gain some altitude on thermals created from heaters.
Much effort, time, and prototyping has been done on this design to ensure that it is easy to build, easy to trim, and flies well. If there is any flaw or area that could use improvement, do not hesitate to put recommendations in the comments section. In addition, I have designs for smaller and more complicated paper gliders, and these can be made into instructables upon community request ;-).
- High aspect-ratio (long and thin) wings for increased lift with less induced drag
- Slender and streamlined fuselage for less drag
- T-tail empennage/stabilizers for effective pitch and yaw stability
- Dihedral for roll stability
Due to these attributes, this small glider can glide for substantial distances, perform tight aerobatics, and even gain some altitude on thermals created from heaters.
Much effort, time, and prototyping has been done on this design to ensure that it is easy to build, easy to trim, and flies well. If there is any flaw or area that could use improvement, do not hesitate to put recommendations in the comments section. In addition, I have designs for smaller and more complicated paper gliders, and these can be made into instructables upon community request ;-).
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
1) Paper
- Most paper or post-its will work.
- The piece should be at least 4x6 centimeters.
- The piece should also have about the same thickness and weight of computer paper.
2) Stapler
- Use standard staples. They are approximately 1.5 centimeters in length.
3) Scissors
- Use a small, sharp pair.
4) Metric Ruler
- Small, clear rulers work the best for this project.
5) Pencil
- Mechanical pencils or a well-sharpened wood pencil is ideal.
- Most paper or post-its will work.
- The piece should be at least 4x6 centimeters.
- The piece should also have about the same thickness and weight of computer paper.
2) Stapler
- Use standard staples. They are approximately 1.5 centimeters in length.
3) Scissors
- Use a small, sharp pair.
4) Metric Ruler
- Small, clear rulers work the best for this project.
5) Pencil
- Mechanical pencils or a well-sharpened wood pencil is ideal.
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https://missions.capnhq.gov/ops/DOT/school/L23CockpitFam/images/rudder.jpg
And the plane design is outstanding as well.
Ever thought about designing a mico-Post-It helicopter-ish device?
Headdead
I want to attempt it!