How to Make the Invader Paper Airplane

The Invader paper airplane is a moderate speed, moderate range and all around capable flier. Reminiscant of the 1940s Northrop XP-79 Flying Ram, the Invader looks quite similar in shape.








TAA USAF Designation: A26-1

Step 1: Materials

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

Step 2: Width and Corner Folding

Fold your Invader along it's width. Then fold the corners into the center.

Step 3: Top Fold

From the previous step, pull your nose down to the airfoil line.

Step 4: Preparation for the Security Fold

Preparing for the security fold, pull the paper you just pulled down from the nose and fold it to be aligned along the center line. Fold the airfoil to end at the trailing edge of the airfoil pocket. Repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Security Fold

Fold the triangular flap of paper over the "airfoil fold" as shown. From this point fold the plane in half along it's center line.

Step 6: Fold the Wings and the Winglets

Fold your Invader's wings about 1 inch above the center line. Fold the winglets up from approximately 3/4 inch from the wing tip.

Step 7: Tape Your Invader

Tape your plane in the four cited places (the nose; the ventral trailing edge of the airfoil pocket on the fuselage; the rear; and the wing root at the rear).

Step 8: Refold Your Winglets

Fold your winglets again, down along the pre-existing crease in the paper.

Step 9: Flight

Your Invader is now ready for flight; fast or slow, long or short. Enjoy!

Step 10: Modifications

Variants of the Invader include:

A26-2 Super Invader: A variant with a greater sweep angle of 40 degrees rather than the -1Invader's 60 degree sweep. With this advantage, the Super Invader can fly faster with only minor modifications. Although baring little resemblance to its namesake, overall the Super Invader's range and payload are about the same although it gives up loiter time for speed.