How to Make the Manta Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and stealthy, the Manta is a flying wing paper airplane that would be a great supplement to anyone's paper air force.


Developed from the Super Omniwing, the Manta is designed as a stealthy--but nevertheless quick fighter, capable of flying without being seen. Like the Super Omniwing, the Manta has fins to give it better stability. The origin of the canard concept was the "Canardwings" variation of the well known Paperang. This plane has provisions for ailerons, elevators, elevons, spoilers, spoilerons and rudders. 


 TAA USAF Designation: F220-1

Step 1: Materials

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

Step 2: Width and Length Folding

Fold your paper along its width. Once you've made the crease, fold the outer sides in to make fourths.

Step 3: Corner Folding

Unfold the fourth folds you just made, but not the half fold. Pull the corners of the paper down to the fourth fold line. Once you've done this on both sides, pull those toward the center as shown.

Step 4: Constructing the Canards

Make a mark just behind the point where the corner folds meet along the center crease. Then unfold the second set of corner folds, but not the first. Measure half of the distance from the mark and the tip of the nose, then mark it. Make a cut from the nose's tip to the half mark. Fold the second corner folds back again, then pull their leading edges to their backs to make the airfoils. As this is done, pull the overhanging parts back over to their original sides, making the canards.  

Step 5: Canard and Wing Taping

From its previous position, flip the paper so the "clean" side is upright. Tape the canard to this side with two small pieces of tape. Then flip it over again, and tape down the airfoils. Then fold your Manta up in half along its center with the "clean" side outwards.

Step 6: Counterweight and Fin Cutting

While your Manta is folded in half, find and mark the points that are 2.5 inches from the trailing edge along the center crease and 2.5 inches from the center crease along the trailing edge. Then connect them with a diagonal line. Proceed to cut along this line and separate the triangle that is cut off. Do not discard this triangle as it will be used later in construction.

Fold your airplane in half along its center. Then mark 1 inch in from the trailing edge along the wingtip, and 1 inch in from the wingtip along the trailing edge. Then mark a line stretching 1.25 inches in from the 1 inch mark along the trailing edge. Then connect the 1.25 line to the wingtip 1 inch mark with a cut. Proceed to then fold the fins up. Keep them parallel to the fuselage by aligning their trailing edges with those of the wing.

Step 7: Making and Applying the Counterweights

Fold the counterweight out flat. Then pull its outer tips forward. Turn the paper around and pull those same tips backwards. Then pull the other layer over them.

Now take your airframe and flip it to its "clean" side. Don't damage the fins while doing so. Place the counterweight at the front of the airplane, just behind the canard. Apply tape around it to secure it. Then flip the airplane over and apply 1 staple to the front, where the canard meets the leading edge of the wing and vice versa.  

Step 8: Flight

Like the Super Omniwing before it, the Manta is a great flier with good speed, range and stability characteristics. At launch, advance the plane forward at a moderate speed, at a negative or neutral attitude. Generally, flights lengths are of at least 30 feet. Enjoy!