Introduction: How to Make the Simple OmniScimitar Paper Airplane
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Fast, long range, stealthy and simple, the Simple OmniScimitar is a wonderful flying wing paper airplane. Developed from the Simple Omniwing, the two share a great deal of commonality, and so anyone experienced with the Simple Omniwing should have no difficulty constructing and flying the Simple OmniScimitar. Because of the commonality, Simple Omniwings can be converted into Simple OmniScimitars.
For those executing such a conversion, proceed to this step.
The simplicity of this design enables easy construction and operation indoors, such as by students and in classrooms. Educators could easily use this versatile paper airplane to demonstrate:
For those executing such a conversion, proceed to this step.
The simplicity of this design enables easy construction and operation indoors, such as by students and in classrooms. Educators could easily use this versatile paper airplane to demonstrate:
- Glide ratio
- Hangtime versus other aircraft
- Weight and balance
- Flight dynamics
Step 1: Materials
Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 inch by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
1 Piece of 8.5 inch by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
Step 2: Width and Corner Folding
Start making your Simple OmniScimitar by folding it in half along its width. Then on one of the halves, fold the corner down to the center fold. Then repeat on the other side. Once the creases have been established, unfold each. Then fold the paper folds into themselves as shown. Then fold again. Once this is finished, unfold the paper.
Step 3: Airfoil Folding and Counterweight Preparation
Begin folding your Simple OmniScimitar's airfoils by folding the nose of the airplane back to the meeting points of the back of the corner folds. Fold the blunt tip of the crease of this fold into the center on each side as shown. Proceed to fold the paper in half along the center at this point. While folded, measure 2 inches from the trailing edge along the center crease and make a mark. Then measure 2 inches from the center crease along the trailing edge and make a mark. Then connect the marks with a diagonal line. Cut along this line and separate the triangle piece from the rest of the paper. Do not discard this triangle.
Step 4: Trailing Edge and Fin Preparation; Taping
Measure 0.75 inches in from the trailing edge along the wingtip and make a mark. Measure 1 inch in from the wingtip along the trailing edge and make a mark. From this mark, measure and make a 1 inch line inwards from the mark you made along the trailing edge. Once this line is made, connect its edge with the mark on the wingtip.
Now that this is done, return to the trailing edge at the center fold and mark a diagonal line that stretches from this point to one 0.5 inches inboard of the fin mark along the trailing edge. Then cut along this new diagonal line. You may discard the pieces cut off by this. Then cut along the diagonal line you made previously with the fins.
After these cuts have been made, tape the airfoils of your Simple OmniScimitar at their rear edges as shown. Then fold the fins upright.
Now that this is done, return to the trailing edge at the center fold and mark a diagonal line that stretches from this point to one 0.5 inches inboard of the fin mark along the trailing edge. Then cut along this new diagonal line. You may discard the pieces cut off by this. Then cut along the diagonal line you made previously with the fins.
After these cuts have been made, tape the airfoils of your Simple OmniScimitar at their rear edges as shown. Then fold the fins upright.
Step 5: Making and Applying the Counterweight
Unfold the triangle you made previously when you prepared the counterweight. Pull each of the corners forward to the front tip. Then turn the paper around vertically and pull the paper back toward its own crease and then make a perpendicular crease as shown. Pull the remaining one layer over the rest of the paper. Take the airframe and flip it inverted. Place the counterweight at the front of the aircraft. Proceed to tape the triangular counterweight to the nose of the airplane as shown. Once this is done, flip the airplane over and unfold the vertical fins. Your Simple OmniScimitar is now complete.
Step 6: Flight
Like the Simple Omniwing, the Simple OmniScimitar is a graceful, forgiving flying wing that can fly well. Launches should be at moderate speed, with the airplane being held by 3 fingers (1 over the wing, 2 beneath the wing). This type of launch will give flights the longest range at the best speed. Launches at lower/higher speeds tend to reduce range. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, rudders, spoilers, spoilerons, elevators, ailerons, elevons, and air brakes. Enjoy!