How to Make the Simple SkyTraveler Paper Airplane

Fast, small and aerodynamic, the Simple SkyTraveler is an easy to make drone cruiser paper airplane.

The development of the Simple SkyTraveler was done with essentially one goal in mind: to produce a very simple, very easy to make drone cruiser design able to introduce new origami aviators to the miniature paper airplanes. To keep the aircraft simple and grease the skids for those origami aviators, I decided to use an amalgamation of parts from existing designs. The wing design was carried over from the Simple Trekker and the airframe from the original SkyTraveler. Flight testing showed the simple design was able, and so it was approved for publication shortly thereafter.

TAA USAF Designation: D365-5

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Scissors

Ruler

Tape

Pencil

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

First, begin by folding your your graph paper in half (excluding three boxes on the perforated side). Once the paper has been folded appropriately, make two marks--11 full boxes apart (allow for a further box back behind the airframe). Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 11 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the stabilizers, spars and counterweight as shown. Make the diagonal line on the ventral fuselage as shown and follow all photograph markings.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (1 box of constant chord at the root; a leading edge sweep of 1 box of chord decaying every 3 boxes outward from the constant chord box; and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of decay along the 4 boxes of wingspan). This will complete the wings. In addition, measure 2 boxes along the crease and 2 boxes upwards from one side and the 1 box forward. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this line the other edge of the line along the crease. This will make the horizontal stabilizers. Then cut it out.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Cut out your fuselage and fold the counterweight into the fuselage. Fold down the horizontal stabilizers, landing gear and spars. Once this is done, apply tape where designated. After taping all noted points, cut where shown.

Step 4: Applying the Wings; Stapling

Cut out and unfold your Simple SkyTraveler's wings. Once this is done, align the airframe with the wing and secure the wings to the spars with tape. Apply tape to the leading edge of the wing at its intersection with the LERX then cut away the portion of the fuselage below the diagonal line at the rear. Apply one staple in the area of the counterweight as directed. This will complete your aircraft.

Step 5: Flight

The Simple SkyTraveler is a simple paper airplane and handles with great docility. Launches should be done at moderate speed at neutral attitude. The angle between the stabilizers should be 60 degrees. Test flights should be conducted to verify and maintain the angle of the stabilizers. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!