How to Make the Simple StratoCardinal Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and small, the Simple StratoCardinal is a nimble little "drone" paper airplane developed from the Super StratoCardinal with a smaller wing to allow the design to function like both a cruiser and a fighter.

Development of the Simple StratoCardinal progressed quickly, as the design recycled the fuselage of the Super StratoCardinal in its entirety for reasons of simplicity and commonality. The new, smaller wing was quickly designed and mated to the prototype which proved itself capable in flight testing. The design was approved for publication and was allotted an instructable shortly thereafter.

TAA USAF Designation: D333-2

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper (4 boxes per inch)

Tape

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

Fold your paper in half so that half a box is at the crease line. Make a mark, then measure 6 boxes back and make another mark. From this second mark, measure half a box up, three boxes behind. From this third mark, measure and mark 3 boxes upwards over 1 box backwards. One box in front of and below the last mark; then make a line stretching two boxes forward from this fifth mark. Beyond this, the pictures explain the other marks needed with less confusion--better than I can explain with words. Once all is marked out, cut out the fuselage.

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 4 boxes outward from the constant chord box; and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of decay along the 5 boxes of wingspan). This will complete the wings. To make the horizontal stabilizers, measure 2 boxes along the crease, measure two boxes upwards from one mark and make another point. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this new mark to the one further away. From the mark you just made, measure one box further away from the one now connected to the line and make a mark. Sketch a line between this mark and the other mark along the crease. Then cut the horizontal stabilizers out.

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

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Begin constructing your fuselage by folding the counterweights into the fuselage. Once they have been folded, unfold the fuselage and cut off the right vertical stabilizer. Once this is done, restore the fold. After doing this, fold the vertical stabilizer forward along the dotted line that indicates the center of what will be the slot for the horizontal stabilizers, then cut. After this cut has been made, cut away the bottom of the fuselage beneath the diagonal line near the rear of the fuselage. Following this cut, cut along the vertical line of the ventral fins. Apply tape where designated and fold the ventral fins as shown.

Step 4: Applying the Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers; Stapling

Cut out your Simple StratoCardinal's wings and lay them beneath the
fuselage. Apply tape where designated to secure them to the fuselage. After securing the wings, cut out the horizontal stabilizers. Thread them through their slit and then secure them with tape as designated. Apply one staple to the counterweight area of the Simple StratoCardinal to complete it.

Step 5: Flight

The Simple StratoCardinal is a hybrid design comprised of elements of cruiser and fighter types. As a result launches, should be done at moderate to high speed at neutral or slightly negative attitudes. These conditions
will give the aircraft its best possible speed and range performance. Launches can be done at a positive attitude, but launch speed should be increased (range may be reduced). Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!