How to Make the SkyHammerhead Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the SkyHammerhead is an excellent paper airplane with great handling. The SkyHammerhead is a newer variation of the Super Hammerhead, with strengthened wing spars. The SkyHammerhead is well rounded and can perform most any tasks it is set.

Educators could easily use this versatile paper airplane to demonstrate:

Glide ratio
Hangtime versus other aircraft
Weight and balance
Flight dynamics

TAA USAF Designation: A165-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape

Optional:
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil

Step 2: Length, Fourth and Corner Folding

Fold your paper in half length-wise. Proceed to do this again so the paper will be divided into 4 tall but skinny sections. Pull the corners of the paper inwards to the fourth folds. Once you've done this on each side, flip the paper over and pull these folds toward the center crease until they meet.

Step 3: Canard Fold Preparation

From its previous position, flip the paper over so its "clean" side is facing upwards. Fold the nose back to the trailing edge on the other side of the paper. The flip the paper over and pull the blunt section of paper in towards the center. Once you've made these folds, open them back up. Then fold their edges into this crease. Then fold them down again as shown.

Step 4: Canard, Wing and Winglet Folding

From its previous orientation, flip the airplane over and pull the nose open as shown. Then flatten and crease the paper, while tucking the forward edge of the nose into the main portion of the canard. Once this is finished, pull the wing down so that the quarter crease meets the bottom of the fuselage. Fold the wingtips in toward the quarter crease in the wing as shown to make the winglets. Repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Taping

Tape the SkyHammerhead at the following points: the front, rear, wing roots at the front and back and the flaps on the fuselage.

Step 6: Flight

The SkyHammerhead is a paper airplane that is fairly simple to operate. Give this airplane a fast throw to achieve high speed, long range flights. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, spoilers, spoilerons, elevators, ailerons, rudders and air brakes. In addition, SkyHammerheads can be converted at any time to the SkyCharger stunt variant with a few minor modifications. Enjoy!