Introduction: How to Make the StarVulcan Paper Airplane
More by the author:
About: Paper airplane maker: 400+ designs so far and more in development!
Fast, long range and simple, the StarVulcan is an excellent interceptor paper airplane meant to complement the more complex StarSabre.
The development of the StarVulcan began around the same time as the UltraSabre, which was designed in mid-2013. In its original form, the StarVulcan lacked many of the features it now possesses, including the new canard design that had been developed for the Simple Vulcan, a minimized fuselage and even winglets, which were omitted on original prototypes as "frills." While the original prototype flew decently, delays in publication worked to its advantage as more developments and opportunities for improvement and modification came following the development of other aircraft--particularly other Vulcan derivatives. In early April 2014, I decided that it was time to flight test the StarVulcan prototypes for publication, as I felt a need existed for a capable but simple airplane to complement the moderately elaborate StarSabre. Flight testing of the new prototypes went well, and they were finally cleared for publication.
TAA USAF Designation: F304-1
The development of the StarVulcan began around the same time as the UltraSabre, which was designed in mid-2013. In its original form, the StarVulcan lacked many of the features it now possesses, including the new canard design that had been developed for the Simple Vulcan, a minimized fuselage and even winglets, which were omitted on original prototypes as "frills." While the original prototype flew decently, delays in publication worked to its advantage as more developments and opportunities for improvement and modification came following the development of other aircraft--particularly other Vulcan derivatives. In early April 2014, I decided that it was time to flight test the StarVulcan prototypes for publication, as I felt a need existed for a capable but simple airplane to complement the moderately elaborate StarSabre. Flight testing of the new prototypes went well, and they were finally cleared for publication.
TAA USAF Designation: F304-1
Step 1: Materials
Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Step 2: Length, Corner and Nose Folding; Trailing Edge Construction
Fold your paper along its length. Then fold its corners down to the center as shown. Undo these folds, then cut along the resulting crease. After these triangles of paper are cut away, make two new corner folds as shown and pull them into the center. Pull the corner folds inward as shown. Then pull the tip of the nose downward along the edges of the paper. Once you have made the nose blunt as shown, pull the blunt edge down to the trailing edge on the side with the airfoils. After this is done, finish the step by folding the airfoils as directed.
Step 3: Canard, Wing and Winglet Folding
Fold the airplane in half along its center and fold the canards down, with their leading edges flush with that of the nose. Measure 0.875 inches above the center crease at each end and make a mark. Connect the marks with a crease to fold the wings properly. Measure 2 inches from the wingtip along the leading edge and make a mark, then 1 inch from the wingtip along the trailing edge and also make a mark. These will form the winglets.
Step 4: Tail Folding and Taping
Fold the tail up so its trailing edge is perpendicular to the wings. Then reverse the creases and pull the fin up through the fuselage. Then tape in the marked places.
Step 5: Flight
Like most other dart paper airplanes, the StarVulcan is fast and requires quick launches. The StarVulcan can be launched at neutral or positive attitudes at moderate to high speeds. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, elevators, ailerons, slats, flaperons, elevons, air brakes, canard trim and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!
