How to Make the StratoShark Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and aerodynamic, the StratoShark is an aerodynamic glider paper airplane that can fly like a dart. It is a spiritual successor to the Twin Shark, featuring several improvements.

The development of the StratoShark was begun after I was reminded of previous similar aircraft I had made. My friend Paper Artland, another paper airplane maker, rolled out his Aries Warrior, a plane inspired by the Twin Shark boasting a similar layout. After seeing this plane, I decided to initiate development of a similar aircraft that improved upon the older designs. I also sought to replace the aging Super Shark, a three year old design, with a more capable aircraft. To this end, I reworked the also similar HyperSpectre paper airplane; the result was a simple but very capable paper airplane that easily proved itself worthy for publication in testing.

TAA USAF Designation: F363-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:

1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Ruler

Pencil

Optional:

Scissors (for additional surfaces only)

Step 2: Length and Cover Folding

Begin construction by folding your paper in half along its length. Then fold one corner of your paper to the edge of the opposite side. Then open and repeat on the other side. Then pull the top half of the X onto the bottom half.

Step 3: Corner and Cover Folding

Fold your paper up in half along its length. Then fold the corners of the side closer to the width fold down on each side. Then fold and tuck the paper in under itself. Then flatten out the diamond section of paper on top of the rest of the paper.

Step 4: Airfoil Folding

Pull the back of the ventral diamond forward to its opposite. Then, fold the airfoils up so that their rear edges touch the leading edges of the wing. Make a crease at this point and then reverse and tuck this paper under itself as shown. After the airfoils are tucked underneath themselves, pull the diamond half back and tuck it under the part it had been folded over. Then fold the paper up in half, the side without the airfoils facing outward.

Step 5: Wing, Stabilizer and Winglet Folding

Measure 0.75 inches above the center crease along the trailing edge and make a mark. Fold the wing down at this mark whilst aligning the trailing edge of the wing with that of the fuselage. Repeat on the other side. Fold the stabilizer up, parallel with the wing fold by aligning it with the vertical fold from the previous step as shown. Repeat on the other side. Measure 0.75 inches from the wingtip and make a mark on each wing. At these marks, fold the winglets down and keep them parallel to the fuselage by aligning their trailing edges with those of the wings. Tape the aircraft at the nose, in front of each of the stabilizers, the rear and over the wing root near the trailing edge. This will complete your StratoShark.

Step 6: Flight

The StratoShark should be flown as a fast glider paper airplane; it is not as fast as a dart nor is it as slow as a standard glider. Launches should be done at neutral attitude at moderate speed. Test flights should be conducted to see what trim (if any) is needed. Additional applicable surfaces include elevators, ailerons, elevons, rudders, spoilers and air brakes. Enjoy!