How to Make the Super StratoCruiser Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and very aerodynamic, the Super StratoCruiser is an advanced variant of the StratoCruiser, fitted with a larger wing for increased lift and range. Like the original, the Super StratoCruiser is reminiscent of the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 tactical transport aircraft prototype, as well as most sailplane aircraft.

Design of the Super StratoCruiser was begun around time of the publication of the original StratoCruiser, as its potential for further development was seen very shortly after it was itself designed. The wings of the aircraft became the focus, and so I decided to enlarge them without modifying the fuselage. The reasoning behind this was to maintain some commonality in construction (as I had between the Voyager and similarly modified Super Voyager aircraft. When the Super StratoCruiser prototype was laid out, the spars were enlarged to accommodate the larger wing and when flight testing began, the design was found to be sound. Due to its smooth development, the Super StratoCruiser was soon allotted an instructable slot for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: D316-2

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper
Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Stapler
Scissors

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--9 full boxes apart (allow for a further box back behind the airframe). Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 10 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, spars and counterweight as shown. Follow the 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 6 boxes outward from the constant chord box; and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of decay along the 7 boxes of wingspan). This will complete the wings.

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Cut out your fuselage and fold the counterweight into the fuselage. Fold down the horizontal stabilizers, landing gears and spars. Once this is done, unfold down the stabilizers, skids and spars. Then apply tape where designated.

Step 4: Applying the Wings; Stapling

Cut out and unfold your Super StratoCruiser's wings. Once this is done, align the airframe with the wing and secure the wings to the spars with tape. Apply one staple in the area of the counterweight folds, and apply tape to the leading edge of the wing at its intersection with the LERX. This will complete your aircraft.

Step 5: Flight

Like the StratoCruiser,the Super StratoCruiser is a fast paper airplane and so its launches are more similar to those of drone fighters. Launches should be at neutral attitudes at medium to high speed. Launches can be done at a positive attitude, but launch speed should be increased (range may be reduced) and deep stalls avoided. Elevator trim may need adjustment, so test flights are highly recommended. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!