How to Make the Thunderwarrior Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the Thunderwarrior is an excellent paper airplane with great stability and development potential. An ideal aircraft for new origami aviators in its ability to function as a trainer and as a great multirole platform. Like the Skywarrior it was designed to partially supplant, the Thunderwarrior can aid just about any origami air force in one role or another.

TAA USAF Designation: A162-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
2 Pieces of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Optional:
Scissors (additional surfaces only)

Step 2: Length and Corner Folding on the Front Airframe

Begin by folding one piece of paper in half length-wise. Then pull the corners into the center. Then pull the diagonal folds of the previous corner folds toward the center.

Step 3: Nose Folding and Wing Folding Preparation

Fold your aircraft in half with its airfoil folds on the folds' inside. Then measure 1 inch above the center fold on the fuselage at the trailing edge.  Proceed to the nose and move backwards from the tip until the measure between center fold and the leading edge is 1 inch. Unfold the paper and pull the tip of the nose back until the point is reached. Then fold the fuselage in half again.

Step 4: Width and Corner Folding on the Back Airframe

Fold the paper in half along its width. Then fold the corners down to the center. Once both are folded, unfold them. Then pull the outer edges of the paper down to the crease of the previous corner folds. Then fold again along the first corner folds.

Step 5: Merging and Taping the Two Airframes; Winglet Folding

Make a mark 1 inch above the center of the fuselage. Push the second airframe up to the back of the airfoil of the first airframe. Fold the two up along the center with the clean sides remaining outward. Tape the papers together on the underside where they meet, at the wingtips and center. Once everything is taped where designated, fold the wing down so the root intersects with the marks you have previously made. The trailing edge of the wing should be parallel with the fuselage.

After the wings have been folded, measure 1 inch inwards from each wingtip and make a mark. Then fold the winglets so their creases intersect with the marks.

Step 6: Taping

Tape your Thunderwarrior where designated; at its front, back and wing panel overlays.

Step 7: Flight

The Thunderwarrior is a fast, sturdy paper airplane with a large wing. As a result, for long range, high speed flights, tosses of moderate speed are optimal. Launches should be conducted at neutral or negative attitude only, unless using a faster throw. Additional surfaces applicable include slats, flaps, flaperons, spoilers, spoilerons, ailerons, elevators, elevons, air brakes, a bomb bay and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!