Introduction: How to Make the UltraStratoCruiser Paper Airplane
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About: Paper airplane maker: 400+ designs so far and more in development!
Fast, long range and very aerodynamic, the UltraStratoCruiser is a three surface aircraft developed from the Super StratoCruiser as a more capable successor. Its three surface configuration endows it with improved handling and stability over its basis.
The development of the UltraStratoCruiser came following the success of the smaller but related Turbo StratoCruiser airplane. Its design validated the canards' layout and the three surface concept's use with the StratoCruiser family, so I decided to implement the benefits on the larger Super StratoCruiser as well. The addition of the canards required no major modification, besides the simple addition of one staple and a slight change to the counterweight folding process. The first UltraStratoCruiser prototype was ready quickly and tested well; it was cleared for publication immediately afterward.
TAA USAF Designation: D336-2
The development of the UltraStratoCruiser came following the success of the smaller but related Turbo StratoCruiser airplane. Its design validated the canards' layout and the three surface concept's use with the StratoCruiser family, so I decided to implement the benefits on the larger Super StratoCruiser as well. The addition of the canards required no major modification, besides the simple addition of one staple and a slight change to the counterweight folding process. The first UltraStratoCruiser prototype was ready quickly and tested well; it was cleared for publication immediately afterward.
TAA USAF Designation: D336-2
Step 1: Materials
Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper
Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Stapler
Scissors
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, counterweight and canards 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.
Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.
Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches
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.
Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.
Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches
Step 3: Making the Fuselage
Cut out your fuselage and fold the counterweight into the fuselage. When doing so, be sure to allow the canards to be folded outward as shown. 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 UltraStratoCruiser's wings. Once this is done, align the airframe with the wing and secure the wings to the spars with tape. Apply tape to the leading edge of the wing at its intersection with the LERX and apply one staple in the area of the counterweight folds on each side. This will complete your aircraft.
Step 5: Flight
The UltraStratoCruiser is fast paper airplane, but its long wing means launches do not have to be so quick. Launches should be at neutral attitudes at moderate speed. Launches can be done at a positive attitude, but launch speed should be increased (range may be reduced). Elevator and canard 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!
