Introduction: How to Make the Vortex Paper Airplane
A unique little airplane, the Vortex is an entertaining little plane that will catches the eyes of all.
I originally made this plane as a stealthier, unorthodox approach for an attack plane. Although the Vortex later proved to be too small to fill that role, it soon proved itself as an awesome demonstrator for annular wing shapes.
TAA USAF Designation: X61-1
Step 1: Materials
Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch notebook paper
Tape
Optional:
Pencil
Step 2: Length and Fourth Folding
First, begin by folding your piece of paper in half along its length. Then fold it in half along its width. Then make another two folds on each side of the width half fold to make fourth folds.
Step 3: Counterweight Folding
Pull the top down with each fold being 3/4 of an inch. Do this until these counterweight folds reach the other side of the length half fold.
Step 4: Fold the Wing Together
Fold the plane's fourth folds so that they will allow the counterweight fold to be on the outside when folded up. Then tuck one of the two outer folds into the other below its counterweight fold.
Step 5: Taping
Taping your Vortex is very simple and easy. Tape it on the open side where the counterweight folds go under each other.
Step 6: Flight
To fly your Vortex, throw it at medium speed while holding it by its counterweight fold only. At launch, the plane's two layered section should be on its bottom. Pitch it down slightly, and then throw. Enjoy!
9 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
I absolutely love it. It is so quirky.
1 year ago
Idk if it was just me but this was hard
Question 4 years ago on Step 3
i cant get the triangle shape i need help
Answer 4 years ago
To make the triangular shape, you follow Step 4’s directs.
Pull the tips of the paper back in toward one another and insert one side into the other as pictured.
7 years ago on Introduction
Great nice find dude!
7 years ago on Introduction
Kool witha capital K
9 years ago on Introduction
It looks like a vortex to another world!
9 years ago on Introduction
The name reminds me of Vortexx that now airs on The CW every Saturday morning.
11 years ago on Introduction
Excellent. Reminds me of flying paper contraptions we used to make as kids.