Introduction: How to Make the SkyStinger Paper Airplane

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Fast, long range and simple, the SkyStinger is an easy to make "drone fighter" paper airplane. The SkyStinger was the basis for the comparable AeroStinger.

The SkyStinger originated as a testbed aircraft for a replica, testing the general configuration of the aircraft which was to be replicated. Although this configuration proved successful, I decided to reconfigure the aircraft's tail for greater commonality with other designs and develop the aircraft into a drone fighter in its own right. This aircraft became the AeroStinger. However, upon revisiting the original testbed aircraft, I decided it was also worthy of publication as a drone fighter. While the SkyStinger did not possess any commonality with other designs, I decided its own simplicity justified its publication. Having already proven itself, the aircraft was swiftly approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designaton: D396-2

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Scissors

Ruler

Tape

Pencil

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

Fold your paper in half so that half a box is at the crease line. Make a mark, then measure 10 boxes back and make another mark. Replicate the marking pattern shown in the photograph. Once all is marked out, cut out the fuselage.

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 (a leading edge sweep of 1 box of chord eliminated for every 1 box of span and a straight trailing edge). Measure 3.5 boxes from the fold and make a mark, then draw a perpendicular line forward to the leading edge of the wing. This perpendicular line will become the wingtip and eventually part of the winglet. In addition, measure 2 boxes along the crease and 2 boxes upwards from one side and the 1 box forward. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this line the other edge of the line along the crease. This will make the horizontal stabilizers. Then cut it out.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Begin constructing your fuselage by folding the counterweights into the fuselage. Once they have been folded, unfold the fuselage and cut off the right vertical stabilizer. Once this is done, restore the fold. After doing this, fold the fuselage along the vertical dotted line two boxes aft of the counterweight folds. After making the cut and restoring the fuselage from its folded state, fold the vertical stabilizer forward along the dotted line that indicates the center of what will be the slot for the horizontal stabilizers, then cut. Tape where designated.

Step 4: Applying the Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers; Stapling

Cut out the wings and slide them through the forward slit in the fuselage. Fold them up on each side and apply tape where designated. Once you have done this, fold the winglets down as shown.

Slide the horizontal stabilizers through the slit in vertical stabilizer and apply tape to secure them on each side. After doing this, cut off the portion of fuselage beneath the diagonal line. Apply one staple in the area of the counterweight. This will complete your SkyStinger.

Step 5: Flight

Because of its conventional configuration and simplicity, the SkyStinger flies quite easily and predictably. Launches should be at moderate to high speed at (slightly) neutral or positive attitudes. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!