How to Make the AeroSpectre Paper Airplane

Long range, simple and durable, the AeroSpectre is a modified version of the Turbo Spectre paper airplane. Because of its blunt nose, moderate speed and sturdiness, the AeroSpectre is an excellent interim aircraft for those transitioning from aircraft like the SkyCub to more advanced aircraft like the Starhawk or Vulcan.

The AeroSpectre has almost full commonality with the Turbo Spectre, to the point where an example of the latter can be converted into that of the former. (For those making such a conversion, proceed to here.)

The AeroSpectre was developed around the same time as the Turbo Spectre as a trainer version of the aircraft, but was shelved due to a perceived lack of need for such an aircraft. After almost a year, I decided that the nimble aircraft was worthy of publication and allotted it an instructable.

TAA USAF Designation: A2-16

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil

Step 2: Length and Corner Folding

Fold your paper in half along its length. Then pull the corners into the center.

Step 3: Nose and Security Folding

Fold the nose down to the trailing edge. Then pull both corners into the center. Once both corners have been pulled to the center crease, unfold them, then fold them into themselves as shown. Pull the triangle up to secure them. Then fold the airplane in half along the center crease.

Step 4: Making the Elevators and Folding the Wings

Begin making your elevators by measuring 0.75 inches above the center crease and making a mark. This will be where the wing root is. From this mark, measure an inch inch further upwards along the trailing edge and make a mark. Then measure another 0.75 inches from this mark. From these last two marks measure towards the front of the wing 0.375 inches and make lines of this length. Once these lines are made, cut along them. Once these cuts have been made, fold the wings down at the first mark as shown, parallel with the trailing edge of the fuselage.

Step 5: Winglet and Nose Folding; Taping

Measure 0.75 inches inwards from each wingtip and make a mark at each of these points. Then fold at these points to make the winglets. Once the winglets are made Fold the nose back as shown, then tape where designated. Fold the elevators up to ~45 degrees of deflection. This will complete your AeroSpectre.

Step 6: Flight

The handling of the AeroSpectre is very comparable to that of the Turbo Spectre, but the former is more nose heavy. Launches should be done at medium to high speeds at neutral or negative attitudes. Elevator deflection should be decreased as speed and attitude increase, and likewise increased when speed and attitude are decreased. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, slats, elevators, ailerons and rudders. Enjoy!