How to Make the Skyknight Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and durable, the Skyknight is a fairly straightforward paper airplane. It is a nice little aircraft with good handling characteristics that make it an excellent choice for an interceptor. With a blunt tip, it is also preferable for its survivability. Since its publication, the Skyknight has become my most popular interceptor, and I must affirm that this plane is indeed excellent in that role.

TAA USAF Designation: F172-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper
Tape
Optional:
Pencil

Step 2: Length Folding

Fold your paper in half length-wise. Proceed to do this again so the paper will be divided into 4 tall but skinny sections.

Step 3: Corner Folding

From one of the two short sides, pull in the corners.

Step 4: Preparation for Nose Folding; Wing Extension Folding

Fold the nose down along the bottom of the corner folds made previously. Then pull them up. From there, pull the paper that is covering itself out so that it jetties out from the edge of the center paper. When you pull it out, the fold should run from the bottom of the corner fold to the fourth fold in the trailing edge of the wing. Do this on both sides.

Step 5: Nose and Security Folding

Along the prefolded line below the corner folds, once again pull the top down. Then pull the front corners down toward the center but not all the way. Once done with that, pull the paper up below it which then becomes a triangle, (this step covers folding similar to that of the Super Dart's security fold).

Step 6: Wing and Winglet Folding

Fold your airplane in half along its center. Along a straight line above the security fold triangle, fold the wing. At the front and back, the wing should come down so that the trailing edge completely aligns and parallels with the rear fuselage. After both of the wings have been folded, start on the winglets. Do this by folding the winglet up parallel to the fuselage and up to the inner panel of the wing. Repeat this on the other side.

Step 7: Taping

Now begins the final step, you are almost done. First tape up the front and back, then the wing panels. Taping the front and rear sections is easy, and is just the usual method across. For the wing panels, go to the section where the extension jets out of the main wing and tape the top of the main wing to the bottom of the extension. Repeat on the other side. 

Step 8: Flight

Having a dart shape, the Skyknight is capable of very high speeds for a paper airplane. It is only at low speeds that its handling is rough and stability diminished. To make your Skyknight fly far fast, give it a good throw. Enjoy!