How to Make the StarSpectre Paper Airplane

Fast, long range, and versatile, the StarSpectre is an excellent little plane that can approach and fill almost any need. With its landing gear, this aircraft has great longevity characteristics too. In addition, its configuration makes it a suitable trainer for other similarly configured airplanes like the SkySpectre and Charger.

To make it easier for those constructing the StarSpectre, I chose to develop the airplane from the HyperSpectre, giving the two a high amount of commonality. The StarSpectre is yet another variation of the Spectre family.


TAA USAF Designation: A2-10

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Optional:
Scissors (advanced models only)

Step 2: Length and Cover Folding

Begin construction by folding your paper in half along its length. Then fold one corner of your paper to the edge of the opposite side. Then open and repeat on the other side. Then pull the top half of the X onto the bottom half.

Step 3: More Cover Folding

Fold your paper up in half along its length. Then fold the corners of the side closer to the width fold down on each side. Then fold and tuck the paper in under itself. Then flatten out the diamond section of paper on top of the rest of the paper.

Step 4: Airfoil Folding

Pull the back of the ventral diamond forward to its opposite. Then, fold the airfoils up so that their rear edges touch the leading edges of the wing. Make a crease at this point and then reverse and tuck this paper under itself as shown. After the airfoils are tucked underneath themselves, pull the diamond half back and tuck it under the part it had been folded over. Then fold the paper up in half.

Step 5: Landing Gear and Wing Folding

First, fold your landing gear down so their tips parallel the seams of the airfoil folds. Then make a mark 5/8 of an inch above the center crease of the airplane. Then fold the wing down, with its crease connecting the two marks you've made. Then repeat on the other side.

Now that that has been finished, pull the wingtips toward the wing root. Once you've done this on both sides, pull the wingtips back down to the creases you just made. 

Step 6: Elevator Folding and Taping

Pull the "secondary" wings trailing edge and pull it toward its root. Repeat on the other side. Then tape the aircraft at its front and rear, and in front of the landing gear (as shown).  

Step 7: Flight

Like the popular Spectre, the StarSpectre is a great cruiser with great speed, range and stability. At launch, give it a swift launch at no more than 20 degrees nose up attitude, and no less than 20 degrees negative attitude. For best range performance, launch at a neutral attitude. Due to its equipped skids, the StarSpectre handles just as good on the ground as it does in the air. Potential addition control surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevons, elevators, ailerons, air brakes and rudders. Enjoy!