How to Make the Turbo Owl Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the Turbo Owl is an improved variant of the Killer Owl paper airplane, incorporating traits of the SkyOwl. The Turbo Owl can fly both moderately fast and slow, and can easily be handled by origami aviators of all levels of experience.

The Turbo Owl was developed as a more capable version of the Killer Owl, utilzing new techniques developed for and used on the SkyOwl paper airplane in September 2012. Prototyping was simple and performance was good, so the Turbo Owl was alloted itself an instructable.

TAA USAF Designation: A73-4

Step 1: Materials

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

Step 2: Length and Corner Folding

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then pull the corners in and fold them into the center.

Step 3: Nose Folding

Pull the tip of the nose down to the trailing edges of the corner folds. Flip the paper over and pull the blunt tip of the nose inwards. Once you've made the creases, fold the paper forward to be tucked under the airfoils. Flip the paper back over and tuck the folded nose forward under itself. Then flip the paper again and pull the corner folds inward.

Step 4: Make the Ventral Fins

First, measure 1 inch in from the wingtip along the trailing edge. Then measure 1 inch into the wing from the trailing edge, and make a line to that point from the trailing edge as shown. Use your ruler to then measure along the wingtip, and make a mark at 0.75 inches from the trailing edge. Then cut in between the point on the wingtip and the point 1 inch into the wing.

Step 5: Wing, Winglet and Ventral Fin Folding

Fold the paper down with the trailing edges of the wings meeting with that of the fuselage. The leading edges of the wing should fit flush with parts of the nose fold at the front of the fuselage too, but if they do not, maintain the accuracy of the trailing edges. Fold the ventral fins as shown. Maintain parallel angling with the fuselage by aligning the trailing edge of each fin with that of the wing. Then fold the wings back down with the ventral fins folded. Then fold the wingtips up so that their edges meet the ends of the ventral fin cuts.

Step 6: Taping

Tape your Turbo Owl at its front, across its front, rear and over its wing root--near the back. Then tape the flaps below the leading edges together. This will complete the airframe.

Step 7: Flight

Similar to the SkyOwl, the Turbo Owl is stable and capable of flying moderately long ranges. Launch procedure is similar to the Killer Owl and SkyOwl too; launches should be at neutral attitude, at a moderate pace. Ground handling is excellent, owing to the large ventral fins that stretch to the surface below as outriggers. Additional applicable features include rudders, ailerons, elevators, elevons, air brakes, slats, flaps, and an electronic warfare tail. Enjoy!