How to Build a Fighter Style Paper Airplane

These instructions will show how to construct a Fighter paper airplane. This is a great way to show your friends and family a unique way to build a paper airplane. The instructions are for people with some free time and anyone that would like to learn how to build a different type of paper airplane.

For first timers going through these steps, it may take around 5 minutes to get all the folds right and accurate. As you become more familiar with the folds, the process should take around 2 minutes. There are not any special skills needed for these instructions. Just about anyone can build this type of paper airplane with time and patience. It’s Fun!

Caution:
You might be dealing with fine cut paper. This may lead the edges to be sharp and can put you at risk for paper-cuts! Be careful when sliding paper edges across you hand.

Materials & Tools:
1. Paper, 8½” by 11” computer printing paper
2. Time and Patience

Step 1: Folding the "X"

a. Take any top corner and fold it down towards the opposite lower corner.
b. Have the folding corner stop a few inches above the opposite lower corner until the top edge and the side edge meet and share the same line.
c. Crease the diagonal fold and repeat with the other top corner until the "X" appears on your page.
d. Make sure all creases are flat and sharp.

Step 2: Pull, Fold, and Flip

a. Next, pull both outside, left and right, edges of the "X" together as shown until they meet in the middle of the page.
b. You may need to pinch center of the “X”, where the lines meet, until the top corner is flattened.
c. Push down across the center of the paper to crease the folds in the middle.

Step 3: Flip and Fold a Diamond

a. The next step is to flip the two side corner formed from the last fold.
b. Flip the corners towards the top corner until you have created a diamond shape in the center of the page.
c. Then, fold in the left and right corners of the diamond towards the center until the edges are in lined up and vertical with the center line.
d. Crease all the folds nice and tight.

Step 4: Rip and Tuck

a. This next step can be tricky.
b. With both hands grip the very top corner of the paper and rip down the center of the page.
c. Be careful that only rip a little more than one inch down the center of the page.
d. After, grab one of the ripped triangles and tuck the flap into the pockets created by the second diamond fold as shown.
e. Tuck as much of flap into the pocket as you can. Work slowly here to make sure you get it right.
f. Repeat with the other flap and crease each fold down and make it flat.

Step 5: Form the Body

a. With the tricky folds out of the way we can now focus on the body and the wings.
b. Fold the entire plane down the middle with the skinny triangles showing as shown and crease the fold.
c. At this point make sure that the plane looks symmetrical and the all the corners meet when you fold. This is important so the plane does not weigh more on one side then the other during flight.

Step 6: Fold the Wings

a. The Last folds involve the wings.
b. With the plane still in position from the Body fold, garb one of the wings and pull it down until the fold is right above the small triangle.
c. Repeat the same step with the other side of the wing and make sure the crease the folds well.
d. To add a bit extra flare and stability during flight, fold the sides of the wing tips up as shown

Step 7: Test Out

Now it's time to fly Top Gun! This type of paper plane requires a special technique when throwing.

a. Instead of a hard forward throw, the proper way is to gently toss the plane slightly pointed upwards. When tossed correctly, the added weight in the front will cause plane to dip down at first and gather good speed.
b. Then, the plane's wings opens and a smooth sweeping action should take place.
c. If done correctly the plane will use the speed gathered from the dip and use it to propel the plane.
d. This plane can also be tossed upside down for a straighter more liner motion.

Step 8: Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the process. The finished plane should look like one of the many paper airplanes shown. Practice the tossing motion and have fun with it. Compete with friends and see whose plane can travel the furthest! I hope that you’ve enjoyed going through these instructions and remember, it’s all for fun!