How to Make the SkyBuffalo Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the SkyBuffalo is an easy to make dart paper airplane developed from the Buffalo. The SkyBuffalo is a good choice for new origami aviators to try when first approaching the realm of paper airplanes.

The SkyBuffalo was developed alongside the original Buffalo; however, due to their similarity, I decided to proceed with the simpler Buffalo and defer publication of the SkyBuffalo. After posting the highly advanced Omniwing Swift, I decided it would be appropriate to post a simpler aircraft. The SkyBuffalo was selected given its simple construction and handling requirements.

TAA USAF Designation: F352-2

Step 1: Materials

Required:

1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Optional:

Pencil (additional surfaces only)

Ruler (additional surfaces only)

Scissors (additional surfaces only)

Step 2: Length and Airfoil Folding

Fold your paper in half length-wise. Then pull the paper down so that the crease stretches from the fold at the front you just made and the corner of the paper on the other side. Repeat on the other side. Once this is completed, pull the overhanging paper back above the center crease made earlier. Reopen the folds without damaging the overhanging folds you handled previously. Fold the outward edges of the paper inward to the creases as shown on each side. After this, refold along the original creases.

Step 3: Nose Folding

Pull the leading edges of the paper diamond made earlier into the center on each side as shown. After doing this, unfold the airfoil folds you made earlier . Pull the tip of the nose to the trailing edge of the airfoil folds as shown. Once this is done, pull the tip of the nose back forward. Reverse this folds and tuck the tip of the nose under the airfoil folds to complete this step.

Step 4: Wing and Stabilizer Folding; Taping

After folding the paper in half along its center crease, fold the leading edges of the paper down to the center crease on each side. After this is done, flip the airplane over. Fold the stabilizers down parallel to the fuselage.

When all is folded as displayed in the photographs, apply tape where designated. This will complete your SkyBuffalo.

Step 5: Flight

The SkyBuffalo is designed to be simple and so its flight characteristics are very predictable. As is traditional with similar darts, the SkyBuffalo will tend to fly where it is pointed at a moderately fast pace.

Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitude at moderate to high speeds. Test flights should be conducted to determine what trimming (if any) is necessary to get the SkyBuffalo to fly as desired. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, elevators, ailerons, air brakes and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!