How to Make the Super StratoMite Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and tiny, the Super StratoMite is a small drone fighter based on the popular Turbo SkyGnat. It is designed to compliment that airplane and its predecessor and namesake, the StratoMite.

The Super StratoMite was developed in response to the popularity of the Turbo SkyGnat; given that type's warm reception, I felt the development of a similar type with limited differences would be enjoyed by origami aviators. Modifications to the wings and spars of the Turbo SkyGnat were made and the Super StratoMite was formed. Flight testing showed the plane to be capable and it was approved for publication soon afterward.

TAA USAF Designation: D410-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper (4 boxes per inch)

Tape

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

First, begin by folding your your graph paper in half (excluding three boxes on the perforated side). Once the paper has been folded appropriately, make two marks--10 full boxes apart. Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 10 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the rudder and counterweight as shown. Follow the photograph markings. Then, mark out the wing spars and landing gear. From the back along the level 1.5 boxes above the fold, measure 2 boxes forward and make a solid line 2 boxes long. Measure 1 box back from the beginning of this horizontal line and mark out a dotted vertical line. Once all is marked out, cut out the fuselage.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (2 boxes in length by 3 boxes in width, and a swept portion in front of this box of 2 boxes eliminated every 3 boxes away from the fuselage). In addition, measure 2 boxes along the crease and 2 boxes upwards from one side and the 1 box forward. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this line the other edge of the line along the crease. This will make the horizontal stabilizers. Then cut it out.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.
Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Begin making your airframe's fuselage by cutting it out and folding the counterweight in. Next, cut one of the vertical stabilizers off and fold the landing gear and spars down. Once this is done, fold the vertical stabilizer forward along dotted vertical line and cut along the solid horizontal line as shown. Then unfold. Once this is complete, tape where designated. After this is done, cut the portion of paper below the diagonal line as noted.

Step 4: Applying the Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers; Stapling

Cut out and unfold your wing and flip your airframe inverted. Tape the wing to the fuselage by applying tape to the spars, with the overhang grabbing the wing. Cut off any excess tape. Flip the airframe over and then apply tape to the leading edge of the wing that sits atop the leading edge root extensions. Cut out your horizontal stabilizers and thread them through the slit in the vertical stabilizer. Fold them up once through and tape them to the fuselage. Once these surfaces have been mounted, add one staple in the area of the counterweight. This application will complete your Super StratoMite.

Step 5: Flight

Due to its smaller wing, the Super StratoMite flies slightly differently than the Turbo SkyGnat and is less maneuverable. However, origami aviators with experience with that type should have very little difficulty transitioning nonetheless. Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitudes at moderate to high speeds. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, ailerons, flaperons, elevators, a trimmable rudder and air brakes.