How to Make the AstroDagger Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and very easy to make, the AstroDagger is a simplified development of the popular AeroDagger paper airplane. As a result of design changes, the aircraft is easier to make and does not require measuring tools.

The AstroDagger was developed in early May 2015 and was in my lineup preparation for a June release. The aircraft had been a straightforward development of the AeroDagger as the WarVulcan had been to the JetVulcan. Given the similarity of the designs, prototyping and testing went along quickly. The aircraft showed itself to be quite capable. Because of the holding of the "Things That Fly" contest, I pushed the AstroDagger's release date forward; the design's simplicity makes it a great choice for new origami aviators to encounter before more complex designs.

TAA USAF Designation: F336-3

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Optional:

Ruler (for additional surfaces only)

Pencil (for additional surfaces only)

Scissors (for additional surfaces only)

Take your paper and fold it along its length. After doing this, fold the edges of the paper into the center crease you have made. Once this has been completed, pull the corners in and fold their creases into the center.

Unfold the paper, then fold the edges into the creases you have made with the previous folds. After doing this, fold the corners of the paper down on each side, as shown. After this, fold the creases of these folds down over top of themselves. Continue to fold the paper along existing creases until your paper matches the last photograph to create the airfoils.

Pull the overhanging paper back over the center crease. Repeat on the other side. Pull the diamond back until its tips meet the apexes of the diamond; then tuck the edges of the paper underneath the other layers as shown after pulling the overhanging portion back forward.

Fold the airframe up in half along the center crease, then fold down the canards as shown. To fold the wings, align the fourth fold creases with the center crease. Then allow the airframe to sit inverted. Fold the wingtips in to the fourth folds to make the winglets on each side. Tape where designated in the photograph to complete the aircraft.

The AstroDagger is quite conventional and has flight characteristics similar to traditional dart paper airplanes. Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitude at moderate to high speed. Trim may be required; test flights should be conducted. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, elevators, ailerons, flaperons, elevons, rudders, air brakes, canard trim and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!