How to Make the StarSabre Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and small, the StarSabre is a nimble interceptor paper airplane meant to complement aircraft of the larger Vulcan family and the comparable Vengeance series.

The StarSabre is derived from the UltraSabre, which has become popular and encouraged this development. I decided to develop an interceptor version of the UltraSabre, which featured great simplicity to draw on this strength while heading in another direction. I applied my traditional "lightweight fighter" method of modification by redesigning the rear portion of the aircraft, and in testing I found it performed excellently. After completing its testing, it was cleared for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F303-2

Materials

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

Length and Corner Folding; Cutting the Trailing Edge

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then pull the corners on one end and fold them into the center. Then unfold the pair and cut them away along the crease. You may then discard these pieces. Proceed to the other side and make corner folds here.

Nose Folding

Pull the diagonal creases of the corner folds into the center fold and make creases on each side. Then pull the tip of the nose back to the tip of the tail and crease. Measure 1 inch back from this crease and make a mark, then fold forward at this mark and crease as shown. Unfold this nose fold to bend the corners underneath the triangle of the nose, then restore the fold and thus secure the bent folds. Measure 3.375 inches back from the tip of the nose and make a mark, then fold the tip of the nose to this point.

Wing, Winglet and Tail Folding

Fold the airframe in half along its center crease, and measure to the point where the length from the center fold to the trailing edge is 0.75 inches and make a mark. Fold between this mark and the nose tip crease to form the wings, as shown. Fold the wingtips inwards to the edges of the airfoil folds. Bend the tail up as shown so its trailing edge is perpendicular to the fold of the wing roots. Proceed to then reverse the folds and pull the tail through the fuselage as pictured.

Making the Elevators and Taping

Measure 0.75 from the wing roots along the trailing edge and make a mark, and then again from this mark. From these marks, measure and make lines 0.375 inches inward toward the nose, perpendicular to the wing roots. Then cut along these lines and fold. tape at the front and back and at the wing-LERX joints.

Flight

The StarSabre is a fairly rudimentary design featuring small, stubby wings and high wing loading. As a result, the StarSabre needs a moderately fast launch at neutral or positive attitudes (with elevator trim set to ~<20 degrees). Launches at slower speed and negative attitude are possible, but elevator deflection must be increased. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, ailerons, air brakes, and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!