How to Make the StratoHarrier Paper Airplane

Simple, stable and easy to fly, the StratoHarrier is an augmented version of the Super Harrier with structural improvements. Due to its strengthened spars, the StratoHarrier's wing is more rigid and with the change in weight distribution, pitch stability at low to medium speeds is better than the Super Harrier. In addition, the StratoHarrier's rugged design is capable of withstanding a great amount of abuse, making it easy for even beginners to fly. Large ventral fins impart stability while the aircraft is in flight and on the ground too.

The simplicity and sturdiness inherent in this design enable easy construction, modification and operation indoors, such as by students in classrooms. Educators could easily use this versatile paper airplane to demonstrate:

• Glide ratio
• Hangtime versus other aircraft
• Weight and balance
• Flight dynamics

TAA USAF Designation: A106-4

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

Begin by folding one piece of paper in half length-wise. Then pull the corners into the center. Once the creases have been established, unfold each. Then fold the paper folds into themselves as shown. Then fold again. Once this is finished, unfold the paper.

Pull the tip of the nose back to where the swept leading edge of the wing ends. Flip back to the "dirty" side, and pull the corners down to the center as shown. Once the creases have been established, unfold each. Then fold the paper folds into themselves as shown. Then fold again. Then flip to the "clean" side, and pull what will be the nose open as shown. Then fold the airframe up in two along the center fold.

First, measure 1 inch in from the wingtip along the trailing edge. Then measure 1 inch into the wing from the trailing edge, and make a line to that point from the trailing edge as shown. Use your ruler to then measure along the wingtip, and make a mark at 0.75 inches from the trailing edge. Then cut in between the point on the wingtip and the point 1 inch into the wing.

Fold the paper down with the trailing edges of the wings meeting with that of the fuselage. The leading edges of the wing should fit flush with parts of the nose fold at the front of the fuselage too, but if they do not, maintain the accuracy of the trailing edges. Fold the ventral fins as shown. Maintain parallel angling with the fuselage by aligning the trailing edge of each fin with that of the wing. Then fold the wings back down with the ventral fins folded. Then fold the wingtips up so that their edges meet the ends of the ventral fin cuts.

Tape your StratoHarrier at its front, across its front, rear and over its wing root--near the back. Then tape the flaps below the leading edges together.

Like the Super Harrier, the StratoHarrier is very stable and capable of flying moderately long ranges. Launch procedure is similar to the Super Harrier too; launches should be at neutral attitude at a moderate pace. Ground handling is excellent, owing to the large ventral fins that stretch to the surface below as outriggers. This plane also has provisions for rudders, ailerons, elevators, elevons, air brakes, slats, flaps, and an electronic warfare tail. Enjoy!