How to Make the StratoHunter Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and simple, the StratoHunter is a capable dart paper airplane meant to complement the similar Hunter. The StratoHunter was designed as a less complex variant of the popular and sleek Hunter.

After the Hunter was published, it quickly became popular. To build on this, I decided to begin development of an aircraft with greater simplicity in its construction whilst keeping performance excellent. Because the Hunter had been developed from the Vulcan family, I decided to again draw on the Vulcans. I selected the JetVulcan as the basis of the new aircraft, and began reworking the JetVulcan's design with concepts that had been applied to the Hunter. Initial prototypes of the StratoHunter looked largely the same as the published version, though the length of the nose and position of the nose folds. After testing and proving itself, the nose was lengthened to what it is now and the aircraft approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F372-2

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Pencil

Ruler

Optional:

Scissors (for additional surfaces only)

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then 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.

Fold the previous folds along the existing creases as shown, then pull the overhanging paper back away from the center crease. Repeat on the other side. Pull the tip of the nose back until its tips meet the apex of the diamond; then tuck the edges of the paper underneath the other layers as shown.

Pull the tips of the paper along the trailing edges into the center fold and crease to make the fourth folds. After making the creases, unfold. After you have done this, reverse the creases as shown. Next, fold the fourth folds the opposite way from what you did before. Fold the paper down and reverse the airfoil folds as shown.

With this completed, pull the outer tips of the wings outward between the airfoils and trailing edges as shown. After doing this on each side, reverse the airfoil folds again to place all airfoils on the ventral side of the paper as pictured.

Pull the tip of the nose toward the trailing edge, stopping when the angled section of the nose reaches the inner-outer wing joint. When this point is reached, crease as shown. Pull the nose forward until reaching the end of the angled portion (be sure to keep the nose straight by aligning the center crease with itself).

Fold the aircraft in half along the center crease, fold the canards down then fold the wings down by folding the inner wings' edges to the center crease. Align the trailing edges of the wing with the trailing edge of the fuselage to maintain the proper angle of incidence.

To make the winglets, you will have to make four marks. Measure 1 inch from each wingtip along the wings' trailing edges and mark as noted. After doing this, measure 1.5 inches from each wingtip along the wings' leading edges and mark as noted.

Tape where noted in the photographs.

The StratoHunter flies similar to the Hunter and other fast dart paper airplanes like it. Launches should be conducted at neutral or positive attitudes at moderate to high speeds. Test flights should be conducted to check the aircraft's handling after construction. Additional applicable surfaces include elevators, ailerons, flaps, air brakes and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!