How to Make the Super SkyTraveler Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and aerodynamic, the Super SkyTraveler is a miniature "drone cruiser" paper airplane with all the traits of a sailplane.

The Super SkyTraveler is a refinement of the Super Traveler, with fuselage developments of the SkyTraveler integrated into its design. To improve handling and reduce material usage, the size of the stabilizers was reduced as had been on the SkyTraveler. Flight testing went well for the aircraft and it was approved for publication after a short time.

TAA USAF Designation: D365-4

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Scissors

Ruler

Tape

Pencil

Stapler

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--11 full boxes apart (allow for a further box back behind the airframe). Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 11 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the stabilizers, spars and counterweight as shown. Make the diagonal line on the ventral fuselage as shown and follow all photograph markings. 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 (1 box of constant chord at the root; a leading edge sweep of 1 box of chord decaying every 6 boxes outward from the constant chord box; and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of decay along the 7 boxes of wingspan). This will complete the wings.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Cut out your fuselage and fold the counterweight into the fuselage. Fold down the stabilizers, landing gear and spars. Once this is done, apply tape where designated. After taping all noted points, cut where shown.

Cut out and unfold your Super SkyTraveler's wings. Once this is done, align the airframe with the wing and secure the wings to the spars with tape. Apply tape to the leading edge of the wing at its intersection with the LERX then apply one staple in the area of the counterweight. Cut along the diagonal line under the stabilizers, then apply tape where designated. The stabilizers should each be canted at about 20 degrees outward from the fuselage. This will complete your aircraft.

The Super SkyTraveler is a simple paper airplane and handles well. Launches should be done at moderate speed at neutral attitude. Test flights should be conducted to verify and maintain the angle and trim of the stabilizers. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons and air brakes. Enjoy!