How to Make the Starfire Paper Airplane

A fast, small and agile little plane, the Starfire is a hybrid of the traits of the Hammerhead and Spirit paper airplanes. It is another lightweight paper airplane, following its "parents" requiring only a square piece of paper, rather than regular A4. The Starfire also features ventral canard fins that double as skids.

TAA USAF Designation: UF203-1

Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 8.5 inch paper
Tape
Optional:
Ruler
Pencil

Begin Folding

Start by folding one corner of paper to the one on the other side's bottom. Then fold the other corners down into the center (although not equally).

Prepare the Canard

Flip it over to the "clean" side, and pull the point of the nose down to the rear end of the paper. Then flip the paper over again. Proceed to pull both corners in as shown.

Fold the Canard

From its position on the last step, the paper airplane should now have the opposite side facing up. From there, pull the folds open and then flatten them as shown. After that, flip it back so the other side is now facing up. Fold the small triangular section of paper into the canard flap as pictured.

Wing Folding

Fold your airplane up in half along its center. Then measure 7/8 (0.875) inches up from the center fold and mark on each end at this height. Mark it, then fold the wings down.

Tail Folding

Fold your tail by folding your right wing down and then pull the rear tip of the paper up. Do so and pull it up so that a crease reaches the rear of the canard fold and trailing edge at the wing root. Once you've established the creases, pull the tail up through the fuselage.

Fold the Ventral Canard Fins

Without damaging your tail, fold the canard's ventral fins up as shown. They should be folded up so their fronts meet that of the canard. The outer sides should not have any extra wing area. They should be flush with the main wing.

Taping

Tape the Starfire up at its front, back and its bottom. The Starfire be taped as it is in the fourth picture.

Flight

The Starfire is a nimble little airplane wonderful for the role of aerial demonstrator. Although it is an excellent craft, it can be somewhat finicky at times. The Starfire must be launched at either a pitched-down, or level attitude. If it is launched at a pitch-up attitude, it will stall quickly. A medium throw should be used to propel this little aircraft through the sky. Enjoy!