How to Make the Super Starstriker Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and capable of stunts, the Super Starstriker is an improved version of the already extremely versatile and popular Starstriker paper airplane. The Super Starstriker is identical in shape to its ancestor, differing only in its strengthened wing spars, which permit it to fly faster, turn tighter and carry more than the original model. This commonality allows conversions of existing Starstrikers to the "Super Starstriker" standard to be made easily. The Super Starstriker is able to function as a backyard buccaneer or classroom cruiser quite easily and well. Its simple, rugged design can handle a great deal of abuse, making it an excellent, fast trainer aircraft too.

Educators could easily use this versatile paper airplane to demonstrate:

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

TAA USAF Designation: A113-2

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

Take your paper and fold it along its length. Then pull the corners in and fold them into the center.

Pull the tip of the nose down to the trailing edges of the corner folds. Flip the paper over and pull the blunt tip of the nose inwards. Once you've made the creases, fold the paper forward to be tucked under the airfoils. Flip the paper back over and tuck the folded nose forward under itself. Then flip the paper again and pull the corner folds inward.

Fold your airplane up in half, then pull the corners at the back down like you did on the front side originally. Then unfold. Then cut along the creases these corner folds made. They should be equal with one another. You can then recycle the scraps that were cut away.

Fold the wings down so the wing root parallels the center fuselage fold 1 inch below. Fold each wing down, then fold the winglets by pulling the wingtips toward the bottom of the fuselage while the wing is folded. Repeat on the other side.

Begin folding your tail by taking the rear tip of your plane and folding it so its top faces rearward. This will result in a tail fin whose trailing edge is wholly perpendicular to the wing from a side view. Then unfold that, open the fuselage, and pull the fin through. Once this is done, tape your Super Starstriker at its front and rear (below the wing). This taping will complete your Super Starstriker.

Like the Starstriker, the Super Starstriker is fast, sleek airplane that can also fly at slower speeds if wanted to. Because of its ventral winglets and dense nose, the Super Starstriker is also very resistant to damage. Launches should be made at a moderate pace for crusing flights with speed increased for faster flights. For stunt flights featuring loops or a half Cuban Eights, launches should be vertical at moderate speed. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, spoilers, spoilerons, elevators, ailerons, elevons, rudders, air brakes and a bomb bay. Enjoy!