How to Make the Turbo Manta Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and stealthy, the Turbo Manta is an updated version of the Manta flying wing paper airplane, fitted with structural improvements like those found on the Turbo Omniwing. While the two are related, conversions are not possible.

I decided to develop the Turbo Manta as a modernized variant of the Manta, which was becoming obsolescent. With new developments that had been implemented upon the Omniwing series, I found improvements could be made whilst retaining much of the existing design, and as such I pursued them. Flight testing went well and the Turbo Manta was soon readied for its publication.

TAA USAF Designation: F220-2

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

Fold your paper in half along its width. Once you've done this, fold the edges of the paper back in to the crease. Then fold the corners of the paper into the crease of the outer fourths as shown. Then fold the diagonal edges back, and the folds on each side should now touch the center crease. Then unfold the last fold and fold its corners inward as shown.

Measure and cut a line tracing 1.375 inches down the center crease from the tip of the nose, then restore the previous folds. Pull their leading edges to their backs to make the airfoils. As this is done, pull the overhanging parts back over to their original sides, making the canards.

With this completed, measure 2.5 inches in from the trailing edge along the center crease, make a mark and then measure 2.5 inches outwards from the center crease along the trailing edge and make a mark. Then connect the two marks. Cut along this diagonal line. Do not discard the resulting triangle of paper.

After you have finished measuring and cutting what will be the counterweight, begin measuring the vertical fins. Find the point 0.75 inches ahead of the trailing edge along the wingtip and make a mark. From the wingtip measure 1 inch in and make a mark. Then from this mark, measure 1 inch inward (perpendicular to the trailing edge) toward the leading edge and make a mark. Then connect this mark to the one you just made on the wingtip. Then cut along this line and fold the fins upwards.

Fold the counterweight out flat. Then pull its outer tips forward. Turn the paper around and pull those same tips backwards. Then pull the other layer over them.

Now take your airframe and flip it to its "clean" side. Don't damage the fins while doing so. Place the counterweight at the front of the airplane, just behind the canard. Apply tape around it to secure it. Then flip the airplane over and apply 1 staple to the front, where the canard meets the leading edge of the wing and vice versa.

Like the comparable Turbo Omniwing, the Turbo Manta is similar to most of my other flying wing designs, so those accustomed to them should have little difficulty in transitioning to this airplane. Launch should be at moderate to high speed at a negative or neutral attitude, with the airplane being held by 3 fingers (1 over the wing, 2 beneath the wing). This type of launch will give flights the longest range and/or best speed. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, rudders, spoilers, spoilerons, elevators, ailerons, elevons, and air brakes. Enjoy!