How to Make the Vortex Paper Airplane

A unique little airplane, the Vortex is an entertaining little plane that will catches the eyes of all.


I originally made this plane as a stealthier, unorthodox approach for an attack plane. Although the Vortex later proved to be too small to fill that role, it soon proved itself as an awesome demonstrator for annular wing shapes.  





TAA USAF Designation: X61-1

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch notebook paper
Tape

Optional:
Pencil

First, begin by folding your piece of paper in half along its length. Then fold it in half along its width. Then make another two folds on each side of the width half fold to make fourth folds.

Pull the top down with each fold being 3/4 of an inch. Do this until these counterweight folds reach the other side of the length half fold. 

Fold the plane's fourth folds so that they will allow the counterweight fold to be on the outside when folded up. Then tuck one of the two outer folds into the other below its counterweight fold.

Taping your Vortex is very simple and easy. Tape it on the open side where the counterweight folds go under each other.

To fly your Vortex, throw it at medium speed while holding it by its counterweight fold only. At launch, the plane's two layered section should be on its bottom. Pitch it down slightly, and then throw. Enjoy!