The Glider That Shouldn't

Here's another simple, quick gliding toy that could fill a few hours of anybody's free time, especially if you go full at it on the final step.

It looks like it shouldn't fly, but...

Supplies

You need to print the template attached to this step (or paper to draw your own, using the dimensions in the photos as a guide), scissors and glue. If you're drawing by hand, don't forget the corner tab.

If you're going to try the modifications in later steps, a sharp knife and a cutting mat (or other safe-to-cut-on surface) would be useful.

Step 1: Cut and Score

Cut out the template around the solid line, and score along the dotted lines.

If you've never scored before, it helps make creases sharper & more accurate. Open your scissors wide, press your ruler firmly along the line you want to score, then gently draw the blade of the scissors down the line - when you lift the ruler away, the paper should already show a light crease. That slight crease makes it a lot easier to make the fold where you want it to be.

Step 2: Fold and Glue

Smear glue on the areas inside the scored lines, and fold along the scored lines - you're effectively rolling the paper up, but into a flat section.

Do not fold the last crease all the way over - the folded paper should stand up like a small wall, and the two folded sections should meet at 90°, with the tab sticking out.

Add a smear of glue to the tab, and stick it to the other folded section - it will hold the two sections up, and make the corner tidier to look at.

If you used a "wet" glue, like PVA, let it dry properly before flying, otherwise it can smush when it lands.

Step 3: Flying

That's it.

Your glider is finished.

Doesn't look like it will fly, does it?

The folded sections make up the leading edge of the glider - it flies corner-first.

Hold the glider by the back, as high as you can, with the front pointing slightly down and facing an open area..

Let go.

Don't throw it, don't launch it, just let go...

Step 4: Improvements and Modifications

OK, so the glider didn't cross the channel, or possibly even the room, but it flew far better than it looks like it should.

It is possible to make the flight slightly longer by adding slight curves to the glider. The best combination I have found so far seems to be:

• Slightly curl up the trailing corner
• Lightly curve along the central diagonal

But, as with all my projects, I love to see how other people execute the same idea, expand on it, improve it, even post their own instructable on how they did it better. As a starter, here are some ideas for ways you can experiment with the idea.

• Try changing the angle you are holding the glider when you let go.
• Try changing the angle the "walls" stand at - lean them back, lean them forward, what happens?
• Try changing the dimensions of the walls, or how many folds are in there.
• Try cutting holes in the glider (keep them symmetrical about the central diagonal)
• Play with the dimensions and proportions - the template comes out at 10cm (~4 inches) square - would a larger version fly better? Smaller? What is you base the glider on a diamond? Or a hexagon?
• If you've the patience, could you make a tiny one out of a cigarette paper?

And, of course, once you're happy with the design, you can always decorate it...

Let me see what you've done in the comments - post pictures of your version, or links to your own write-ups.