Introduction: Paper Ground Effect Vehicle #2
After making #1, I was sure I could do better. Skimming smoothly over a perfectly smooth floor isn't really too much of an achievement.
So #2 was designed to hover higher and thus be able to tackle things like carpet or concrete on launch.
It does this OK. Once it is going it is fine, launching it is hard on rough surfaces, but it goes far better than #1, especially for it's size. It has a greater range of speeds that it hovers at, but the fins at the back make launching interesting
So #2 was designed to hover higher and thus be able to tackle things like carpet or concrete on launch.
It does this OK. Once it is going it is fine, launching it is hard on rough surfaces, but it goes far better than #1, especially for it's size. It has a greater range of speeds that it hovers at, but the fins at the back make launching interesting
Step 1: Materials and Requirements
The necessary equipment is a bit more for this, but is still pretty much nothing.
Materials:
Paper (A4)
Paper clip
Requirements:
Scissors or knife (ruler to help if you use a knife)
Glue (white or stick-form)
You
Materials:
Paper (A4)
Paper clip
Requirements:
Scissors or knife (ruler to help if you use a knife)
Glue (white or stick-form)
You
Step 2: The Template
While you can eyeball the dimensions, I'll make it easier for you, here's a template for the sizing and folds.
For those who need to know, bold lines are cut, dotted are fold. Heck, for this model it doesn't matter which way you fold, as long as you make two opposite sidewalls.
Print it so it is 8-9cm across. If it's bigger, then you'll need more than a paper-clip at the front. If it's too small then you'll need to find a smaller clip, or possibly use a staple. Remember that the bigger it is the better it flies, so don't go make a really really tiny one.
For those who need to know, bold lines are cut, dotted are fold. Heck, for this model it doesn't matter which way you fold, as long as you make two opposite sidewalls.
Print it so it is 8-9cm across. If it's bigger, then you'll need more than a paper-clip at the front. If it's too small then you'll need to find a smaller clip, or possibly use a staple. Remember that the bigger it is the better it flies, so don't go make a really really tiny one.
Step 3: Cutting
Just cut out the template. If you really want, click on this step and look at the picture, there's not much to see though.
Step 4: Folding
Again not much to see. All folds are 90 degrees. (or thereabouts) try to be accurate on the longer folds though.
Step 5: Glue
I'm pretty sure this is self explanatory. There is very little to muck up. Just try to get it looking like the picture you saw at the beginning.
Step 6: Finishing
Now if there is another ship to read, it is this one, there are a few things to know:
Finishing:
- Curve the paper down slightly. If the top of the craft is curved then it seems to fly better. If you are having difficulty getting yours to work you can crease it slightly at the front. Keep the back flat.
- Put on the paper clip with the smaller side down, this helps keep it curved.
Flying:
Once again put it flat on the ground. Then there are two ways:
1) Hold your hand vertical and move it forwards, don't flick your hand. (Picture 1) (my preferred way)
2) Hold with two fingers the sides of the craft and thrust it forwards. (Picture 2)
With a bit of luck it will skim across a variety of surfaces. On smoother floors you can see a clear gap underneath it.
Finishing:
- Curve the paper down slightly. If the top of the craft is curved then it seems to fly better. If you are having difficulty getting yours to work you can crease it slightly at the front. Keep the back flat.
- Put on the paper clip with the smaller side down, this helps keep it curved.
Flying:
Once again put it flat on the ground. Then there are two ways:
1) Hold your hand vertical and move it forwards, don't flick your hand. (Picture 1) (my preferred way)
2) Hold with two fingers the sides of the craft and thrust it forwards. (Picture 2)
With a bit of luck it will skim across a variety of surfaces. On smoother floors you can see a clear gap underneath it.
Step 7: Take It Further
Well, I haven't got this far yet, but I shall build a RC version in this style, with the rear stabilizer. Unfortunately I munted the small RC gear in my previous model, so this one may be a bit bigger..... I'll post a pic when I make it.