Yellow Card Stock Jet Glider W/ Canards

This is my own design and part of a series of very small chuck gliders. I am pleased with the looks of the design, and it is capable of good flights. On the other hand, trimming it (i.e, adjusting the elevators, rudder, etc.) for consistent flights is a very touchy process.

I always intend that my work inspire others to create. Whether or not you make an exact copy of this glider, I hope it gives you some ideas about how to design one of your own.

Supplies

Digital files are at the bottom of this step. Things you will need...

-beige file folder, cut to a standard size (8.5" x 11" / A4) ... or ... sheet of medium weight card stock (80 lb. / 215 gsm)

-liquid white glue and glue stick

-ruler

-scissors and hobby knife

Step 1: Cut Out the Pieces

I always intend that my work inspire others to create. Whether or not you make an exact copy of this glider, I hope it gives you some ideas about how to design one of your own.

If using the PDF, print at 100% scale. If you're printer doesn't handle card stock, you'll need to find one that does. Cut out the shapes using scissors. Cut slowly and precisely. You may want to use a hobby knife and ruler to cut certain areas. Be careful with the knife and put on a protective cap whenever it is not in use.

Use the vector file for an automated cutter, such as a Cricut. Note that Cricut Design Space makes the image much larger than its original size (?), so you need reset the height to 4.75 inches.

Step 2: Main Pieces

Use a glue stick. Apply a thin, consistent layer. Attach the main and nose braces to the top of the fuselage.

Fold the intake/engine piece. Bond the two panels with liquid glue. Attach it to the bottom of the fuselage with liquid glue.

Attach the two nose strips together using liquid glue, and attach it in front of the intake/engine piece. Trim the excess.

Step 3: Vertical Stabilizers & Canopy

Apply a small amount of liquid glue to the bottom of each vertical stabilizer. Slide them into place. The stabilizers should be tilted outward by about 10 degrees. You may want to make creases to define the rudder before attaching the stabilizers.

To make a canopy of a different color, trace the piece onto a piece of white card stock or note card. Cut it out and use a straight edge to establish creases on the lines. Form the canopy shape, with the front overlapping the back section slightly. Use a couple drops of liquid glue to hold the sides in place. Attach the canopy to the jet.

Step 4: Control Surfaces & Wing Shape

Use a ruler to establish the creases of the elevators on the aft horizontal stabilizers. Hold the ruler firmly and press on the edge with your fingers, leaving a crisp angle (see first photo). The aft elevators should be deflected up about 8 degrees.

Continue with the fore elevators, deflecting them down by about 5 degrees. If not completed earlier, establish creases to define the rudders, but leave these in a neutral position.

Establish the creases of the main wing leading edges, and main wing trailing edges. The leading edges should be angled down about five degrees. The trailing edges should be angled down about 10 degrees at the wing roots, fading slightly out to the wing tips.

Lastly, add a bit of dihedral to the main wing. In other words, establish a slight crease at each wing root so the wing tips are raised a few degrees above horizontal.

Step 5: Inspection & Test Flights

Check the glider from all angles. Look for imperfections—twists, dents, bows—that make the glider asymmetrical. If the left and right sides are different, the glider will not fly well.

A light breeze is like a whipping wind to this little glider! If possible, test it indoors.

Throw the glider softly and on a level trajectory. Try to be as consistent as possible, and test it several times. If it tends to dive, deflect the aft elevators up. All adjustments should be tiny.

If it tends to gently turn left or right, adjust one of the rudders. If it turn pretty aggressive to the left or right, there's probably an issue with the wings. You can manipulate the outer half of one of the trailing edges as if it were an aileron, raising it to make the wing dip during flight, or lowering it to make the wing lift.

Good luck!

Step 6: Flights

Proof that it flies!