How to Make the Asteroid Paper Airplane

Fast, small and simple, the Asteroid is a quick "drone-fighter" miniature paper airplane. It was designed as a spiritual successor to older airplanes such as the Super Orion and as a less complex complement to newer designs like the StarJavelin.

The Asteroid was developed quickly after I mused over the idea of a simple low wing drone fighter that new origami aviators would be able to easily use. Developing the new idea further using the fuselage of the StratoMite as a basis, I came up with the prototype for the Asteroid. Originally, the aircraft was to use a delta wing design, but later this was changed to a trapezoidal design to address the centers of lift and gravity. The aircraft proved itself a novel flier in testing and it was approved for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: D366-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Scissors

Ruler

Tape

Pencil

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

Fold your paper in half so that half a box is at the crease line. Make a mark, then measure 6 boxes back and make another mark. From this second mark, measure half a box up, three boxes behind. From this third mark, measure and mark 3 boxes upwards over 1 box backwards. One box in front of and below the last mark; then make a line stretching two boxes forward from this fifth mark. Beyond this, the pictures explain the other marks needed with less confusion. Once all is marked out, cut out the fuselage.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (a leading edge sweep of 2 boxes of chord eliminated every 3 boxes of span, and a trailing edge of 1 box of chord eliminated every 3 boxes of span). In addition, measure 2 boxes along the crease and 2 boxes upwards from one side and the 1 box forward. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this line the other edge of the line along the crease. This will make the horizontal stabilizers. Then cut it out.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Begin constructing your fuselage by folding the counterweights into the fuselage. Once they have been folded, unfold the fuselage and cut off the right vertical stabilizer. Once this is done, restore the fold. After doing this, fold the fuselage along the vertical dotted line two boxes aft of the counterweight folds. After making the cut and restoring the fuselage from its folded state, fold the vertical stabilizer forward along the dotted line that indicates the center of what will be the slot for the horizontal stabilizers, then cut. Cut away the paper beneath the diagonal line under the vertical stabilizer and apply tape where designated.

Step 4: Applying the Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers; Stapling

To mount your Asteroid's wing, put it through the fuselage and pull half of it through. Then fold the two halves up on each side of the fuselage. Then apply a small piece of tape to the underside of the wings while they are folded up flush with the fuselage. Once this is done, fold the winglets down along those half box marks you made on the wingtips. Cut along the solid vertical line to make the ventral fins. Similar to the main wings, cut out your horizontal stabilizers and string them through the cut you made earlier. When they are positioned correctly, apply tape. After doing this, apply two staples from each side of the fuselage in the area of the counterweight folds.

Step 5: Flight

The Asteroid flies similar to other drone-fighters; anyone with experience with other drones should have little difficulty transitioning. Launches should be at moderate to high speed at (slightly) neutral or positive attitudes. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!