How to Make the UltraStratoDragon Paper Airplane

Quick, long range and aerodynamic, the UltraStratoDragon is a development of the Turbo StratoDragon, featuring canards for enhanced stability and performance. The canard design was derived from that used on the Turbo StratoCruiser andUltraStratoCruiser, both of which the UltraStratoDragon is meant to complement.

The UltraStratoDragon's design period began after the success of the Turbo StratoCruiser was recognized, as an interim drone cruiser to succeed its basis whilst more advanced aircraft are developed to succeed both. Flight testing showed the aircraft did benefit from the installation of the canards, and the UltraStratoDragon was soon readied for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: D293-2

Step 1: Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Tape

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

Start construction of your UltraStratoDragon by sketching out the design featured in the first picture. The graph paper this is made on should have one set of boxes folded in half at its crease. The fuselage is 10 boxes in length and has a counterweight of 3 by 2 boxes. One box from the rear of the fuselage, make a solid line along the graph line 0.5 boxes above the crease that stretches 2 boxes forward. Then 2 boxes inwards from the rear of the fuselage, make a dotted vertical line. The layout of the lines is complex, so it is easier to show than explain. Proceed to then cut it out.

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 (1 box of constant chord at the root, a 3 by 5 box area of wing with a taper of 1 box of chord eliminated every 5 boxes away from the fuselage on both the leading and trailing edges of the wings. Measure 2 boxes along the crease, measure two boxes upwards from one mark and make another point. Then draw a diagonal line connecting this new mark to the one further away. From the mark you just made, measure one box further away from the one now connected to the line and make a mark. Sketch a line between this mark and the other mark along the crease. Then cut the horizontal stabilizers out.

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

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Cut out your fuselage and fold its counterweights and canards into place. Once this is done, fold along the vertical dotted line and cut along the solid horizontal line. Once the cut has been made, undo the fold. At this point, fold down the spars, canards and landing gear, and then fold the vertical fins up. Now tape where designated.

Step 4: Applying the Wings and Horizontal Stabilizers; Stapling

Cut out your wings and lay them out flat. Align the fuselage over top so the spars align with the wing as shown. Then apply tape. Cut off any excess. Flip the aircraft over and apply tape to the leading edge of the wing above the leading edge root extensions. Cut out your horizontal stabilizers and slide them through the slit in the fuselage you made earlier. When through, fold them up and apply tape to the underside; then fold down. Apply one staple in the area of the counterweight beneath the canards from each side. This will have completed your aircraft.

Step 5: Flight

The UltraStratoDragon flies similar to the Turbo StratoDragon and can be flown by most origami aviators . Launch for the UltraStratoDragon should be done at (slightly) negative or neutral attitudes at moderate speed. Nose up elevator and canard trim may be necessary, (determine if this is required with test flights). Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, spoilers, ailerons, elevators, air brakes and trimmable rudders. Enjoy!