Paper plane
A paper plane, also known as a paper airplane, is a toy aircraft constructed by folding a sheet of paper without the use of glue, tape, or cuts, and launched by hand to glide through the air under the influence of gravity and aerodynamics.[1] These simple devices demonstrate fundamental principles of flight, including lift generated by the wings, thrust from the throw, drag from air resistance, and weight balanced for stability.[2] Originating as playful recreations of bird flight, paper planes have evolved into tools for education and scientific experimentation, accessible to people of all ages due to their low cost and ease of construction.[3] The history of paper planes dates back to ancient China, with paper invented around 105 AD enabling lightweight constructions resembling kites, though these were not true gliders in the modern sense.[3] By the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci sketched designs for ornithopters and other flying machines, including ideas for construction from parchment, while in the early 19th century, British inventor Sir George Cayley advanced the field by creating model gliders to test aerodynamic theories, identifying key forces like lift and drag.[2] The first printed instructions for folding paper planes appeared in 1864 in the British book Every Little Boy’s Book, predating the Wright brothers' powered flight by nearly four decades, and by the 1890s, designs mimicking airplanes emerged in aviation publications.[1] During the 20th century, pioneers like Jack Northrop used paper models to prototype aircraft designs.[3] In scientific contexts, paper planes serve as models for studying flight dynamics, with research revealing that stability arises from a precise "sweet spot" in the center of mass, allowing the center of pressure to shift dynamically during glide to counteract perturbations.[4] Experiments, such as those conducted by New York University physicists in 2022, used modified paper planes with adjustable weights to map flight modes—from smooth gliding to tumbling—and developed mathematical models applicable to drone design and atmospheric reentry vehicles.[4] Educationally, paper planes foster hands-on learning in STEM fields, teaching concepts like airfoil shapes and balance through iterative design and testing, as seen in curricula tracing back to World War I-era classrooms.[2] Competitive aspects highlight their enduring appeal, with the Guinness World Record for longest time aloft held by Takuo Toda at 29.2 seconds (achieved in 2010) and the distance record at 289 feet 9 inches, set in 2023.[3] Today, paper planes continue to inspire innovation, from recreational folding in schools to advanced simulations in aerospace engineering, underscoring their role as a bridge between play and professional science.[3]Fundamentals
Definition and Basic Types
A paper plane is a toy aircraft constructed from a single sheet of paper, typically folded without the use of cuts, glue, or other adhesives, enabling it to glide through the air by exploiting aerodynamic principles.[5][6][7] These simple structures mimic the form of real airplanes, with folded wings and a fuselage that allow for unpowered flight after being launched by hand.[8] Unlike other paper-folding crafts such as traditional origami figures, which emphasize artistic or decorative shapes without the intent to fly, paper planes are purpose-built for aerial performance and mobility.[9] Key characteristics of paper planes include their lightweight construction—owing to the use of standard printer or notebook paper—their disposable nature after use, the absence of any propulsion system, and typical flight durations of 5-10 seconds for basic models under normal indoor conditions.[10] These traits make them accessible toys for experimentation with flight dynamics. Paper planes are broadly categorized into basic types based on their flight behavior: darts, which prioritize speed and straight-line trajectories; gliders, focused on sustained, level gliding; stunts, capable of looping or acrobatic maneuvers; and boomerangs or ring designs, which follow circular or returning paths.[11][12] Darts, for instance, feature narrow, pointed noses and stiff wings for rapid, direct flights, as seen in the basic triangular dart design, where initial lengthwise and diagonal folds create a streamlined shape with minimal creases to reduce drag and enhance velocity.[13] Gliders emphasize broad wings for lift, exemplified by the iconic Nakamura Lock, developed by Japanese designer Eiji Nakamura in the 1970s; its simple sequence of corner folds and a locking mechanism ensures balanced stability and gentle, prolonged glides without complex assembly.[14] Stunt planes incorporate angled flaps for tricks like rolls, while boomerang variants use curved wings to generate torque for looping returns.[15] These foundational types rely on core aerodynamic forces such as lift and drag to achieve their distinctive flights, as explored further in aerodynamic principles.[7]Simple Folding and Launching
Creating a simple paper plane is an accessible activity that requires only a standard sheet of paper and basic folding skills, allowing beginners to quickly produce a functional flying model. The process emphasizes precise creases to ensure stability during flight, and the resulting planes can be categorized broadly as darts, which prioritize speed, or gliders, which focus on sustained flight. These basic designs demonstrate core principles of construction without needing advanced techniques.Classic Dart Fold
The classic dart is a streamlined design suitable for straight, fast flights over moderate distances. Begin with a standard 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of printer paper, oriented in landscape position for optimal wingspan.[16]- Fold the paper in half lengthwise and unfold to create a center crease, which serves as the fuselage backbone.[16]
- Fold the top two corners down to meet at the center crease, forming a pointed nose.[16]
- Fold the new top point down to the center crease, aligning it precisely.[16]
- Fold the small tip up about one inch and unfold slightly to mark the position.[16]
- Refold the top corners to the center crease again, creating a blunt nose over the previous fold.[16]
- Fold the small tip up to lock the layers in place (Nakamura lock).[16]
- Fold the entire plane in half along the center crease, with the locked nose on the outside.[16]
- Fold each wing down from the top edge to the bottom edge of the fuselage, leaving about half an inch at the base for stability.[16]
Basic Glider Fold
For a glider that emphasizes gentle, circling glides, use the same 8.5 by 11-inch paper in portrait orientation to maximize wing area. This design is simpler and promotes longer air time.- Fold the paper in half lengthwise and unfold to establish the center line.
- Fold the top edges down to the center crease, creating narrow top flaps.
- Fold the top corners inward to align with the center, forming triangular wings.
- Fold the plane in half along the center crease.
- Fold each wing down symmetrically, parallel to the fuselage, with the leading edges slightly angled upward for lift.