How to Make a Cardboard Airplane

You can make an aerodynamic airplane out of the chipboard boxes which carry various food products. A cardboard plane is sturdier than a paper airplane, but is not difficult to construct. This cardboard airplane produces a jet fighter with an advanced deltawing design. The ailerons at the back of each wing gives the plane more lift, thus allowing it to fly longer. The angle can be adjusted to change the direction of the plane’s flight. 1 Draw the 12-inch-long air plane body on the unfinished side of a large piece of recycled chipboard, such as a cereal or frozen pizza box. Draw a triangular shape on the cardboard, making it 10 1/2 inches long. This triangle will become the wings of the air plane.

2 Cut out both the air plane body and the triangular shaped wing with scissors. Set the wing piece aside. 3 Set the edge of the ruler along the body of the air plane about 3/4 inches from the bottom edge. Draw a line across the cardboard that is 10 1/4 inches long. Set the body of the air plane on another piece of cardboard. Using the edge of the ruler as a guide, cut through the line with a craft blade.

4 Set the wing segment down on a scrap piece of cardboard. Using the craft blade cut a small notch about 3/4 inch away from the edge at the back of the wing. Cut another notch about 1/2 inch away from the centre scored line. Repeat this process on the other side of the wing segment. These notches create the ailerons that will control the movement of the plane. Turn the cardboard over and score along the length of both ailerons.

5 Draw a line down the centre of the wing piece. Set your ruler along the line. Score along the line with the craft blade, but do not cut all the way through the cardboard.

6 Bend the wing piece along the centre score. Align the wings at a 25 degree angle. Make a 1/8 inch notch in the centre of the wing segment both in front and at the back.

7 Insert the wing piece inside the slit in the main air plane body segment. Make sure that the notches at the tip and back of the wing secure the wings in place. Bend the ailerons about 45 degrees.

8 Insert the wing piece inside the slit in the main air plane body segment. Make sure that the notches at the tip and back of the wing secure t h e wings in place. Bend the ailerons about 45 degrees.

9 Secure the body and the wings of the air plane together with tape along the bottom. Apply a thin strip of glue along the top of the wing where it intersects with the body piece. Use a piece of cardboard to spread the glue evenly. Allow it to dry completely.

10. Attach two or three paper clips to the nose of the air plane. Try flying the plane to see how well it performs. Adjust the number of paper clips as necessary.

(Source: Internet)