How to Make the Vigilante Paper Airplane

Fast, long range and versatile, the Vigilante is a great plane for someone who doesn't know exactly what type of flights they want when making the airplane. In addition to its fast flight abilities, the Vigilante is also capable of slow flight. The Vigilante is an especially effective 'classroom cruiser', as it can climb steeply then settle into a long, moderately fast glide.

TAA USAF Designation: A128-1

Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Optional:
Scissors (additional surfaces only)

Length Folding and Cover Fold Preparation

First, begin by folding your paper in half lengthwise. Then pull one corner of the paper downwards to the long edge of the other side. Then repeat this reversed, with the other corner.

Leading Edge and Security Folding

Pull the corners of the paper inwards to their corresponding cover fold creases. Once this is done, fold the nose downward along the established crease. The pull the blunt tip of the nose inwards toward the center. Once all this is done, pull the wedge that has not been covered forward, securing the leading edge.

Wing and Winglet Folding

Fold your airplane up in half along its center. Then use your pencil and ruler to mark 3/4 of an inch above this center line. Once this is measured, measure 3/4 of an inch inwards from the wingtip along the trailing edge. After all the marking is done, fold the wing down, whilst keeping its trailing edge parallel with that of the fuselage. Once both wings are folded, fold the wingtips along the mark, with their trailing edges remaining parallel with those of the wing.

Taping

Tape your Vigilante at its front, rear and across its wing root.

Flight

Like many other paper airplanes, the Vigilante is a fast paper airplane with a large wing. As a result, this airplane needs a throw of only moderate speed. Such a launch will give the plane its potentially longest, fastest flights. Slower launches will result in substantially slower flights, although range is shortened. Additional surfaces applicable to the Vigilante include flaps, elevators, ailerons, elevons, rudders, air brakes, slats and an internal bomb bay. Enjoy!