Paper Airplane Project

Raelee Wilkins
3rd period
9-9-15

Introduction: We were given the task to build a paper

airplane out of limited materials. After following the design
process, we had to create a replica on Inventor. After the designs
were constructed we had to test them in many different ways.
Materials List: The materials we were allowed to use were 4
sheets of printer or construction paper, 4 inches of Scotch tape,
and 4 paperclips. I only used 1 sheet of printer paper and one
paperclip.
Description of Operation: To build my paper airplane, I
researched information on other successful planes. I got most of
my information off of www.paperaeroplanes.com. This website
was tremendous help. I decided to make my airplane somewhat
aerodynamic but mainly heavily weighted at the front. I decided
to do this because I was focusing on distance. The heavier at the
front for my plane helped it glide through the air and soar farther
than one with no weight at the front. I made the wings angled
back and a blunt nose to help with flying farther, and so that I
could test my airplane many times with minimal damage to the
nose.
Explanation of Competition and Performance Data: To judge
our planes, we were put into a competition based on speed,
distance, and accuracy. For distance, there were 2 tape measures
laid on the floor and we were to throw our planes and compare
the length to the tape measure. For speed, we were timed from
the time the plane left our hands, to when it passed the 15ft
mark. This calculated our speed. Finally, for accuracy, we had to
throw our planes at a series of targets. The targets varied. A
couple were circular, bulls-eye like, targets. Others, were hulahoop shaped, and lastly, there were 3 in balloon form we had to
hit. My plane excelled in the distance area. It ended being
mediocre in the speed category and failed in the accuracy
section. I was able to hit up-close, large targets, like the balloons

and trashcan targets, but struggled with the plane heading

straight for a longer period of time.
Calculations: To calculate the speed of the plane we took the
timed flight and the distance to 15ft. and inserted it into the
speed equation.
Speed Equation: S=distance/time
S= 15 ft. / 0.5 sec.
S= 30 ft/sec
Conclusion: This project was very enjoyable. There was enough
time given to complete all the steps of the design process
thoroughly and the tests were fair. My plane excelled in the
distance and speed category because that is what I specifically
designed it for. It lacked in the accuracy section because I didnt
design a very good front end to support this area. Also, my
throwing of the plane couldve been a little harder and more
precise. All in all I would suggest this type of project to be
completed many more times.
Inventor Final Design:

Paper Airplane Build:

Testing Picture: