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Tear it up?

Sep 25, 2021
2 min read

A lot of grown-ups have a memory of tearing the back of their paper airplanes to create flaps that they would then adjust. So, I get asked quite frequently if that’s a good idea. In general, if your plane requires so much adjustment that tearing the trailing edge is required, your design or your folding is suspect.


No. Don’t rip your plane’s trailing edge. Think of the outer edges of the wings as a tensioning device to hold the shape you’ve created. If you rip the shape, you destroy part of the tension. More tension means more stability. Aside from that simple idea, ripping means you’re bending the wing in opposite directions until it gives up and tears. Notice that tear is spelled the same way as a tear you cry; you’ve just added up and down elevator at the same time. Excess drag, anyone?


The torn flaps will not hold their intended shape during a strong throw or a strong breeze. If you could throw hard enough, the flap would rattle like the reed in a saxophone. While sax players have been known to “tear it up”, it’s far better if you bend it (like Beckham if you please). Unless you’re attempting to turn your paper airplane into a flying hum-a-comb, don’t rip your plane.


When it comes to adjusting a paper airplane, less is more. The fewer adjustments you make the more performance you get. That’s because a bend or tear becomes a source of drag. Better design and better folding will require fewer adjustments. Better performance follows.


Hopefully, you can be the new generation of paper airplane makers who grew up never ripping the tails of their planes. I can dream, right?


 
 
 

30 Comments


remley1996
2 days ago

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nytwordlehints
Oct 12

Tear it up indeed! There is real joy in a perfectly folded plane catching the air - part science, part childhood magic. Love the enthusiasm for keeping this simple art flying. Thanks for sharing, merge fellas

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Suzy Lee
Suzy Lee
Oct 08

The snowy environment in Snow Rider creates a relaxing visual style while maintaining intense and fast-paced action gameplay.

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der Lean
der Lean
Oct 03

I found this explanation of paper airplane design both practical and interesting. The idea that proper folding and wing tension can provide stability makes a lot of sense to me. I appreciate the advice against tearing the trailing edge because it highlights how small changes can affect performance. EaglerCraft also reminds me of the value of careful building and experimentation when creating something that works well.

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Alethea Brown
Sep 21

I like the idea that getting the basic design right can make extra adjustments unnecessary. IO games often have a similar approach, with simple mechanics that still create plenty of engaging gameplay.

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