Learn how to make a paper helicopter that flies and explore how varying material, wing length, body dimensions, and other design parameters could potentially influence your paper helicopter's ability to fall slowly.
Looking for paper helicopter templates in PDF format?
A quick start: download the PDF with our free paper helicopter templates and follow the assembly instructions. Test and compare the flight times of the two paper helicopters.
For the DOE lab: study the parameters of the paper helicopter template and visit the PDF TEMPLATES section where you can generate custom PDF templates in different sizes.
Hover over the image or table to explore the various parts of the paper helicopter template. A summary of these components is provided in Table 1, while a detailed explanation can be found in the PAPER HELICOPTER TEMPLATE EXPLAINED section below.
# | Factors | Parameters |
---|---|---|
1 | Material | Wing width |
2 | Wing length | Middle body height |
3 | Body length | Fold offset |
4 | Body width | Fold tilt |
5 | Paper clips | Body layers |
6 | Folded wings | Tape width |
7 | Taped body | Spin direction |
8 | Taped wings | Print labels |
Note that it's more convenient to attach the reinforcement tape before cutting as it simplifies the assembly process. Additionally, the orientation of the blades and blade tips is crucial for optimal performance - ensure that the "Top Side" mark appears on top of the blade and the blade tips point upwards.
Disclaimer:The descriptions provided for the various components of the paper helicopter template, such as wing length, wing width, and especially the body height (referred to as the "cabin"), are designed to infuse a sense of complexity and imagination into the task at hand. While some factors have a physical basis, others, like the notion of a cabin providing space for pilots, are used metaphorically to engage the reader. The objective of the exercise is to explore the potential impact of these factors on the paper helicopter's flight time through the use of design of experiments methodology. The real-world physical interpretations of some factors may not align perfectly with the descriptions provided, and part of the project's challenge lies in understanding and optimizing these factors or combinations of these factors to achieve optimal performance.