Experiment Abstract

In my experiment I will test five different paper (or sort of paper) air planes. Four of the air planes that I have built are my design. For the results the planes that I have designed went farther than the other plane design that I got from a book.

All planes were lunched from a ballista/catapult (see photo) from my porch. 

Hypothesis

I think that the more symmetrical the air plane is the straighter it will fly thus making it go farther in the direction you have lunched it, also the lighter it is, the farther it will glide, but if the plane has swept delta wings and a heavy fuselage, the plane will act like a spear.

      The Experiment

With my catapult I will launch 5 different types of paper air planes, on a flat angle and on a horizontal angle.

A Few Photos

Material

Here is a list of all the material a have used.

Paper planes: Paper/card, Popsicle sticks and hot glue.

Catapult: Two one meter 2"X2" for the shaft and the cross piece, four meters of elastic string, two long nails for the ends of the cross for the string, duck tape, bottom of bar stool to hold the catapult.

Tools: Tape measure, glue gun and hammer.

Observations

I a noticed that lots of the planes have hit the cross bar of the catapult thus slowing and/or stopping the plane. Also, the heavy thin planes most of the test, went far and most of the time out of control.   

The Results

My Conclusion

With all my experimenting, the airplane that is the most symmetrical and the weight is balanced for example in some of my planes I have put in some counter weights, see photos. 

Error Sources

Somme or the errors would of be caused by the plane hitting the crossbar on takeoff, and/or heading of course lowering the distance travelled.