Extract of article by
Steve Connor, Science Correspondent. STEALTH BOMBER technology
has come to the aid of the bored executive. The
distinctive "flying wing" of the world's most
expensive aircraft has been incorporated into a
radical redesign of the paper dart "I would not be surprised
if it changed permanently the type of paper
aeroplane which schoolboys learn to make," said
David Clark, lecturer in aeronautical engineering
at the University of London. The subtle techniques of
origami- the oriental art of paper folding- are
employed in making the plane, which will glide long
distances, according to its inventor, Edmond Hui, a
computer consultant. Dr Hui began to think of a
new design for the traditional "delta wing" form of
the paper dart in the mid-Seventies, at about the
same time that the secret development of the B-2
bomber began, but long before its design became
known. Building on his knowledge
of origami - he went to school in Hong Kong, where
it is taught as part of the curriculum- and
interest in hang gliding, he ended with a design
similar to the flying wing of the Stealth
bomber. He said it would fly for
about 30ft or more if made correctly, more than
twice the average distance of the conventional
paper dart. But he cautioned that it
was a little more difficult to construct, requiring
a pair of scissors, a stapler and a lot of
patience. "A five year-old won't be able to handle
this. It's more of an executive toy." Dr Clark has written to Dr
Hui to congratulate him on the redesigned paper
planes. He told the designer: "I
find them graceful, efficient and entertaining. ..
The form is a sophisticated one, incorporating
varying camber, twist and sweep to give a flying
machine of great utility." He said the design was
very different from the traditional paper darts,
which were "ugly and poor fliers by
comparison". He added: "I did find
that, with a pin pushed through the centre section,
to act as a towing hook, I was able to achieve a
catapult launch and much more consistent
flying." However, elastic bands
proved too strong for the job, Dr Clark said. A
short length of knicker elastic provided perfect
acceleration for takeoff.
Front
Page, The Independent, October
1992
Edmond Hui PhD
Edmond_Hui@compuserve.com
Copyright © 1998-2001 Edmond Hui
Revised January 26, 2001
http://www.paperang.com