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How to Build an Ultralight Aircraft Out of Foam

You can build simple ultralight aircraft for children from foam, or you can build large ultralight radio-controlled aircraft for flying in large, open parks. Hobby and specialty companies offer plans and designs, many specifically for foam-based designs. With the first, simple design, don't be afraid to experiment a little, setting the wings at slightly different angles and tilts. Some probably won't fly at all, while others are good at particular tricks, such as loops and dives. Foam is cheap, so use the first design to learn about aerodynamics so you can develop more complex designs.

Things You'll Need

1/2-inch foam core board
Design template
Marker
Utility knife
Glue
Model paint

Instructions

- 1
  Sketch the design from the template on to the foam board. You can enlarge the size of the template as much as you want, so long as you keep it proportional. You can cut different pieces from the same raw piece of foam board as long as you have room. This reduces wasted foam.
- 2
  Use a utility knife to cut the design pieces out of the foam board. Make your cuts straight down at a 90-degree angle from the surface of the foam board.
- 3
  Fit the pieces together according to your template. Once you fit a piece in place evenly, apply glue around the seam and allow it to dry.
- 4
  Paint your model any way you wish after the glue is dry. Use dark colored paints for the bottom of the plane so it is easily visible against the background of the sky. After the paint dries, take it out and fly.

Educational Toys