Polystyrene Paper Helicopter Science Toy Fly Further

The simple polystyrene propeller helicopter discussed in the previous article will be added paper at the tip of the blades. The goal is to make it flies further. The photo above shows red painted paper on blade tips.

The paper used is a drawing paper that is usually A3 size, it can also use other paper with relatively same thickness or weight.

The following video shows a helicopter with the red tip propeller flying farther than a simple helicopter.

In the following slow motion video, it can be seen clearly that the helicopter is flying stable and landing smoothly. The propeller still spins a few moments after landing on the floor. It looks like a real helicopter.

For comparison, the video below shows a simple polystyrene or styrofoam helicopter without red paper when flown.

The following video shows the procedure for making and installing paper on the tip of the helicopter blades.

The explanation of the procedure can also be read as follows:

Prepare a piece of thick paper. Used paper is no problem, because only small size is required. Draw two rectangles with below sizes:
20 x 30 mm and 18 x 30 mm.

The two rectangles are unified. as the photo above, so the unified size of rectangle is:
(20 + 18) x 30 mm = 38 x 30 mm.

Total 4 unified rectangles are needed, corresponding to the tip of propeller blades.

Cut along the 20 + 18 mm line, and 30 mm line.

Fold the cut paper on the center line separating the 20 mm and 18 mm sections.

Fold the 20 mm section symmetry by uniting its end with the line separating 20 mm and 18 mm sections.

By uniting two ends of paper, then the paper will be folded to form wing (airfoil). As the photograph above, the cross section of paper forming a triangle, about similar to the shape of a wing.

Glue two ends of paper with adhesive tape. Make sure the two ends of the paper are tight, as shown in the photo above.

Mark 40 mm distance from the center point of the polystyrene propeller toward blade tips.

Fit the paper airfoil to blade tip, up to the 40 mm mark from blade center point.

Fit paper airfoil on to all four blade tips. To keep the propeller steady and smooth rotation, make sure all papers have the same shape, and the same distance from the center. Then this helicopter propeller  is ready to be flown.

Paper airfoil can be painted to make it more attractive. As in the very top photo, the paper are painted in red make it visible to the video camera.