How to Fold the 'Tube' Paper Airplane | WIRED

John Collins, also known as 'The Paper Airplane Guy,' teaches us how to fold and fly our very own "Tube" paper airplane. The Tube doesn't look like much, but it can certainly fly! You throw the Tube very much like you throw a football, letting the ring spin off of your fingertips. That rotation helps create lift, and lets the airplane do its thing.


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[nadavajeesh]

This is by far the best how to make a paper airplane video, the result was much higher than my expectations. Very nicely illustrated instructions. Thank you for the video!

[TorgHIra]

This guy is someone who’s passionate about physics. It’s admirable

[beingathing]

I love this dude. Reminds me of all my favorite teachers. Enthusiastic about what he does and enjoys teaching the craft

[Guest-slqb]

Expected more clip when that thing flies..

[finnv]

Wired usually: complex science concepts and research experts
Wired here: TUBE GO ZOOOOM

[POPCORNBlobfish]

WIRED: Lol, imagine still doing normal paper airplanes in 2024.

[validefy]

I used to make these all the time as a kid. Called it the glider. I tried to make them with my kids recently and couldn't remember. Thanks for the help!

[veljkoangelovski]

hes like a supervillan but you unlocked him as a playable character

[sisgaia]

I used to make these a little differently. I used just regular 8-1/2"x11" copier paper. I never really experimented with other weights. I would make the first fold deeper, then two more progressively shallower folds so that the result was a tiered effect. I didn't use the rear fold. They flew quite well, with around 60 feet of distance in a good flight.

One other note that John didn't mention: The way that he tucked one end into the other is good if you are throwing right handed. If you throw left handed, you should tuck it in the opposite direction. If you tuck it in the wrong way, the seam will create more drag and slow the spinning more quickly. That will result in shorter flights.

[Tim_Duran]

His child-like enthusiasm is just awesome! Right what I needed today! 😄

[BleuPandaBoi]

This guy would make a super cool dad! His kids are lucky!

[thefrub]

I spent 8 minutes waiting to see that thing fly for 2 seconds. Okay I didn't actually wait, I scrolled

[violent-firelight]

Is it just me or is it satisfying watching him fouls.

[joshuam]

I had a plastic toy in the 90s that was this exact flying tube and it worked great!

[FingeringThings]

Woah that’s crazy how well it flies like that

[xd]

I tried it and it works pretty well. The trick is to just make it spin with your fingers so that it can create a vacuum inside it so that air gushes in to propel it forwards.

[unclebobfoldsmoreplanes]

Don't forget to reverse the direction of the insert, inserting the right end into the opened left side flap, if you throw with your left hand. Otherwise the open end will trap air as it spins, slowing the rotation.

[dinahlavati]

He is so fun and passionate about folding airplanes. I love this guy :)

[SageyBoy]

Thank you so much for teaching me i am really excited to share this to the rest of the world!!!!

[Isaac_JRG]

This is amazing, my favourite part was just listening to this guy, what a nice guy