History Of Paper Airplanes
The history of paper airplanes obviously has begun after the real airplanes have been invented. There are some reports online claiming it starts before 1900, but you would agree this is not possible. However people usually view the paper airplane history as part of the history of paper models in general which starts much earlier than XIX century.
Let's review together the history of paper airplanes with a bunch of text and pictures:
Present time
Paper airplanes are not history - they are still here, pretty much alive and kicking. People keep looking for good paper airplane designs and build paper airplanes themselves. There are plenty of paper aircraft books, containing instructions or lined models that you can cut or build. There are websites and tutorials on making paper airplanes like the ones on this site.
Let's review together the history of paper airplanes with a bunch of text and pictures:
China, 2000 years ago
The history of paper models starts in China about two thousand years ago. The first models have been made of papyrus paper. Such models have not remain intact till the present time however so we can only guess how exactly they looked like.
Later these first models evolved to the origami craft. We know very well how the shapes of origami have looked as we keep doing them nowadays.
The history of paper models starts in China about two thousand years ago. The first models have been made of papyrus paper. Such models have not remain intact till the present time however so we can only guess how exactly they looked like.
Later these first models evolved to the origami craft. We know very well how the shapes of origami have looked as we keep doing them nowadays.
Aero Magazines, the beginning of XX century The first evidence that paper airplane history has started its wheel can be found in the aviation magazines from 1908 - 1909. They have contained articles explaining the use of paper airplanes for understanding and exploring the aerodynamics and aircraft design. As the creator of die-cut paper airplanes is considered Wallis Rigby whose company were developing paper aircraft, cars and boats. |  Photo by Todd Ehlers at flickr |
Second World War, 1939 - 1945
During the Second World War the paper airplanes production increased because there was no development of plastic model airplanes and balsa wood models. Paper is cheap, you know.
During the Second World War the paper airplanes production increased because there was no development of plastic model airplanes and balsa wood models. Paper is cheap, you know.
Present time
Paper airplanes are not history - they are still here, pretty much alive and kicking. People keep looking for good paper airplane designs and build paper airplanes themselves. There are plenty of paper aircraft books, containing instructions or lined models that you can cut or build. There are websites and tutorials on making paper airplanes like the ones on this site.
Knowing the history is not required if you just want to build or collect paper airplanes, but it certainly helps feel better the beauty of this hobby. Unfortunately there is no detailed timeline, with years, dates and pictures of paper airplanes. If you know some facts and have evidence for them, I would appreciate you share them so you can build a complete history of paper airplanes on this site.
Do you want to learn how to make a paper airplane? Read our articles and guides and subscribe to this site to learn everything about paper aircraft and other model airplanes and helicopters! You can also buy instructional videos that will help you make great paper airplanes in minutes.
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User comments:
David at Sep, 28 '09 21:08
You need more information but it was good.
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