Paper planes, also known as paper aeroplanes or paper gliders, have been around for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to ancient China, where they were invented as a form of entertainment and as a way to pass the time. Over the centuries, paper planes have evolved from simple toys to complex and sophisticated flying machines, and they continue to captivate the imaginations of people of all ages.
The earliest known paper planes were created in China during the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD. These early paper planes were made from bamboo strips and paper, and were used as ceremonial objects in religious ceremonies. The Chinese were also known to use paper planes as a form of entertainment, tossing them back and forth to each other for fun.
Paper planes became more widespread during the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 AD. During this time, paper was more readily available and the Chinese began to use it for a variety of purposes, including making paper planes. The first written reference to paper planes appears in a book called “The Art of War,” which was written during the Tang Dynasty and describes the use of paper planes as a form of military strategy.
As paper planes became more popular, they began to spread to other parts of the world. In the Arab world, they were known as “musafir,” which means “traveler” in Arabic. The Arabs used paper planes as a way to pass messages between each other, and they also used them as a form of entertainment.
In Europe, paper planes were first mentioned in the 14th century in a book called “The Book of Flight,” which was written by a French author named Leonard da Vinci. Da Vinci was an inventor and artist who is best known for his drawings of flying machines. In his book, he included a chapter on how to make paper planes, and he even included instructions for making them fly better.
As paper planes continued to evolve, they became more and more sophisticated. In the 19th century, a British scientist named Sir George Cayley developed a mathematical formula for calculating the lift and drag of an aircraft, which is still used today. This helped to make paper planes more aerodynamic and enabled them to fly farther and faster.
In the 20th century, paper planes became a popular pastime for both children and adults. They were used as a way to pass the time, and people began to compete with each other to see who could make the best paper plane. In the United States, paper planes became so popular that a national paper plane contest was held every year.
Today, paper planes are still a popular pastime for people of all ages. They are often used as a form of entertainment, and people continue to compete with each other
