A group of U.S. Air Force auxiliary volunteers have broken the Guinness World Record for the highest flight of a paper airplane, proving that these planes can be thrown further distances than just across the classroom.
The paper airplane was launched from 96,563 feet in the air and traveled a total of 82 miles, taking off from Kankakee, Ill. and landing Southwest of Rochester, Ind. two hours and seven minutes later, according to Gizmag.
The U.S. Fox Valley Composite Squadron, the team behind the project, launched their airplane by attaching it to a large helium balloon, which carried it up to its launch height. After the balloon burst, the airplane's on-board flight computer cut itself free so it could begin its flight.
The team's record surpasses the Guinness World Record set for a paper airplane tossed by hand, which is 226 ft., 10 in., Discovery News reported.
The airplane has a 14-inch wingspan, weighs 424 grams, and was designed to have a more traditional look. Other features of the project include a GPS tracker, sensors that measure temperature and barometric pressure, an HD video camera and a solar panel. The computer was used to control the numerous gadgets attached to the airplane.
Before claiming the record-breaking title, Fox Valley Composite Squadron has to submit evidence of their progress to Guinness, Discovery News reported. Until then, their world record will be filed under "Highest Paper Airplane Flight from a High Altitude Balloon."
The current record for this activity was set by the PARIS team from the U.K., which received its title in October 2010 with its Vulture 1 paper airplane, Gizmag reported.
The Register, a tech blog that worked with the PARIS team on the project, hinted that the team plans to set a new record with their airplane.
