A team of students in Pisa, Italy, has built the world’s largest paper airplane, earning a new Guinness World Records title with a giant aircraft that flew 59 metres and surpassed the previous record set in 2013.
Named “Icarus,” the paper airplane measures 7 metres in length with a wingspan of 20.04 metres and weighs approximately 28.49 kilograms. The achievement was officially verified during the “We Make Future” event in Italy on June 25.
Engineering design helped achieve record flight
Unlike a traditional paper airplane, the students designed Icarus using engineering principles similar to those found in full-sized aircraft. The model features structural components including wing spars, ribs, leading and trailing edges, and a tail section to improve balance and stability during flight.
The project was supported by science communicator Jacopo D’Alessio, also known as Jakidale, who collaborated with the student team throughout the development process.
Innovative materials strengthened the structure
The team used laminated paper, specialized geometric designs, and a honeycomb-style internal structure to maximize strength while keeping the aircraft lightweight.
According to the project details, approximately 300 kilograms of paper and 60 kilograms of adhesive were used to build the record-breaking airplane. The students spent several months refining the design through research, testing, and repeated improvements.
To qualify for the Guinness World Records title, the aircraft had to be launched by a single person from a platform three metres above the ground and fly at least 15 metres. Icarus exceeded that requirement by flying 59 metres.
The achievement highlights how creativity, teamwork, and engineering principles can be combined to accomplish ambitious educational projects.
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