The Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane Is Back with POWERUP 4.0

Like every other kid on the planet with access to sheets of paper, you probably folded that paper into airplanes. There is something intrinsically wonderful about creating an aircraft out of such a simple material. That’s only magnified by the fact that every paper airplane is unique, and your folding skills can have a significant effect on how they fly. The POWERUP series of devices lets you turn those paper airplanes into powered aircraft, and now they’re back with POWERUP 4.0.

POWERUP 4.0 just recently launched on Kickstarter, and already the campaign has reached almost twice the $40,000 funding goal. Like its predecessors, POWERUP 4.0 is essentially a propulsion device that you can attach to any paper airplane you design and fold. The device is controlled via a smartphone, so you can pilot your creation without needing a fancy RC transmitter. It also has an advanced flight controller and a host of sensors to keep your paper airplane flying in windy conditions — even if your folding skills aren’t the best. As they demonstrate, POWERUP 4.0 can keep just about any piece of paper in the air.

Compared to previous versions, POWERUP 4.0 has some great new hardware. That includes an all-new flight controller board, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer. Those help the new version fly better than any previous model. There are even built-in autopilot maneuvers like loops. POWERUP 4.0 also gains an additional motor for even more power. Other improvements include landing gear and LED running lights for nighttime flights. As with previous models, all of the “at-risk” parts, such as the front bumper, are replaceable in case you have a major collision.

If you want a POWERUP 4.0, the Kickstarter campaign will be running until November 1st. Early birds can get a single POWERUP 4.0 module for $49. Rewards are expected to be delivered in April of 2020.