PowerUp 3.0 turns a folded sheet of copier paper into a small, phone-controlled airplane. Its clip-on Smart Module uses a rear propeller for thrust and an electric rudder for steering; a Bluetooth Smart connection carries commands from the phone app to the module.
How PowerUp 3.0 flies and steers
The Smart Module combines a Bluetooth receiver, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, brushed motor, propeller and electric rudder. The propeller pushes the airplane forward, while the rudder deflects airflow to change its direction. Park Pilot describes the propeller as 45 mm across and the rudder actuator as magnetic (Park Pilot).
The phone serves as the cockpit. In the app, a throttle control adjusts propeller power, changing the available thrust for climbing or descending. Tilting the phone left or right commands the rudder for turns. The pilot therefore manages both power and direction rather than steering with wheels or a conventional joystick. POWERUP describes its app as enabling communication with and control of the Smart Module (POWERUP Toys support).
What comes in the kit
The listed POWERUP 3.0 package contains the Smart Module, two Invader paper-airplane templates, two Cardinal templates, a spare propeller, a spare rudder, a stabilizer/crossbar, a micro-USB charging cable, a hard case, a desk stand and quick-installation material (POWERUP Toys product page; POWERUP Toys support). The airplane is made by folding ordinary A4 or U.S. letter-size (8.5 × 11-inch) copier paper; paper is not a powered airframe supplied as a finished aircraft.
#1 Best Overall
- PILOTED FLIGHT - Grab a sheet of paper, fold it, and go! Instantly put yourself in the cockpit of an amazing smartphone controlled paper airplane that does high speed tricks. The bluetooth module, which includes autopilot control, connects to your phone so you can experience the sensation of flying countless paper, foam, and even Balsa Wood airplane models.
- INCREDIBLE STABILITY - Loops, Barrel Rolls, & Hammerheads are achieved with the special Acro Mode! Your paper plane’s onboard computer automatically calibrates your paper airplane for imperfect weather with a built-in launch assist and wind stabilizer. Now hobbyists, tinkerers, or students can become the flight controller!
- CONNECTED FLYING - Pair your plane with the POWERUP App to maneuver your plane, keep a robust flight log, compete with other flyers on the leaderboard, and learn to fold new plane designs.
- RAPID CHARGING - A 30 minute quick charge gives you 10 minutes of flight time along with an incredible range of up to 230ft! Traveling up to 20mph, your plane will spend less time on the tarmac and more time in the air. Simply connect the included micro USB cable to a charging port and plot out your next journey.
- STEM READY - Experience the aerodynamic forces that make flight possible through various wing configurations. Lift, drag, thrust, and gravity are learned first hand. Purchase the Night-Flight Kit and Accessory Kit to see how different parts create a new experience. Great for an outdoor class or exploration together with family.
You also need a compatible iOS or Android phone with Bluetooth Smart. The app connects to the module, while the module supplies the aircraft’s motor and control surfaces.
Published specifications
POWERUP’s product and support materials publish the following figures. They describe the product’s stated capabilities, not guaranteed results for every paper fold, battery condition or flying environment.
Rank #2
- SMARTPHONE CONTROLLED PLANE- Pair your POWERUP 4.0 with the book specially designed to accompany the plane. Rich illustrations allow you to master each design, seeing how each fold affects each plane. Famous paper airplane vlogger Kyle Boyer's illustrations are accompanied by high-quality video instructions. A perfect sidekick for your adventures in paper airplanes!
- MASTER THE ART OF FLYING- Our POWERUP book includes not only 10 paper airplane folding tutorials but an illustrated guide on how to properly fly our POWERUP planes. Moreso, the template kit consists of ten beautifully illustrated, high-quality Japanese paper airplane templates. Six of the ten paper airplane folds in our book are included in the template kit!
- WATERPROOF PAPER- Our template kit includes two Custom-made DuPont Tyvek sheets designed for flight in wet weather. Give yourself the freedom to fly whenever you want, some even fly in the snow! This special paper will not soil or warp.
- EDUCATIONAL TOOL- Prepare lesson plans or simply enjoy new experiences as both kids and adults learn about lift, drag, downward force, and all other aspects of paper airplane science. Our book breaks down the basic principles of powered flight and applies them to paper airplanes.
- DIY PROJECT- Are you a hobbyist looking for a new hobby? This bundle is a perfect starter’s guide to powered paper airplane design and flight. Venture into a whole new world of aerodynamics.
| Specification | Published figure | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Flight time | Up to 10 minutes | POWERUP product/support specification; actual time varies with conditions. |
| Charging time | 25–30 minutes | POWERUP product/support specification. |
| Control range | 200 feet (60 metres) | POWERUP product/support specification; not a guarantee in every setting. |
| Maximum stated speed | Up to 5 m/s (18 km/h; 11.2 mph) | POWERUP support specification published in 2023. |
| Aircraft weight | 0.5 oz (14 g) | POWERUP product/support specification. |
| Battery | 3.7 V, 75 mAh lithium-polymer | POWERUP support specification published in 2023. |
POWERUP’s 2014 launch release gave a range of up to 180 feet and announced a $50 MSRP. Those are historical launch figures, not current retail pricing or the current published range (Tailor Toys, 2014).
Set it up and make a first flight
- Fold the paper airplane. Use one of the supplied Invader or Cardinal patterns and copier paper in A4 or letter size. Begin with the Invader if you want the design POWERUP’s FAQ recommends as an easy starting point (POWERUP Toys FAQ).
- Fit the module and stabilizer. Attach the Smart Module to the airplane and install the stabilizer/crossbar as shown in the supplied quick-installation material. If the module does not stay seated in its V-groove, POWERUP says a small piece of tape can help hold it in place (POWERUP Toys FAQ).
- Charge the battery. Connect the module to the included micro-USB cable. POWERUP lists a 25–30-minute charge time.
- Connect the phone. Open the POWERUP app on a compatible iOS or Android phone and pair it with the module over Bluetooth Smart.
- Check the controls before launch. Follow the guide’s motor-off and motor-on checks, then confirm the rudder responds. The guide also covers gesture-control takeoff, maneuvers, landing and troubleshooting (POWERUP Toys support).
- Choose a suitable flying area. POWERUP recommends a windless day and a large grassy field without trees. Give the airplane an easy launch and leave room to glide and land.
What to expect in flight—and where it struggles
PowerUp 3.0 works best as a lightweight, low-speed paper airplane, not as a rugged outdoor drone. A well-folded plane that already glides cleanly gives the powered module a better starting point. Because the airframe is paper, it can bend or deform, and gusts can upset its flight. A hard-surface crash can damage or destabilize the setup; a grassy field reduces that risk. An independent Park Pilot review also notes that paper-airframe limitations restrict the concept’s utility (Park Pilot).
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- GET FLYING - Designed by Kye Boyer, master designer & folder, these 12 Paper Airplane templates will ignite the pilot within! 6 different paper airplane designs include the Invader, Onslaught, A-9 eagle, Emperion One, Valkyrie, & Wide glider! These beautifully illustrated pages come with high-quality video instructions, preparing you to send your paper airplane off to new heights!
- WEATHER READY - Included in this kit are 2 waterproof custom-made DuPont Tyvek technology templates. These sheets allow you to fly in damp weather, rainy conditions, or even at night. Hobbyists, enthusiasts, and tinkerers will love these plane’s ability to withstand even unpleasant weather conditions.
- DURABLE - The DuPont Tyvek technology templates are also tear-proof! Combining this amazing technological breakthrough with the POWERUP 2,0 or 4.0. (POWERUP 2.0 and 4.0 are not included)
- FUN FLYERS - These Templates are a fun addition to any POWERUP system, allowing you to experience these paper flyers in a while new way. Learn about aerodynamics or simply get lost in the wonder of flight! Also great with the POWERUP 4.0’s dual-propeller module which includes an onboard computer and 20mph speeds with 230 foot range.
- DISPLAY - Included 1 desk stand that can be used to show friends your incredible folding skills. Use as a display for the perfect pictures, or to remain docked while waiting for its next adventure.
The stated flight time and control range should be treated as manufacturer specifications under suitable conditions. Wind, the quality and balance of the fold, battery condition and the flying environment can affect what a pilot actually gets.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How PowerUp 3.0 differs from other PowerUp models
| Model | Control method | Design emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| POWERUP 2.0 | Free flight; no smartphone steering | Electric conversion for a paper airplane. |
| POWERUP 3.0 | Smartphone control over Bluetooth Smart | Throttle and rudder control through the app. |
| POWERUP DART | Not stated in the cited comparison | Smaller model aimed at 3D aerobatics, with reduced weight and drag and a more powerful propulsion setup than 3.0. |
The key distinction is that 3.0 adds app-based steering to the free-flight conversion idea represented by 2.0. DART is positioned for aerobatic flying rather than simply offering another paper design for the same control experience (POWERUP Toys support).
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Fly longer & farther - Beat the world record for the longest paper airplane flight time easily by fitting your paper airplanes with our high-quality paper plane engine designed to provide you with over 30 seconds of flying time.
- For all ages to enjoy - No matter the age, flying your powerup 2.0 paper airplane is a fun activity from kids to grandparents. Whether you would like to relive the good old days from your childhood or you are looking for a fun game to play with your child, our paper plane can do it all! Our conversion kit can also teach your kids the basics principles of physics and working with simple electronics.
- Fly without worries - Crashes are an inevitable part of this hobby. This is why we designed our paper plane conversion kit to be super durable. Its carbon fiber propeller shaft and ultra-tough rear propeller are virtually crash-proof.
- Let your imagination run wild - Engineered to work with a wide assortment of paper plane designs, you can experiment pretty much whatever type you could build as long as it flies on its own.. The pack even comes with simple designs to help you get started.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
