--- product_id: 235158999 title: "POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit - Smartphone App Controlled RC Plane Motor" brand: "powerup" price: "R2276" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Powerup" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/235158999-powerup-4-0-paper-airplane-kit-smartphone-app-controlled-rc store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # 30-min quick charge Smartphone app control Wind stabilizer & autopilot POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit - Smartphone App Controlled RC Plane Motor **Brand:** powerup **Price:** R2276 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > ✈️ Elevate your paper plane game—fly smarter, faster, and farther with POWERUP 4.0! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit - Smartphone App Controlled RC Plane Motor by powerup - **How much does it cost?** R2276 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/235158999-powerup-4-0-paper-airplane-kit-smartphone-app-controlled-rc) ## Best For - powerup enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted powerup brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **STEM Learning Meets Play:** Explore real aerodynamic forces—lift, drag, thrust, and gravity—while folding and flying multiple paper, foam, or balsa wood designs. - • **Master Aerobatics Like a Pro:** Unlock Acro Mode for loops, barrel rolls, and hammerheads with onboard gyro stabilization and autopilot precision. - • **Take Command with Your Smartphone:** Seamlessly pilot your paper plane via Bluetooth using the intuitive POWERUP app—no bulky remote needed. - • **Join a Thriving Community of Flyers:** Track flights, compete on leaderboards, and discover new plane designs with the POWERUP app for endless airborne challenges. - • **Lightning-Fast Charging & Extended Flight:** Get 10 minutes of high-speed flight (up to 20mph) after just a 30-minute USB quick charge, soaring up to 230 feet. ## Overview The POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit transforms any sheet of paper into a high-tech RC plane controlled via smartphone. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, autopilot with gyro stabilization, and Acro Mode for advanced aerobatics, it offers 10 minutes of flight time after a 30-minute quick charge. Perfect for STEM education and hobbyists alike, it supports multiple paper types and connects to a community-driven app for flight logging and competitions. ## Description Buy POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit - Smartphone App Controlled RC Plane Motor | Easy to Fly With Autopilot & Gyro Stabilizer. Onboard Flight Module. Perfect for Hobbyists Pilots and Tinkerers: Airplanes & Jets - desertcart.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Review: If you enjoy making planes fly, as much as flying... - This gets a 1000/10 on the fun scale. I have never used the Invader fold that comes with the kit; I've always used POWERUP 4.0 with my original fold that I've been developing for years (see images; I'm a nerd.) Best place to fly for me has been an empty hotel ballroom, or an empty parking lot. (An empty ballpark or gymnasium might be good too.) My longest flight time is 7 minutes and 7 seconds, and it ended because the battery died. The flight time graph in the POWERUP app goes up to 8 minutes. Flight time probably depends on how draggy or efficient your fold is, and how you fly it (lots of climbs and tightly banked turns use a lot of thrust). The flight controls on the phone are very easy, but might seem awkward at first. There are presets for which model you have. There are also three "Custom Plane" presets, which worked for me perfectly for me without any adjustments. To fly, you hold your thumb down and that unlocks the plane's thrusters, and you slide up for more thrust, and slide down for less. Your thrust application changes your altitude. When you tilt your phone side to side, that is how your steer. (There is another control setting where you use two thumbs, but I don't use that one...) There is an "auto pilot" system that tries to make corrections and aids in your flight (for example, if the nose goes too high, it will cut the thrusters so that the plane doesn't stall). This can help your flight, but I find it can also cause odd oscillations to occur. You can try to dial in and tune your flight characteristics in the app (which is VERY COOL), but I honestly think it's way easier to adjust your fold for better flight before editing the characteristics in the software... If you want less "auto pilot" intervention, you can turn on "Acro Mode" which, I think, turns a lot of that computer stuff off. I only fly in Acro Mode, and my plane flies amazingly. As for frustrations... You CAN get really frustrated, especially when you're testing a design and you only have 8 minutes of flight to test. It takes about 15-20 minutes to fully charge. I usually use that time to fold another spare wing, or to try a new fold. Just keep in mind that you can easily wait 20 minutes for a charge and then waste the entire charge crashing every 15 seconds... Spare parts and accessories are easy to find, and they're pretty cheap. I have the landing gear installed, which, at first, I thought was silly and made the plane look silly, but my folds last longer because the landings are much softer now (even though not perfect). I never take off from the ground though; I always throw it, as there isn't much control when it's on the ground. A couple notes for success... Understand which ways the propellers rotate and which one goes on which side. There is a distinct left and right one; they are not the same! If you use tractor mode (where POWERUP 4.0 is installed with propellers in front) you'll have to swap the left and right propellers to reverse the direction of thrust. POWERUP says tractor mode hasn't been tested. I still think it's a challenge, but be careful when trying to fly in this configuration. I feel I get MUCH better flight control with "Acro Mode" on. Lastly, never fly with your phone in "Low Power Mode" as I've found there to be way more Bluetooth dropouts (it's generally a very stable connection though). Have fun!!! Review: Lots of fun and so easy to use... - I was somewhat skeptical that this would be so easy to fly but i was wrong. The first time it left my hand it was up and flying. Like anything, it takes a moment to get a feel for the controls and a couple flights to get the trim set but in the mean time you're already flying and having fun. Easy to hook up with phone and rechargeable battery is long lasting on one charge. Also seems to be good quality and is durable. Worth the cost for so much fun right out of the box. ## Features - 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. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B08JLZVB3Z | | Age Range Description | 8 years and up | | Best Sellers Rank | #12,107 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #8 in Hobby RC Airplanes | | Brand Name | POWERUP | | Color | White | | Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,347 Reviews | | Educational Objective | STEM, Aerodynamics | | Included Components | Item | | Item Dimensions | 7.5 x 0.71 x 1.5 inches | | Item Type Name | POWERUP 4.0 Original Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplanes Conversion Kit - Durable Remote Controlled RC Airplane for Beginners | | Item Weight | 19 g | | Manufacturer | Tailor Toys LLC | | Manufacturer Maximum Age (MONTHS) | 1188 | | Manufacturer Minimum Age (MONTHS) | 96 | | Manufacturer Part Number | 500-050BB | | Manufacturer Warranty Description | 1 Year Warranty | | Material Type | Carbon Fiber, Foam, Nylon | | Model Number | 500-050BB | | Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Number of Players | 1 | | Operation Mode | Smartphone Controlled | | Power Source | Usb Cable | | Set Name | PU 4.0 | | Size | 19.05 cm x 1.8 cm x 3.8 cm | | Supported Battery Types | Lithium-Ion Polymer or Lithium-Ion | | Theme | Airplane | | UPC | 860239001465 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Images ![POWERUP 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit - Smartphone App Controlled RC Plane Motor - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612EE9Kfq5L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Set** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Is this considered a done under California law?** A: Technically it is an UAS (Unmanned Arial System). If you are concerned about needing to register it with the FAA, you don’t. An aircraft under 250 grams do not need to be registered if you are flying for recreation/hobby. California recognizes FAA laws and, to my knowledge, does not impose anything on top of standard FAA laws. So, enjoy the day and fly this for fun at your local park. Just use common sense and not fly it near people, animals, or buildings! Enjoy flight and enjoy life! **Q: Can this be controlled via Android tablet? Or only phones?** A: Yes. The 4.0 can be controlled via Android tablet **Q: Can you really use this with any paper airplane? I’d like to buy a book of paper airplanes to go with this as a gift but want them to be compatible.** A: The POWERUP 4.0 has a companion book called The POWERUP PAPER AIRPLANE BOOK which is also sold on Amazon. This is the official and approved and tested book by POWERUP. POWERUP 4.0 is designed to fly with many airplane options which you may find on other paper plane books and on the internet. **Q: How do I charge the power?** A: Module is charged with a micro-usb cable ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy making planes fly, as much as flying... *by L***E on February 14, 2024* This gets a 1000/10 on the fun scale. I have never used the Invader fold that comes with the kit; I've always used POWERUP 4.0 with my original fold that I've been developing for years (see images; I'm a nerd.) Best place to fly for me has been an empty hotel ballroom, or an empty parking lot. (An empty ballpark or gymnasium might be good too.) My longest flight time is 7 minutes and 7 seconds, and it ended because the battery died. The flight time graph in the POWERUP app goes up to 8 minutes. Flight time probably depends on how draggy or efficient your fold is, and how you fly it (lots of climbs and tightly banked turns use a lot of thrust). The flight controls on the phone are very easy, but might seem awkward at first. There are presets for which model you have. There are also three "Custom Plane" presets, which worked for me perfectly for me without any adjustments. To fly, you hold your thumb down and that unlocks the plane's thrusters, and you slide up for more thrust, and slide down for less. Your thrust application changes your altitude. When you tilt your phone side to side, that is how your steer. (There is another control setting where you use two thumbs, but I don't use that one...) There is an "auto pilot" system that tries to make corrections and aids in your flight (for example, if the nose goes too high, it will cut the thrusters so that the plane doesn't stall). This can help your flight, but I find it can also cause odd oscillations to occur. You can try to dial in and tune your flight characteristics in the app (which is VERY COOL), but I honestly think it's way easier to adjust your fold for better flight before editing the characteristics in the software... If you want less "auto pilot" intervention, you can turn on "Acro Mode" which, I think, turns a lot of that computer stuff off. I only fly in Acro Mode, and my plane flies amazingly. As for frustrations... You CAN get really frustrated, especially when you're testing a design and you only have 8 minutes of flight to test. It takes about 15-20 minutes to fully charge. I usually use that time to fold another spare wing, or to try a new fold. Just keep in mind that you can easily wait 20 minutes for a charge and then waste the entire charge crashing every 15 seconds... Spare parts and accessories are easy to find, and they're pretty cheap. I have the landing gear installed, which, at first, I thought was silly and made the plane look silly, but my folds last longer because the landings are much softer now (even though not perfect). I never take off from the ground though; I always throw it, as there isn't much control when it's on the ground. A couple notes for success... Understand which ways the propellers rotate and which one goes on which side. There is a distinct left and right one; they are not the same! If you use tractor mode (where POWERUP 4.0 is installed with propellers in front) you'll have to swap the left and right propellers to reverse the direction of thrust. POWERUP says tractor mode hasn't been tested. I still think it's a challenge, but be careful when trying to fly in this configuration. I feel I get MUCH better flight control with "Acro Mode" on. Lastly, never fly with your phone in "Low Power Mode" as I've found there to be way more Bluetooth dropouts (it's generally a very stable connection though). Have fun!!! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lots of fun and so easy to use... *by S***B on June 29, 2026* I was somewhat skeptical that this would be so easy to fly but i was wrong. The first time it left my hand it was up and flying. Like anything, it takes a moment to get a feel for the controls and a couple flights to get the trim set but in the mean time you're already flying and having fun. Easy to hook up with phone and rechargeable battery is long lasting on one charge. Also seems to be good quality and is durable. Worth the cost for so much fun right out of the box. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun while it lasts... *by J***A on June 18, 2026* This item was fun to build and takes some learning/patience to get it to fly well. Once our nephew (11) got the hang of it he really enjoyed the challenge and trying to set new records for height and distance. The parts are fragile and it does come with some extras (absolutely necessary), but it won't last long for younger kids. The learning curve will alone can be tough on the plane and the landings are unforgiving. I suggest a very wide open space with lots of soft grass, and be prepared to search for components that fall off during the landing. ## Frequently Bought Together - POWERUP 4.0 The Next-Generation Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit, RC Controlled. Easy to Fly with Autopilot & Gyro Stabilizer. for Hobbyists, Pilots, Tinkerers. - 12 Paper Airplane Templates for POWERUP 2.0 & 4.0. Color Paper Airplanes Templates and Display Stand for Plane. POWERUP 2.0 or 4.0 is not included - POWERUP Paper Airplane Book: The Ultimate Paper Airplane Guide- Designed for POWERUP 2.0 & 4.0 Powered Planes. 10 Innovative Designs with Video Instructions-For Kids, Hobbyists, & STEM Educators --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/235158999-powerup-4-0-paper-airplane-kit-smartphone-app-controlled-rc](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/235158999-powerup-4-0-paper-airplane-kit-smartphone-app-controlled-rc) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-08-24*