Ages 9+

Flex & Fly Plane Launcher

$44.95 USD4.8

Bend, launch, and glide into the physics of flight! Build a launch lever that will send planes soaring, then put together a spring-powered runway for high-speed takeoff. Prepare your plane fleet, then bend and pose the wings to see how different angles (and airfoils!) affect your flight path. Ready to wing it?


Why it’s awesome

  1. person pulling lever to launch planes

    Ready for takeoff

    Use a lever to launch your planes (just like in a real cockpit!).

  2. seeing inside the plane launcher

    See-through science

    A clear window helps you see spring-powered action.

  3. foam planes with wings that bend

    Pose and soar

    Wings can be bent in tons of ways — and hold their shape!

What’s included?

  • plane parts (9 pcs)

  • runway

  • launch carriage

  • spring catch

  • wood set (9 pcs)

  • lever spring

  • slider

  • 2 grip pieces

  • catch release

  • link

  • cover

  • 3 spacers

  • 3 metal tubes

  • 3 rubber rings

  • hardware and connectors (18 pcs)

  • screwdriver

  • illustrated instructions

Topics explored

  1. Aerodynamics

  2. Iterative design

From the desk of the product designer:

Behind the design

To make the launcher feel more plane-y, we based its shape on an aircraft carrier, designed the launch level after an airplane throttle, and even cleared the runway markings with a coworker who has a pilot’s license!

- KiwiCo Product Designer

By the numbers

12

Launcher prototypes

47

Planes flown in-office

65 ft

Longest distance flown


Reviews

4.8

6 reviews

    Jenna

    11/26/2024

    Huge hit with my son for his 9th birthday! Loved building it and played with it for hours following! Definitely one I foresee many many days/months of play and experimentation!

    Ardene

    10/18/2024

    This was a fabulous crate for my first grade grandson. He was challenged by this project but was focused on getting it right. How delighted he is to have succeeded in completing this project. Love to see his resilience and joy!

    sharon

    10/06/2024

    it is a Christmas present for a nine year old boy in Alaska and I know he will enjoy it, so I gotta pre buy so I can mail it.

    Karen

    10/02/2024

    I sent this to my 7yo grandson and he loved it!!

    Kathryn

    10/02/2024

    fun to make, and the end product is really sturdy. We've been playing with it every day!

    Mary

    10/02/2024

    It was missing a piece but as my son does 3 d printing that was exciting to fix. Oz is seven and usually loses interest fast, but he is still playing with this one. his dad is a pilot so that also helps.

"Get ready for high-flying fun with the Flex & Fly Plane Launcher! Designed for kids ages 9 and up, this airplane launcher toy is perfect for outdoor adventures and a great way to dive into the science of flight. With this toy plane launcher, kids can build, customize, and launch their very own foam airplanes, all while learning the principles of aerodynamics and engineering. It’s not just about play—it's about discovering how real airplanes work, experimenting with different flight paths, and mastering the art of launching an awesome foam airplane into the sky. The Flex & Fly Plane Launcher is more than just a toy; it’s an engaging learning tool that encourages kids to get outside, explore their curiosity, and experiment with physics. From tweaking wing designs to adjusting launch angles, this plane catapult toy lets young engineers test their ideas and see real results in the air. It’s the perfect blend of education and excitement, offering a hands-on experience that makes learning about flight a thrilling adventure. Whether they're aiming for the longest flight or the most acrobatic stunts, kids will love the challenge and creativity that come with the Flex & Fly Plane Launcher."