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HOPPER®
Hopper® Drone
Hopper® is the only drone built from the ground up for serious education programs, designed, manufactured, and serviced entirely in the US. With an advanced sensor suite, real-time computer vision, and a dual-core flight processor, Hopper delivers professional-grade autonomy technology to CTE classrooms, workforce training centers, and higher education labs. Not a toy. Not a kit. A sovereign training platform.
Built for programs, not display cases. Hopper's ruggedized airframe, swappable batteries, and modular prop system are engineered for daily use across thousands of flight cycles. No fragile parts, no annual hardware refreshes. Just a reusable platform that scales from one classroom to an entire district without breaking down or breaking the budget.
Hopper is NDAA Section 889 compliant one of the only drones in education that meets federal security standards for use in government-funded programs, CTE pathways, JROTC, and defense-adjacent curricula. When a school district, state agency, or federal program asks if your drone is approved, the answer is yes. Learn More

HOPPER, BUILT FOR LIFE: BACKED BY OUR LIFETIME WARRANTY.

🇺🇸 US-BUILT HARDWARE// NDAA §889 COMPLIANT// SAN DIEGO, CA// LIFETIME WARRANTY// BUILD · FLY · CODE// REAL-SYSTEM TRAINING// SOVEREIGN AUTONOMY STACK// 🇺🇸 US-BUILT HARDWARE// NDAA §889 COMPLIANT// SAN DIEGO, CA// LIFETIME WARRANTY// BUILD · FLY · CODE// REAL-SYSTEM TRAINING// SOVEREIGN AUTONOMY STACK//

Hopper® Classroom Edition

Assembled Components

  • Airframe + Feet
  • Printed Circuit Board
  • Motor A [x2]
  • Motor C [x2]
  • Body Panels [x5]
  • Propellers [x4]
  • Propeller Guards [x4]

Extra Components

  • Motor A [x2]
  • Motor C [x2]
  • Propellers [x4]
  • Propeller Guards [x4]

Tools

  • T3 Screwdriver
  • Motor Tool
  • Propeller Tool
  • Tweezers
  • Safety Glasses
  • Screws [x20]

Accessories

  • Carry/Storage Case
  • Hopper Controller
  • Hopper Battery [x3]
  • Multi-Battery Charger + Cable
  • AAA Batteries [x2]
Hopper Classroom Case Hopper Tools and Accessories

Built to Program Standards

Baseline

Dimensions & Weight 7in × 7in
65g with battery
50g without battery
30g payload capacity

Range & Altitude Max Range 150ft
Max Height 15ft

Regulatory Category 1 Drone (<250g)
Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Hardware

Sensor Suite

  • Inertial Measurement Unit
  • 3 Axis Magnetometer
  • 24 Bit Color Sensor
  • Infrared (IR) Sensor Array
  • Pressure Sensing Altimeter Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Flow Sensor
  • Time of Flight Range Finder
  • WiFi for Telemetry
  • Bluetooth for Flight

Camera 2MP Articulated Camera
45° Forward-Facing
90° Downward-Facing

Software

Flight Control System Autonomous and Manual Flight Modes

Telemetry Suite Real-Time Measurement Reporting from Onboard Sensors


Examples:

  • Airspeed/Airflow (Flow Sensor)
  • Speed and Acceleration (IMU)
  • Altitude (Altimeter & ToF)
  • Visual Data (Computer Vision)
  • Temperature Data (IR Sensor)

Printed Circuit Board

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope for detecting movement, tilt, and orientation in real time

3-Axis Magnetometer

Functions as a digital compass, helping determine Hopper's heading

Pressure Sensing Altimeter

Measures altitude based on air pressure changes

Temperature Sensor

Monitors ambient temperature to aid in environmental sensing or onboard diagnostics

Hopper PCB Bottom Bottom
Hopper PCB Top Top

Technology

FTW Fly App

FTW Fly (iOS, Android)

Novel User-Centric Method for Developing Test Flight and Strategies to be later developed in the Programming Environment. FTW Fly also serves as the singular Hopper and Hopper Controller Software Update Vehicle.

Hopper Controller

Controller

Designed and manufactured in the US
Main Chip (MCU) Nordic NRF5340
Communication Bluetooth
Manufacturer For The Win Robotics (FTW)
Manufacturer Headquarters San Diego, CA

FTW Code

FTW Code (iOS, Web)

Coding Platform utilizing Block-Based Programming Technology enabling rapid engagement with Hopper's full autonomous capabilities. FTW Fly also serves as the singular Hopper and Hopper Controller software update vehicle.

Ideal Flight Conditions

To ensure the smoothest and most reliable flight experience with Hopper, we recommend the following setup:

Location

  • Indoor environment only
  • Use a well-lit room to allow Hopper's sensors to perform accurately

Flooring

  • Gym flooring provides the most consistent performance
  • Hardwood floors also work well
  • Avoid blue-colored carpeting, as the range finder struggles to lock on without distinct patterns
  • Concrete surfaces that reflect lighting are not recommended and may reduce performance

Airflow

  • Avoid flying near high or strong air conditioning units or vents, since they can cause instability

Takeoff and Flight

  • Always take off directly from the floor, not from a hand or elevated surface
  • Insert the battery only while Hopper is resting on the ground
  • Maintain at least three feet of clearance above obstacles when flying over them

Program Directors & Procurement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hopper NDAA Section 889 compliant?

Yes. Hopper is fully compliant with NDAA Section 889, which prohibits the use of telecommunications and surveillance equipment from certain foreign manufacturers in government-funded programs. Hopper contains no prohibited components, making it eligible for use in CTE programs, JROTC, Title I schools, Perkins-funded initiatives, and federal workforce development contracts.

What drone should CTE programs use?

CTE programs require a drone that is NDAA compliant, durable enough for daily use, and paired with a structured curriculum that maps to industry credentials. Hopper is the only US-manufactured drone that meets all three criteria, built in San Diego, CA, with a full autonomous systems career pathway curriculum included.

Can Hopper be purchased with Perkins grant funding?

Yes. Hopper and the Build Fly Code® curriculum platform are eligible for Perkins V funding as career and technical education equipment and instructional materials. FTW Robotics provides purchase order processing and grant documentation support for district procurement offices.

Where is Hopper designed and manufactured?

Hopper is designed and manufactured by FTW Robotics in San Diego, California. The printed circuit boards, hardware and software are all US-built, ensuring full supply chain compliance for government and federally funded programs.

Guides · Safety Manual · Compliance

Everything You Need to Fly, Fix, and Code

Hopper build guides, safety documentation, firmware update walkthroughs, warranty information, and NDAA compliance details all in one place.

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© 2026 For The Win Robotics. All rights reserved. Hopper® and Build Fly Code® are registered trademarks.

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