The Hopper system includes a fully assembled drone, controller, batteries, multi-battery charger, carry/storage case, maintenance tools, safety glasses, spare motors, and spare propellers. Every component is designed and manufactured in the United States by For The Win Robotics in Paramount, CA.

Hopper connects via Bluetooth for manual flight using the Hopper Controller, and via WiFi for telemetry data and autonomous flight programming through FTW Code. Use the FTW Fly app to update Hopper's firmware and verify connectivity before each session.

The FTW Fly app is available on iOS and Android. It serves as the primary software update vehicle for both Hopper and the Hopper Controller, and provides a user-centric interface for developing and testing flight strategies.

The Hopper Controller uses Bluetooth to communicate directly with the drone. Power on the controller and Hopper, then pair via the FTW Fly app if connecting for the first time. The left joystick controls altitude and rotation; the right joystick controls forward, backward, and lateral movement.

Always take off from a flat floor surface. Maintain at least three feet of clearance above any obstacles. The controller requires AAA batteries (included).

FTW Code is available in the app store (iPad only) and at www.ftwcode.ai.

FTW Code is a block-based programming platform designed to give students a fast and intuitive entry point into coding with drones. It enables users to program Hopper for autonomous flight, making it easy for students and educators to create repeatable flight routines and participate in coding challenges.

FTW Code is built to support future expansion, allowing for the integration of more advanced programming technologies and features as they become available.

Hopper uses LED light indicators to communicate its status. A solid green light indicates ready-to-fly status. Flashing patterns indicate pairing mode or low battery. Refer to the light patterns to diagnose connectivity, battery level, and flight mode before each session.

The Hopper Controller is designed and manufactured in the US. It uses a Nordic NRF5340 chip and communicates with Hopper via Bluetooth. Insert AAA batteries before first use. Power on by holding the center button until the indicator light activates. The controller auto-connects to a paired Hopper drone within range.

Hopper's 2MP articulated camera can be positioned at 45° (forward-facing) or 90° (downward-facing). Camera feed is accessible through the FTW Fly app and FTW Code during flight. The downward-facing position is used for optical flow stabilization; the forward-facing position enables visual data capture for programming exercises.

• Inspect all propellers for cracks or damage before each flight
• Confirm propeller guards are securely attached
• Ensure the battery is fully charged and properly seated
• Verify the flying area is clear of people and obstacles
• Confirm indoor environment with adequate lighting
• Check that flooring is suitable (gym floor or hardwood preferred)
• Ensure no strong airflow or HVAC vents are active near the flight area
• Update Hopper firmware via FTW Fly before the first flight of the day
• Wear safety glasses during all flight operations

The included multi-battery charger supports up to 3 Hopper batteries simultaneously. Connect the charger via the included cable. Insert batteries into the charger slots — LED indicators show charging status per slot. A solid green light indicates a fully charged battery. Do not leave batteries unattended while charging. Store batteries at room temperature when not in use.

Hopper is a mini-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) designed and manufactured by For The Win Robotics in Paramount, CA. It is classified as a Category 1 drone weighing less than 250g and is fully compliant with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Hopper is intended for indoor use only in educational and training environments.

The Hopper Controller is a purpose-built game-style controller designed for intuitive manual flight. It features two analog joysticks, trigger buttons, and a status LED. The controller communicates with Hopper via Bluetooth using the Nordic NRF5340 chip — the same platform used in the drone. All components are designed and manufactured by For The Win Robotics in Paramount, CA.

Hopper is classified as a Category 1 unmanned aircraft weighing less than 250 grams. Under FAA guidelines, Category 1 drones operating indoors are not subject to FAA registration requirements. Hopper is designed for indoor use only.

Hopper is also compliant with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), certifying it as free of prohibited foreign technology components — making it eligible for use in federal, defense, and government-funded educational programs.