The Smartivity Hydraulic Plane Launcher is a build-it-yourself kit that lets you assemble a working launch mechanism. The box contains pre-cut wooden parts, two water syringes, paper plane sheets, foam darts, elastic bands and an illustrated manual.
Everything clicks and clamps together without glue or tools, so you build the frame with its scissor mechanism step by step. Once the launcher is built, fold a paper plane, place it on the launch arm and press the water-filled syringe: the pressure pushes the arm up and the plane shoots off. The foam darts can also be launched without a paper plane.
The set consists of 153 pieces and is made of wood. The box states an age recommendation of 6 years and up. While building and launching, children get a playful introduction to hydraulics, air resistance and the scissor mechanism.
Between the building, tinkering with paper planes and the launching itself, this makes a fun gift for a child who likes putting things together and can then spend hours playing with the result.
