Overview
The E-flite Viper 90mm EDF Jet BNF Basic (EFL17750) represents a significant milestone in large-scale electric ducted fan aviation, scaled up from the hugely popular 70mm version to deliver an unforgettable flying experience. Whether you're searching for a brushless RC jet, a ready-to-fly EDF model, or simply the best large-scale jet available in the UK, this aircraft combines fighter-jet aesthetics with the handling characteristics of a sport aeroplane, making it accessible to both low-time pilots and experienced jet enthusiasts. Powered by Smart electronics including the Spektrum Avian 130A Smart ESC, AS3X stability technology and optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection, the Viper 90mm delivers smooth, confident flying characteristics that build pilot skills whilst maintaining the thrilling performance that makes electric jet flying so rewarding.
This BNF (Bind-N-Fly) Basic model comes almost completely assembled and ready to bind to your Spektrum transmitter, making it an ideal choice for anyone already invested in the Spektrum ecosystem or looking to purchase a complete ready-to-run RC jet. The aircraft features a fully composite-reinforced EPO airframe finished in an exclusive high-visibility white and red trim scheme, factory-installed electric retracts with trailing-link shock-absorbing struts, and functional LED navigation and landing lights that enhance both the scale appearance and practical night flying capability. With top speeds exceeding 120 mph and excellent vertical performance, the Viper 90mm EDF jet is genuinely thrilling to fly whilst remaining forgiving and manageable for pilots stepping up to large-scale EDF aviation for the first time.
First developed as a full-scale aircraft to combine fighter-jet looks with low-wing sport aeroplane stability, the E-flite Viper 90mm successfully translates this philosophy into an RC model that offers an extraordinarily wide flight envelope. From gentle, controlled low-speed passes suitable for learning approaches and landings, through to high-speed flybys at 120+ mph and dynamic aerobatic manoeuvres including giant loops, rolls, endless knife-edge flight, snaps and tumbles, this aircraft performs with genuine precision and capability across the entire speed range. The result is a large-scale brushless RC jet that genuinely excels as both a first jet and a capable performance platform for experienced pilots.
Key Features
- 90mm Electric Ducted Fan with 12-blade Design — The 12-blade 90mm EDF unit delivers efficient thrust generation combined with an authentic turbine-like sound that significantly enhances the flying experience and scale authenticity. The expertly optimised ducting ensures maximum efficiency without compromise, providing both strong vertical performance and powerful acceleration across the entire throttle range.
- Factory-Installed Spektrum Avian 130A Smart ESC — This 130-amp brushless electronic speed controller features Smart telemetry integration that provides real-time data including motor RPM, battery voltage, current draw and other critical power system information displayed on compatible Spektrum transmitters during flight. The Smart ESC also supports optional motor reversing functionality (when using 8+ channel transmitters) to shorten rollout distances after landing and enable special ground handling capabilities.
- Powerful 3670 1950Kv Brushless Inrunner Motor — The factory-installed high-power brushless inrunner motor provides instant, crisp throttle response with virtually no lag, delivering the strong vertical performance and rapid acceleration that defines modern electric jet flight. The 1950Kv rating is specifically optimised for 6S LiPo power and the 90mm fan combination, ensuring optimal power delivery across the entire speed envelope.
- AS3X Stabilisation Technology — Artificial Stabilization 3-aXis (AS3X) works invisibly behind the scenes to counteract the effects of wind, turbulence and gusts by making constant micro-corrections to control surfaces. This exclusive Spektrum technology delivers a locked-in, solid flying feel that makes the Viper 90mm seem larger and more stable than its actual size, greatly boosting pilot confidence and control precision especially in challenging conditions.
- Optional SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — When enabled via a simple transmitter switch, SAFE Select provides pitch and bank angle limits that prevent excessive attitudes, automatic self-levelling when control sticks are centered, and roll-levelling during takeoff and landing. Critically, these features can be toggled on and off with a single switch, or disabled entirely by binding normally, giving pilots complete control over their flight characteristics and allowing skill development at their own pace.
- Eight Digital Metal-Geared Servos — Eight factory-installed digital servos with metal gearing, ball-link equipped control linkages and pinned control surface hinges deliver crisp, precise control response at every speed. The digital servo technology provides superior holding power and faster response compared to analogue servos, crucial for managing the control inputs required at both low-speed landings and 120+ mph high-speed passes.
- Electric Retractable Landing Gear — Fully functional electric retracts with shock-absorbing trailing-link struts on both nose and main gear allow safe operation from grass fields and other rough surfaces, whilst the steerable nose wheel and wide-spaced main gear provide excellent ground handling characteristics. This genuine retract system significantly enhances scale appearance and is fully integrated into the flight control system for seamless operation.
- Functional Flaps, Lights and Nose Gear Door — In addition to the retractable gear, the Viper 90mm features a motorised nose gear door that closes during flight for authentic scale appearance and slightly reduced drag, functional leading-edge flaps for enhanced low-speed control during approaches and landings, and LED navigation lights (wing tip and tail) plus landing lights in the fuselage nose for safe night flying and enhanced visibility during dawn and dusk operations.
- Spektrum AR637TA 6-Channel Receiver with Full-Range Reception — The factory-installed six-channel receiver features the renowned DSMX 2.4GHz spread-spectrum technology providing rock-solid frequency coordination, full-range reception capability including signal recovery if briefly interrupted, and integrated telemetry data streaming from the Smart ESC. The AR637TA is compatible with the full range of Spektrum DSMX and legacy DSM2 transmitters, offering exceptional flexibility for existing Spektrum pilots.
- Bind-N-Fly BNF Basic Completion Level — This BNF Basic model arrives with the motor, ESC, receiver, servos and all internal electronics fully installed and pre-configured, requiring only binding to a compatible Spektrum transmitter and basic assembly of wings and stabilisers before flight. This dramatically reduces setup time and complexity compared to ARF kits, making it ideal for pilots who want to minimise assembly whilst retaining the advantages of genuine E-flite quality and engineering.
- No-Glue Assembly with Hands-Free Wing Connections — The entire assembly process requires no adhesives whatsoever; instead, the two-piece wing connects via convenient V2 hands-free connectors that locate precisely and require only a simple bolt connection. The stabilisers similarly bolt directly into place, making disassembly for transport, storage or maintenance straightforward and reliable, with no risk of joint deterioration from adhesive degradation over time.
- Composite-Reinforced EPO Airframe Construction — The fuselage, wings and control surfaces utilise expanded polypropylene (EPO) foam reinforced with composite materials in critical stress areas, creating an airframe that is simultaneously lightweight for performance, durable enough to handle repeated landings on various surfaces, and resistant to UV degradation and moisture absorption. The material choice reflects E-flite's expertise in creating models that balance performance with practical durability for long-term enjoyment.
- Removable Winglets and Protective Components — The highly visible winglets are removable and replaceable should damage occur, and the plastic-capped nose and intake ducts provide additional protection during ground handling whilst remaining easy to replace if necessary. This design philosophy prioritises practical repairability and maintenance rather than requiring replacement of major components after minor damage.
- 6S LiPo Compatibility with Dual-Pack Support — The aircraft accommodates a single 6S LiPo pack rated 4000mAh to 7000mAh with 30+C continuous discharge rating, or optionally two 6S 3200–5000mAh packs wired in parallel for extended flight times and slightly reduced peak current draw per cell. This flexibility allows pilots to tailor battery specifications to their preferred flight duration, field conditions and performance envelope, from aggressive aerobatic flights to extended cruising.
Technical Performance
The Viper 90mm EDF represents the pinnacle of large-scale electric jet engineering, combining a factory-installed 12-blade 90mm ducted fan, 3670 1950Kv brushless inrunner motor and Spektrum Avian 130A Smart ESC to deliver performance that genuinely astonishes. With a 6S LiPo battery (4000–7000mAh at 30+C discharge), this aircraft achieves level flight speeds exceeding 120 mph whilst maintaining excellent slow-speed handling characteristics, a genuinely rare combination in modern RC aviation. The aerodynamic efficiency of the expertly optimised ducting means the power system delivers strong vertical performance without requiring excessive weight or complexity, allowing the Viper 90mm to execute giant loops, sustained knife-edge flight and aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres with confidence and control. The aircraft weighs 3257 grams fully fuelled with battery, placing it firmly in the large-scale category at 1400mm wingspan and 1281mm length, yet the power-to-weight ratio ensures responsive handling even at slower speeds. The eight digital metal-geared servos provide the control precision necessary to manage the aircraft across this extraordinary speed range, from 30 mph approaches to 120+ mph high-speed passes, whilst the AS3X stabilisation system automatically compensates for wind and turbulence to maintain a locked-in, solid flying feel. The electric retractable landing gear with trailing-link shock absorption allows operation from grass fields and rough surfaces that would damage conventional fixed gear, and the composite-reinforced EPO construction provides the durability necessary for repeated flight operations whilst maintaining the light weight essential for performance. Battery options allow pilots to select between extended flight times with larger capacity packs or maximum performance with higher discharge-rate batteries, and the optional dual-battery parallel configuration supports flight times that rival many glow-fuel models. The Smart telemetry integration provides crucial real-time feedback about motor RPM, battery voltage and current draw, enabling pilots to understand their power system performance and manage battery discharge safely throughout the flight envelope.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Viper 90mm EDF Jet (fully assembled and factory-finished)
- Spektrum Avian 130A Brushless Smart ESC (pre-installed)
- Brushless Inrunner Motor 3670 1950Kv (pre-installed)
- 90mm Electric Ducted Fan unit with 12 blades (pre-installed)
- Eight Digital Metal-Geared Servos (pre-installed)
- Spektrum AR637TA 6-Channel Receiver (pre-installed)
- Product Manual
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 Compatible Transmitter (minimum 6 channels for basic flight; 7 channels for SAFE Select functionality; 8+ channels for SAFE Select and motor reversing functionality). Compatible models include DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 and iX20
- 6S 22.2V LiPo Battery Pack rated 4000–7000mAh with 30+C continuous discharge rating and EC5 or IC5 connector
- Compatible LiPo Battery Charger (not included)
- LiPo Safe Charging Bag for safe battery storage and charging
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Viper 90mm EDF suitable for first-time large-scale jet pilots? — Yes, absolutely. Despite being large-scale and high-performance, the Viper 90mm is specifically designed as the best choice for a first large-scale EDF jet model. The combination of AS3X stabilisation, optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection, smooth sport-aeroplane handling characteristics and wide speed range makes this aircraft forgiving and confidence-building for lower-time pilots. The optional SAFE Select can be enabled to limit extreme attitudes and provide automatic self-levelling whilst the pilot builds skills, then disabled once confidence grows. Many experienced jet pilots also choose the Viper 90mm for its exceptional handling and performance across the entire flight envelope.
- What battery does the Viper 90mm need and how long can I fly? — The aircraft requires a single 6S 22.2V LiPo battery with capacity between 4000mAh and 7000mAh, rated for at least 30+C continuous discharge. Battery connectors must be EC5 or IC5 type. A 4000mAh battery provides a good balance between weight and flight time for most pilots, whilst a 7000mAh battery extends flight time at the cost of additional weight. Alternatively, two 6S batteries (3200–5000mAh each) can be wired in parallel for class-leading extended flight times. Flight duration typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes depending on flying style, battery capacity and weather conditions.
- What is the top speed and maximum altitude capability? — The Viper 90mm achieves level flight speeds exceeding 120 mph with the recommended 6S battery, making it genuinely thrilling to fly. Vertical performance is excellent, allowing sustained climbs and giant loops that define aerobatic capability. The aircraft operates reliably across an extraordinarily wide speed envelope from approximately 30 mph low-speed passes through to maximum speed, making it suitable for diverse flying styles from precision approaches to high-speed flybys.
- What transmitter do I need to fly this aircraft? — The Viper 90mm requires a Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter with at least 6 channels for basic functionality. A 7-channel transmitter is recommended to fully utilise SAFE Select features, and an 8+ channel transmitter is required to enable SAFE Select alongside motor reversing functionality. Compatible transmitters include DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 and iX20 models. If you already own a Spektrum transmitter, this BNF model will bind directly to it without additional equipment.
- How long does assembly take and is glue required? — Assembly requires less than one hour from box to flight-ready, and crucially, no glue is required anywhere in the process. The two-piece wing simply bolts together using convenient V2 hands-free connectors, the stabilisers bolt directly to the fuselage, and all electronics are pre-installed and configured. This design approach means assembly is straightforward for any pilot, and disassembly for transport or maintenance is equally simple.
- Can this aircraft operate from grass fields or rough surfaces? — Yes, the electric retractable landing gear with shock-absorbing trailing-link struts is specifically designed to enable safe operation from grass fields, rough airstrips and other non-paved surfaces. The shock-absorbing struts absorb the impact of rough touchdowns, and the steerable nose wheel plus wide-spaced main gear provide excellent ground handling characteristics. The motorised nose gear door closes in flight for authentic scale appearance and minimal drag.
- What is the difference between the BNF Basic and ARF Plus versions? — The BNF (Bind-N-Fly) Basic version supplied here arrives with the motor, ESC, receiver and all internal electronics fully installed and pre-configured, requiring only binding to your transmitter and basic assembly before flight. The ARF Plus version is supplied with the airframe and hardware but omits the motor, ESC and ducted fan unit, allowing experienced builders to install their own choice of power system components. For most pilots, the BNF Basic offers significantly better value and faster time-to-flight.
- Is the Smart telemetry information critical for flying this aircraft? — No, the Smart telemetry is an optional enhancement rather than a requirement for basic flight. The Spektrum Avian Smart ESC operates perfectly well on standard non-telemetry receivers, providing all necessary speed control functions. However, when paired with a compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitter and the AR637TA receiver, telemetry provides valuable real-time feedback about motor RPM, battery voltage and current draw, enabling pilots to understand their power system performance and safely manage battery discharge throughout the flight.
- How durable is the EPO airframe and is damage easy to repair? — The composite-reinforced EPO construction is remarkably durable for repeated flight operations, grass landings and minor impacts. The material naturally absorbs shock rather than cracking, and any damage is typically straightforward to repair using standard foam-safe adhesives and techniques familiar to any RC pilot. Removable winglets and nose components are designed to be replaced without affecting the rest of the aircraft, and major components can be obtained separately if needed.
- What is AS3X and why does my Viper 90mm have it? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilization 3-aXis) is exclusive Spektrum technology that uses a three-axis gyro sensor to make constant micro-adjustments to control surfaces, automatically compensating for wind, turbulence and gusts. This happens invisibly and continuously during flight, smoothing out the effects of rough air and delivering a locked-in, solid flying feel that makes the aircraft seem larger and more stable than its actual size. This technology significantly enhances handling quality and pilot confidence, particularly in challenging wind conditions, and is included standard on this BNF model.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the EFL Viper 90mm EDF BNF Basic A-EFL17750 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
