Overview
The E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m Plug-N-Play Warbird with Smart ESC represents the pinnacle of modern warbird RC aircraft design, combining authentic scale appearance with impressive flight performance and advanced avionics. This electric RC plane is the smartest, most powerful, and easiest to fly full-house T-28 model yet, making it an ideal choice for intermediate and experienced pilots looking to step up from trainer aircraft. Whether you're seeking a genuine scale warbird for leisurely flights or a capable performer for higher-energy aerobatics, this brushless RC aircraft delivers on every front with factory-installed systems that get you flying in less than an hour.
The T-28 Trojan 1.2m PNP comes pre-assembled with all the essential components installed, including a powerful brushless motor, 70A Smart Lite ESC, and seven servos ready to connect to your receiver. This Plug-N-Play approach means you can focus on flying rather than technical assembly, whilst the aircraft's carefully engineered design makes it suitable for flying in spaces as modest as a large park or soccer field for intermediate pilots, or traditional RC fields for more experienced aviators. The iconic red and white paint scheme with updated nose art captures the essence of the classic U.S. Navy trainer aircraft, whilst the modern EPO composite construction ensures durability without excessive weight.
Building on the success of the original model, this updated T-28 features enhanced electronics, improved handling characteristics, and greater performance potential. The 3S and 4S LiPo battery compatibility means you can choose between reliable everyday flying with a 3S pack or more aggressive high-speed and vertical performance with 4S power. For RC hobbyists in the UK seeking a ready-to-fly warbird platform with genuine scale credentials and real functional features, the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m represents outstanding value and proven Spektrum engineering excellence.
Key Features
- Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC with Telemetry — The installed brushless speed controller provides real-time power system monitoring including motor RPM, battery voltage, and current draw when paired with compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters and receivers, allowing you to optimise your flying and battery management for maximum performance and safety.
- Dual Battery Compatibility (3S/4S) — The factory-tuned brushless motor and ESC work seamlessly with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the popular 2200–3200mAh capacity range without requiring any modifications or upgrades, giving you flexibility in your power choices and flight characteristics.
- Functional Flaps with Full Control — Operational flaps controlled via dedicated servos enable shorter take-offs and landings whilst improving slow-speed handling and providing authentic scale movement that enhances the realism of your flying experience.
- Operational Electric Retracts — The functional retractable landing gear with scale-like strut covers and doors adds genuine warbird character and performance benefits by reducing drag during flight, and the retracts are factory-installed and tested for reliability.
- Six-Channel Control System — Seven factory-installed and pre-linked servos provide complete control authority over ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle, flaps, and landing gear retraction, giving you the full-house control expected of a serious warbird model.
- Wide-Stance Tricycle Undercarriage — The robust landing gear features a steerable nosewheel and wide stance that makes ground handling straightforward and forgiving, reducing the risk of nose-overs and ground loops during taxi and landing phases.
- Composite-Reinforced EPO Airframe — The lightweight yet durable construction combines the rigidity needed for aerobatic manoeuvres with the impact resistance required for recreational flying, and the all-molded design reduces assembly time and potential failure points.
- Abundant Scale Detail — The aircraft features panel lines, an instrument panel, a realistic pilot figure, and updated nose art markings that capture authentic scale appearance whilst remaining robust enough for recreational flying conditions.
- Fast Glue-Free Assembly — The modular design requires no adhesives for final assembly, allowing you to progress from unboxing to first flight in less than one hour, with the option to remove the wing for convenient storage and transport without tools.
- SAFE Select Technology Integration — Optional stability and flare enhancement protection is available through compatible Spektrum transmitters for pilots who desire additional flight assistance and confidence during initial flights.
Technical Performance
The E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m achieves its impressive performance envelope through careful engineering and premium component selection. The factory-installed brushless outrunner motor is specifically tuned to deliver optimal thrust across the entire 3S to 4S battery range, with a three-blade propeller optimised for the aircraft's aerodynamic profile. The Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC is a modern brushless speed controller incorporating intelligent firmware that manages acceleration smoothly and provides robust current limiting to protect your power system during demanding manoeuvres. With a 3S battery, the aircraft delivers abundant thrust suitable for relaxed scale flying and smooth aerobatic manoeuvres. Upgrading to a 4S battery unleashes higher speeds and nearly unlimited vertical performance capability, allowing experienced pilots to explore the aircraft's full aerobatic potential including snap rolls, knife-edge flight, and sustained vertical climbs. The airframe, constructed from composite-reinforced EPO (expanded polystyrene), balances strength with weight efficiency; at 1.47 kg without battery and approximately 1.70 kg with a typical 4S 2200mAh battery installed, the aircraft achieves excellent power-to-weight ratio whilst remaining durable enough for everyday recreational flying. The 1.2-metre (1224mm) wingspan and 986mm fuselage length define a genuinely manageable size—small enough for convenient storage and transport without requiring disassembly, yet large enough to provide stable, predictable handling characteristics and genuine scale appearance. The aircraft's seven servos are pre-installed and tested, providing positive control authority across all control surfaces including the functional flaps and retractable gear systems. The wide-stance landing gear and steerable nosewheel reflect practical engineering that prioritises ground handling reliability, a critical consideration for pilots transitioning to full-house warbird aircraft.
What's in the Box
- E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m airframe
- Spektrum Avian 70A Brushless Smart Lite ESC (factory-installed)
- Brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Seven servos (factory-installed and linked)
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 6+ channel transmitter and receiver (sold separately)
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–3200mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo charger (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m suitable for intermediate RC pilots? — Yes, absolutely. The E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m is specifically designed as the perfect next step after successfully learning to fly a trainer aircraft. With a Skill Level rating of 3, it suits intermediate pilots who have established basic control competency and wish to progress to a full-house warbird with functional flaps and retracts. The Smart Lite ESC, optional SAFE Select stability technology, and stable airframe design make it forgiving enough for intermediate pilots to enjoy scale flying whilst remaining capable enough to challenge and entertain experienced aviators seeking higher-speed and higher-energy aerobatic performance.
- What battery does the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m require? — This warbird is compatible with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the popular 2200–3200mAh capacity range. A 3S battery (2200–3200mAh) delivers excellent everyday flying performance with good flight times and scale-like handling characteristics. A 4S battery (2200–3200mAh) provides higher speed capability and enhanced vertical performance for more dynamic aerobatic flying. Both battery types work without modification thanks to the specially tuned motor and Smart Lite ESC. You'll also need a compatible LiPo charger, which should be purchased separately.
- What is Spektrum Smart telemetry and why does it matter? — The installed Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC can transmit real-time power system data including motor RPM, battery voltage, current draw, and temperature to compatible Spektrum receivers (such as the AR631) and Spektrum AirWare equipped transmitters (including DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, and iX20). This telemetry information allows you to monitor your aircraft's performance and battery health whilst flying, helping optimise power system settings and alert you to potential issues before they become dangerous.
- How long does the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m take to assemble? — The Plug-N-Play completion level means the aircraft arrives with the motor, ESC, and all seven servos already installed and factory-tested. You need only install your receiver and complete minimal final assembly tasks, which typically takes less than one hour. No glue is required, and no tools beyond a standard screwdriver are needed. This rapid assembly process allows you to progress from unboxing to maiden flight preparation in an afternoon.
- Can I fly the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m in small spaces? — The 1.2-metre wingspan and moderate weight make this aircraft suitable for flying in large parks or soccer fields when piloted by intermediate flyers who have mastered control techniques. More traditional RC flying fields with greater airspace are recommended for experienced pilots who wish to explore the aircraft's full aerobatic potential at higher speeds. The aircraft's stable handling and functional flaps enable slower approach speeds, which helps considerably when landing in modest spaces.
- What transmitter do I need for this aircraft? — The E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m requires a full-range six+ channel transmitter and compatible receiver system. Spektrum AirWare transmitters such as the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, or iX20 are recommended for access to Smart telemetry features, though any quality 6+ channel transmitter with a compatible receiver will enable basic aircraft control.
- How durable is the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m airframe? — The composite-reinforced EPO construction provides a good balance between durability and weight. EPO foam is significantly more impact-resistant than traditional expanded polystyrene, absorbing energy from minor crashes and rough landings better than lighter materials. The all-molded design eliminates weak glue joints that characterise traditional balsa or composite aircraft. For recreational flying, the airframe is quite robust; however, like all RC aircraft, it benefits from careful handling and regular pre-flight inspection.
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 E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m Plug-N-Play Warbird with Smart ESC, Flaps & Retracts – A-EFL18375 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.