Overview
The E-flite Night Radian 2.0m BNF Basic is a revolutionary motor glider that combines the serenity of thermal soaring with exciting sport and night flying capabilities. This updated version represents a significant leap forward in RC glider technology, featuring integrated high-visibility LED lighting, Smart technology, telemetry capabilities, and a modern trim scheme that makes it one of the most versatile brushless RC gliders available in the UK market today. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast looking to explore gliding, or someone seeking an exceptional next step after flying a trainer aircraft, the Night Radian 2.0m delivers an unparalleled flying experience that works equally well during daylight hours or after dusk.
The Night Radian 2.0m stands apart from conventional RC gliders because it offers genuine day and night flying capabilities without compromise. The factory-installed, multi-coloured LED lights throughout the airframe provide stunning visibility when flying at dusk or in complete darkness, with 100+ programmable colour, sequence and timing combinations giving you complete creative control over your aircraft's appearance in the sky. This is not a gimmick—these lights are integral to the aircraft's design and are powered directly by your 3S LiPo battery, making night flying safe, enjoyable and visually spectacular.
As a Bind-N-Fly Basic model, the Night Radian 2.0m comes factory-assembled with all essential components installed: a powerful brushless outrunner motor, a 30A telemetry-capable ESC, two micro servos, and a Spektrum AR631 6-channel receiver featuring industry-leading DSMX technology. If you already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter, you simply bind the receiver and you're ready to fly—no complex setup, no soldering, no guesswork required. This makes it an ideal choice for existing RC pilots seeking to expand their collection or for newcomers to RC aviation looking for a genuine ready-to-fly glider solution.
Key Features
- Integrated High-Visibility LED Lighting System — The Night Radian 2.0m features factory-installed, multi-coloured LED lights distributed throughout the entire airframe, offering 100+ different colour, sequence and timing combinations through a built-in onboard controller. This means you can program your aircraft to display any combination of colours and lighting patterns you desire, providing exceptional visibility and orientation when flying at dusk or during night operations. The lights connect to a convenient onboard switch so you can disable them during daylight flying, and they draw power directly from your 3S flight battery with no additional equipment required.
- Smart Technology and Telemetry Capabilities — This model is equipped with a 30A telemetry-capable ESC that can transmit real-time power system data to compatible Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitters and Smart receivers like the included AR631. You can monitor motor RPM, current draw, overall battery voltage and additional telemetry information whilst flying, giving you complete visibility of your aircraft's performance and battery health without landing to check a separate battery tester. This Smart technology represents a significant advancement in RC glider safety and situational awareness.
- Spektrum AR631 Receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select Technologies — The included 6-channel receiver features Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis (AS3X) technology that automatically smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in feel that makes the aircraft seem much larger and more stable than it actually is. The optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection adds pitch and bank angle limits, automatic self-levelling, and prevents excessive climb or dive angles—all switchable at the flick of a button for added confidence during launches, flight and landings. If you prefer to fly without these aids, simply bind the receiver normally and only AS3X remains active.
- Efficient Brushless Power System with Folding Propeller — The factory-installed high-power brushless outrunner motor (3533-960Kv 14-pole) combined with an efficient folding two-blade propeller and 30A ESC delivers incredible climb performance and exceptional flight times. The folding propeller design reduces drag during gliding, allowing the aircraft to maintain altitude with minimal power consumption and achieve flight times of 15–30+ minutes depending on whether you're using power or exploiting thermal lift.
- Updated Modern Trim Scheme with Higher Visibility — The new colour scheme has been carefully designed for maximum visibility in the air, particularly important when flying multiple aircraft or during twilight operations. The modern aesthetic appeals to contemporary RC pilots whilst maintaining the legendary Radian aerodynamic heritage that has made this design so successful since its introduction.
- Fast and Easy Assembly with Glue-Free Construction — The entire airframe uses lightweight, composite-reinforced EPO foam construction that requires no glue for final assembly. The two-piece bolt-on wing features a carbon fibre wing joiner tube, allowing you to assemble the aircraft in less than one hour and disassemble it equally quickly for convenient transport and storage. This design philosophy means you can be ready to fly in the time it takes to charge a battery.
- Proven Radian Aerodynamics for Superior Soaring — The Night Radian 2.0m inherits the legendary aerodynamic design of the original Radian motor gliders, featuring an efficient airfoil section and gracefully curved polyhedral wing that excels at finding and exploiting thermal lift. You can climb to altitude under power, then switch the motor off and enjoy extended gliding flights whilst searching for thermals—or combine power and soaring in a single flight for maximum enjoyment.
- Lightweight Yet Durable Construction — At just 842g without battery, the aircraft has been engineered to be as light as possible whilst maintaining the structural strength needed for reliable, long-lasting performance. The composite-reinforced EPO material is tough enough to handle occasional hard landings and minor impacts, yet light enough to achieve the impressive flight times and performance this design is known for.
- Bind-N-Fly Basic Advantage for Spektrum Users — If you already own a Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter, the BNF Basic format means you avoid the expense of purchasing a new radio system. Simply bind the included receiver to your existing transmitter and you're ready to fly, making this an exceptionally cost-effective way to add a glider to your RC fleet.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Night Radian 2.0m represents a pinnacle of motor glider engineering, combining efficient power delivery with sophisticated flight management systems. The 3533-960Kv 14-pole brushless outrunner motor is specifically designed for this airframe, providing the optimal balance between climb rate and power efficiency. When paired with the 30A telemetry-capable brushless ESC featuring an electronic brake function, the motor can deliver aggressive climb performance when needed whilst consuming minimal power during sustained level flight or gliding operations. The aircraft is designed to operate with 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries ranging from 1300mAh to 2200mAh capacity, with larger capacity batteries extending flight times towards the 30-minute mark and smaller batteries reducing overall aircraft weight for lighter, more delicate flying characteristics. The airframe construction utilises composite-reinforced EPO foam, a material that offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding crash durability and ease of repair should damage occur. The lightweight design, coupled with the efficient brushless power system and carefully optimised aerodynamics inherited from decades of Radian development, ensures that the Night Radian 2.0m achieves performance figures that rival much larger aircraft whilst remaining portable and accessible to pilots of varied experience levels. The 842g all-up weight (without battery) places this aircraft in the sweet spot for easy hand launching, thermal soaring and sport flying, whilst remaining robust enough for repeated field operations.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Night Radian 2.0m airframe with integrated LED lighting system
- 3533-960Kv 14-pole brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- 30A telemetry-capable brushless ESC with electronic brake (factory-installed)
- Two micro servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum AR631 6-channel receiver with DSMX technology, AS3X and SAFE Select (factory-installed)
- Onboard LED lighting controller and switch
- Product manual with comprehensive assembly and operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter (essential for control—we recommend the Spektrum DXS or higher models to access all telemetry and Smart features)
- 3S 11.1V LiPo battery with 1300–2200mAh capacity, featuring EC3 or IC3 connector and balance lead (we stock compatible Spektrum Smart LiPo batteries in both 1300mAh and 2200mAh configurations)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger capable of charging 3S batteries (we offer Spektrum SMART chargers and dedicated LiPo charging solutions)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Night Radian 2.0m suitable for beginners in RC aviation? — Yes, absolutely. The Night Radian 2.0m is officially rated as Skill Level 2, making it an ideal next step after learning on a trainer aircraft or high-wing sport plane. The included AS3X stabilisation technology automatically smooths wind effects, and the optional SAFE Select envelope protection can be enabled to provide pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-levelling. These technologies work behind the scenes to make the aircraft far more forgiving and stable than a basic RC glider, building your confidence as you develop your piloting skills. If you've already flown RC aircraft before, you'll find the Night Radian 2.0m intuitive and genuinely enjoyable rather than challenging.
- What battery does the Night Radian 2.0m require, and how long will flights last? — The aircraft is compatible with 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries ranging from 1300mAh to 2200mAh capacity. A 1300mAh battery will provide approximately 15 minutes of flight time, whilst a 2200mAh battery can deliver 30+ minutes depending on your flying style. By mixing power-on climbing with gliding and thermal soaring, many pilots report extending flights well beyond these baseline figures. We recommend having at least two batteries on hand so you can fly continuously whilst one battery charges.
- Can I use the Night Radian 2.0m for night flying, and how does the LED lighting system work? — Night flying is one of the primary purposes of this aircraft. The factory-installed LED lights are distributed throughout the airframe and powered directly by your 3S flight battery through an onboard controller. You can programme 100+ different colour, sequence and timing combinations using the built-in controller, giving you complete flexibility over how your aircraft appears in the night sky. The lights provide genuine visibility and orientation assistance, not merely decoration—they're essential for safe night operations. An onboard switch allows you to disable the lights during daylight flying, and the entire system adds minimal weight and power draw to your aircraft.
- What transmitter do I need to fly the Night Radian 2.0m, and can I use my existing radio system? — The Night Radian 2.0m requires a full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter. If you already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter such as the DXS, DX6e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX20 or similar, you can bind the included AR631 receiver to your existing radio system at no additional cost—this is the primary advantage of the Bind-N-Fly format. If you don't already own a transmitter, we stock various Spektrum options ranging from basic to advanced models.
- Does the Night Radian 2.0m have telemetry, and what data can I monitor whilst flying? — Yes, the Night Radian 2.0m is equipped with a telemetry-capable ESC that can transmit real-time flight data to compatible Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitters paired with the included Spektrum AR631 Smart receiver. You can monitor motor RPM, current draw, overall battery voltage and other power system data whilst flying, without needing to land and check a separate battery tester. This telemetry capability helps you manage battery health, understand your power consumption patterns, and improve your flying technique through data analysis. Compatible transmitters include the DX6e and 8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, 8 and 10, iX12 and iX20 models.
- How long does it take to assemble the Night Radian 2.0m, and what assembly skills are required? — The entire aircraft can be assembled in less than one hour using only basic hand tools—no specialised equipment or advanced RC knowledge is required. The design features glue-free construction with bolt-on wings and a carbon fibre wing joiner tube, meaning final assembly consists primarily of connecting the wing halves to the fuselage and performing basic pre-flight checks. All electronic components (motor, ESC, servos and receiver) come factory-installed and tested, so you avoid the complexity and potential for error associated with installing these components yourself. This makes the Night Radian 2.0m genuinely accessible to newcomers to the hobby.
- What is the difference between the Night Radian 2.0m BNF Basic and other Radian models? — The Night Radian 2.0m BNF Basic is specifically designed for night flying with its integrated LED lighting system offering 100+ programmable colour and timing combinations. It features updated Smart technology with a telemetry-capable ESC, a modern higher-visibility trim scheme, and the latest Spektrum AR631 receiver with AS3X stabilisation and optional SAFE Select protection. Compared to the original Radian 2.0m, this version adds night-flying capability and telemetry monitoring. The BNF Basic format includes the receiver pre-installed but requires you to supply a separate transmitter, making it cost-effective for existing Spektrum radio users.
- Is the Night Radian 2.0m waterproof, and can I fly it in wet conditions? — The aircraft is not waterproofed for water landings or operation in heavy rain. However, the durable EPO construction and installed electronics are sufficiently robust for typical field conditions. We recommend avoiding flights during heavy rain or immediately after rainfall when the field is waterlogged, as the airframe will absorb water and significantly increase in weight. Flying in light drizzle or misty conditions is generally acceptable, though you should allow the aircraft to dry thoroughly after flights and check all connector contacts for moisture before recharging batteries.
- What is AS3X technology, and does it make the aircraft easier to fly? — AS3X stands for Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis, a sophisticated flight control technology built into the Spektrum AR631 receiver that works automatically behind the scenes. It continuously monitors aircraft orientation across all three axes and makes tiny corrections to servo inputs to smooth out the effects of wind gusts and turbulence. This delivers a locked-in, stable feeling that makes the Night Radian 2.0m seem much larger and more stable than its actual size suggests. AS3X is always active on this aircraft and significantly improves handling characteristics, particularly in gusty conditions or when thermals create turbulent air around the field.
- What is SAFE Select, and should I enable it? — SAFE Select is an optional flight envelope protection system built into the Spektrum AR631 receiver that you can enable or disable using a transmitter switch with no complex programming required. When enabled, SAFE Select provides pitch and bank angle limits (preventing extreme climbs or dives), automatic self-levelling (the aircraft returns to level flight when control sticks are released), and keeps the wings level during takeoffs and landings. These features are excellent for building confidence during your first flights or when learning the aircraft's characteristics. If you prefer full control without envelope limits, simply bind the receiver normally and SAFE Select remains inactive—only AS3X will be active. Many pilots enable SAFE Select initially and disable it once they're comfortable with the aircraft's handling.
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 Night Radian 2.0m BNF Basic A-EFL36500 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.
