Overview
The E-flite Night Radian 2.0m PNP is a high-performance electric motor glider that combines the serenity of soaring with spectacular day and night flying capabilities. This 2-metre wingspan brushless RC glider is the perfect next step after a trainer or first glider, offering incredible versatility for sport flying, thermal soaring, and night flight adventures. Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking to expand your fleet or a dedicated enthusiast seeking a ready-to-fly brushless RC aircraft in the UK market, the Night Radian 2.0m delivers the performance, reliability and innovation that E-flite is renowned for.
What sets the Night Radian 2.0m apart from other RC gliders is its factory-installed, multi-colour LED lighting system that runs throughout the entire airframe. This isn't just for show—the integrated high-visibility LED lights provide the orientation and visibility needed to fly confidently at dusk or in complete darkness, opening up entirely new flying opportunities. The airframe features 100+ different colour, sequence and timing combinations via a built-in controller, all powered by your 3S LiPo battery, making it a truly unique flying experience that you won't find with standard RC gliders.
The latest version brings significant upgrades to an already-legendary design. E-flite has added Smart technology compatibility and a telemetry-capable ESC, combined with a modern, higher-visibility trim scheme that looks stunning in the air. When paired with a compatible Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitter and Smart receiver, you'll have access to real-time flight data including motor RPM, battery voltage and current draw. This makes the Night Radian 2.0m an excellent choice for pilots who want advanced feedback about their power system performance during flight.
Key Features
- Integrated High-Visibility LED Lights — Factory-installed, multi-colour LED light strings are embedded throughout the entire airframe and connected to a built-in controller that offers 100+ different colour, sequence and timing combinations. This unique feature provides incredible visibility and easy orientation when flying at night, and you can simply turn them off with the onboard switch for daytime flying. No other electric RC glider in its class offers this level of integrated lighting sophistication.
- Updated Smart and Telemetry Features — The upgraded 30A telemetry-capable ESC provides real-time data including motor RPM, current draw, overall battery voltage and additional power system information when used with compatible Smart receivers (such as the Spektrum AR631) and AirWare-equipped Spektrum transmitters. This advanced feedback helps you monitor your aircraft's performance and battery health throughout your flight.
- Modern High-Visibility Trim Scheme — The aircraft features a contemporary paint scheme designed for superior visibility in the air, making it easier to track during extended thermal soaring flights or night operations. The scheme has been specifically updated from previous generations to improve sighting in various lighting conditions.
- Factory-Installed Brushless Power System — The efficient brushless outrunner motor (3533–960Kv 14-pole) is pre-installed and paired with a 30A ESC and efficient folding propeller, delivering incredible climb performance and consistent power delivery. The factory installation ensures everything is perfectly balanced and tuned before it arrives at your door.
- Efficient Folding Propeller — The two-blade folding propeller folds back during glide phases to reduce drag, improving glide efficiency and allowing you to stay aloft longer when thermalling. This design feature is essential for maximising flight duration on a single charge.
- Lightweight, Durable EPO Composite Construction — The airframe is built from composite-reinforced EPO (expandable polystyrene) material, offering the perfect balance between weight and durability. This construction method keeps the aircraft light enough for exceptional flight times while remaining robust enough to withstand the occasional hard landing, making it ideal for outdoor flying at UK RC clubs and sites.
- Bolt-On Two-Piece Wing with Carbon Fibre Joiner — The wing assembly uses a carbon fibre tube joiner and simple bolt-on system requiring no glue, allowing you to assemble, disassemble and transport the aircraft in minutes. This design makes field assembly and disassembly incredibly straightforward, and the two-piece configuration fits easily into standard RC carrying bags for transport to your local flying site.
- Plug-N-Play Completion Level — As a PNP model, the Night Radian 2.0m comes fully assembled with the motor, ESC, and servos all factory-installed and ready to fly. Simply install your compatible receiver, charge your battery, and you're ready for the air. This saves hours compared to building a traditional RC aircraft kit.
- Exceptional Flight Duration — With typical mixed throttle flying (combining powered climbs with unpowered soaring phases), you can achieve flight times of 15–30+ minutes on a single 3S LiPo battery charge. This extended flight time is achieved through the combination of efficient aerodynamics, the brushless motor with folding prop, and smart power management.
- Easy Launch and Forgiving Flight Characteristics — The Night Radian 2.0m is designed to be easy to launch, fly and land, making it suitable for recreational flying as well as more experienced pilots seeking sport and night flying options. The aerodynamic design and responsive control surfaces make it accessible to pilots stepping up from trainers whilst offering enough capability to keep experienced pilots entertained.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Night Radian 2.0m is engineered for outstanding thermal soaring performance combined with versatile sport flying capabilities. The aircraft features a brushless outrunner motor rated at 3533–960Kv with 14 poles, delivering smooth, efficient power delivery with exceptional reliability. This motor is paired with a 30A telemetry-capable brushless electronic speed controller (ESC) that includes brake functionality for precise power modulation during glide phases. The efficient folding two-blade propeller works in conjunction with the brushless system to provide rapid climb performance whilst minimising drag during unpowered flight phases.
The airframe measures 2000mm (78.73 inches) wingspan with a fuselage length of 1135mm (44.7 inches) and weighs approximately 842 grams (29.7 ounces) without battery installed. This weight is significantly lighter than many RC gliders, achieved through intelligent use of composite-reinforced EPO material throughout the structure. The aircraft requires a 3S 11.1V LiPo battery in the range of 1300–2200mAh capacity, with EC3 or IC3 connectors as standard. The two-piece wing design utilises a carbon fibre wing joiner that provides structural rigidity whilst allowing tool-free field assembly—a practical feature that makes the Night Radian 2.0m convenient for RC enthusiasts who transport their aircraft regularly to UK flying clubs and sites.
The servos are factory-installed micro servos that provide smooth, responsive control throughout the flight envelope. Assembly is completed in less than one hour for most builders, with the bolt-on wing assembly system eliminating the need for any adhesives or complex rigging. The aircraft is not undersized for the 250-gram threshold, but this is typical for a 2-metre span high-performance glider designed for extended flight times rather than ultra-lightweight portability. The composite-reinforced EPO construction delivers excellent durability with easy maintenance—minor dings and damage can often be repaired with heat or light sanding without requiring specialist tools or materials.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Night Radian 2.0m airframe with integrated LED lighting system and built-in light controller
- Brushless Outrunner motor (3533–960Kv 14-pole) — factory-installed
- 30A telemetry-capable brushless ESC with brake — factory-installed
- Two micro servos — factory-installed
- Product manual with assembly and operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 4+ channel transmitter and receiver (sold separately) — recommend Spektrum AirWare-equipped models such as the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 or iX20 for full telemetry capability
- Compatible Smart receiver such as Spektrum AR631 (sold separately) — required for telemetry data display
- 3S 11.1V LiPo battery, 1300–2200mAh capacity with EC3 or IC3 connector and balance lead (sold separately) — Spektrum Smart LiPo batteries are fully compatible
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately) — 80W minimum recommended for efficient charging of 3S batteries
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Night Radian 2.0m suitable for beginners or experienced RC pilots? — The Night Radian 2.0m is classified as Skill Level 3/4 and represents the perfect next step after a trainer aircraft or first glider. It's not a beginner's first aircraft, but rather an ideal progression model for pilots with some RC flying experience. The forgiving flight characteristics, stable aerodynamics and easy launch/landing make it accessible to pilots stepping up from trainers, whilst the sport flying capability and night flight options provide plenty of challenge for experienced pilots. The included manual provides clear guidance for initial setup and tuning.
- What battery does the Night Radian 2.0m require, and how long does it fly? — The aircraft requires a 3S 11.1V LiPo battery in the range of 1300–2200mAh capacity with an EC3 or IC3 connector. A 1300mAh battery offers lighter weight and shorter flights around 15 minutes, whilst a 2200mAh battery provides extended flights of 30+ minutes, though with slightly increased weight. Flight duration depends heavily on your flying style—continuous powered climbing will reduce flight time significantly compared to mixed throttle flying with extended soaring phases. Typical flight times with mixed power on/off flying are 15–30+ minutes.
- Can I use the Night Radian 2.0m with my existing Spektrum radio system? — Yes, the Night Radian 2.0m is fully compatible with Spektrum radio systems. For telemetry capability, you'll need a Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitter (such as DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 or iX20) paired with a compatible Smart receiver like the AR631. If you use a standard Spektrum receiver without Smart capability, the aircraft will fly normally but you won't see the real-time telemetry data on your transmitter. Other radio brands are compatible as long as they are 4+ channel full-range systems.
- How much assembly is required out of the box? — The Night Radian 2.0m is supplied as a Plug-N-Play model with the motor, ESC and servos all factory-installed. Assembly time is less than one hour and primarily involves installing your receiver, connecting the wing with the carbon fibre joiner (no glue required), and performing basic systems checks. The bolt-on wing design makes setup straightforward—simply slide the fuselage over the carbon fibre tube, align the bolts, and tighten. No soldering, motor installation or servo programming is required.
- What makes the LED lighting system special, and can I control the colours during flight? — The multi-colour LED light strings are embedded throughout the airframe with a built-in controller offering 100+ different colour, sequence and timing combinations. The controller is programmed with a variety of preset modes that cycle through colours and patterns, providing incredible visibility and easy orientation when flying at night. The lights are powered by your 3S LiPo battery and can be turned on or off with a convenient onboard switch, so you can fly daytime without the lights consuming battery power. The variety of colour combinations means you can personalise the aircraft's appearance and make orientation extremely easy during night operations.
- Is the Night Radian 2.0m suitable for night flying? — Yes, night flying is one of the primary design features of this aircraft. The factory-installed LED lighting system provides the visibility and orientation cues needed to fly safely in low-light conditions and complete darkness. The multi-colour lights embedded throughout the airframe make it easy to judge the aircraft's attitude and orientation in the air. Night flying does require some experience with RC aircraft handling, which is why the recommended skill level is 3–4. Always check local flying site rules before attempting night operations, as some UK RC clubs may have restrictions on night flying.
- What is the difference between the Night Radian 2.0m PNP and the Bind-N-Fly Basic version? — The PNP (Plug-N-Play) version comes with the aircraft, motor, ESC and servos but requires you to supply your own compatible transmitter and receiver. The Bind-N-Fly Basic version includes an AR631 Smart receiver already installed, which is convenient if you own a compatible Spektrum transmitter but saves you money if you already have a receiver you can use. Both versions share the same airframe, LED lighting system, brushless power system and telemetry-capable ESC—the difference is simply what radio equipment is included.
- What is the telemetry system, and what data can I see? — The 30A telemetry-capable ESC can transmit real-time data about your power system to your transmitter when used with a compatible Smart receiver and Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitter. Data includes motor RPM, current draw (in amps), overall battery voltage, and additional power system information. This feedback is invaluable for understanding how efficiently your aircraft is flying, monitoring battery capacity during flight, and optimising your flying style for maximum endurance. Telemetry data is displayed on your transmitter's screen in real-time.
- How durable is the EPO airframe, and what happens if I crash? — The composite-reinforced EPO material is very durable and resistant to minor impacts, dents and dings that would damage aircraft made from more fragile materials like balsa wood. EPO airframes are relatively easy to repair—minor damage can often be fixed with heat from a heat gun or by gentle sanding and painting. The wing assembly can be easily removed and replaced if damaged, and spare parts are readily available. The robust construction makes the Night Radian 2.0m a practical choice for regular flying and outdoor use at UK RC clubs and sites where minor mishaps do happen.
- What is the recommended charging setup for the 3S LiPo batteries? — A compatible LiPo charger capable of handling 3S batteries with EC3 or IC3 connectors is required. Spektrum Smart LiPo batteries are fully compatible and work with chargers that support the Smart LiPo protocol. A 80W minimum charger is recommended for efficient charging—this allows you to charge a 2200mAh battery in approximately 90 minutes. Always balance-charge your LiPo batteries using the balance connector to ensure all cells charge evenly and safely. Never leave LiPo batteries unattended while charging, and always follow the battery manufacturer's safety guidelines.
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 PNP A-EFL36750 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.