Overview
The E-flite Valiant 1.3m park flyer is a versatile and capable electric RC aircraft that brings genuine flying enjoyment to enthusiasts of all skill levels. This is a downsized version of the popular Hangar 9® Valiant 30cc ARF, delivering the same classic high-wing stability and charm but with modern lines, larger control surfaces and genuinely sporty response when you want it. Whether you're looking for a ready to run RC aircraft in the UK or seeking an affordable introduction to powered flight, the Valiant 1.3m offers an impressive combination of stability, performance and value that makes it one of the best park flyer options available today.
As a Bind-N-Fly Basic model, this aircraft arrives almost ready to fly – it includes the airframe, a powerful brushless motor system, electronic speed controller, receiver with advanced flight stabilisation technology, and all necessary servos. All you need to add is a compatible Spektrum transmitter, a suitable 3S LiPo battery and a charger, and you'll be in the air within minutes. The Valiant 1.3m truly represents ready to run RC done right, eliminating the complexity of traditional kit building whilst retaining the quality and performance that serious flyers demand.
What sets the Valiant 1.3m apart is its exceptional versatility. Light wing loading and effective functional flaps enable relaxed, confidence-inspiring handling for touch-and-go landings and leisurely flights, whilst the powerful 480-size brushless motor delivers ample thrust for loops, rolls and genuine sport aerobatics. The wide flight envelope means you can dial in exactly the flying experience you want on any given day – from smooth, gentle park flying to more aggressive manoeuvres. Add the optional float set (sold separately) and you can even extend your flying to water environments.
Key Features
- High-wing design with modern styling — The classic high-wing configuration provides natural stability and is easier to track visually during flight, whilst contemporary lines and proportions give the aircraft a smart, purposeful appearance that stands out from older park flyer designs.
- Bind-N-Fly Basic completion level — This aircraft comes almost ready to fly with the motor, ESC, receiver and servos already installed, eliminating the need for complex assembly and allowing you to start flying within hours of purchase rather than spending days building.
- Spektrum AR631 receiver with AS3X stabilisation — The included six-channel receiver features Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis technology that works invisibly to smooth out wind effects and turbulence, making the aircraft feel like a much larger, expertly tuned model and significantly improving flight stability and precision.
- Optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection — For newer pilots or those wanting an extra safety margin, SAFE Select can be enabled via simple transmitter binding without any complex programming, providing automatic pitch and bank angle limits, automatic self-levelling, and easy switch assignment for confidence-building training flights.
- Functional flaps installed and ready to use — Unlike many park flyers that feature flaps in name only, the Valiant 1.3m includes fully functional flaps right out of the box, allowing you to adjust lift and control during different phases of flight for improved handling and reduced landing distances.
- Powerful 480-size brushless motor system — The high-output brushless motor and 30-amp telemetry-capable electronic speed controller deliver impressive power and efficiency, providing excellent climb rate and aerobatic performance whilst maintaining good energy management across the entire flight envelope.
- Six micro servos included — All flight control servos are pre-installed and ready to operate, eliminating the need to purchase and fit servos separately and ensuring your aircraft is ready for the skies immediately.
- Durable EPO construction with aluminium landing gear — The aircraft is built from durable expanded polypropylene material that resists damage from minor impacts and offers excellent value for money, whilst the proper aluminium landing gear with wheel pants provides reliable ground handling and professional appearance.
- Wide battery compatibility — The generous battery bay accepts any 3S LiPo pack from 1300mAh through to 3200mAh, giving you flexibility to choose battery size based on desired flight duration or available funding.
- Optional float set compatibility — For those with access to suitable water, an optional float set (sold separately) fits in minutes and includes all necessary mounting hardware, instantly transforming your park flyer into an amphibious aircraft.
Technical Performance
The Valiant 1.3m delivers genuinely impressive performance from its compact 1.3-metre wingspan. The aircraft spans 1346mm with a fuselage length of 965mm and flying weight of 1135 grams, making it perfectly sized for park flying at sports fields, car parks and open spaces. The semi-symmetrical airfoil section provides stable cruise characteristics and responsive control, whilst the 430 square inch wing area delivers light wing loading that translates to slow, controllable flight speeds and excellent low-speed handling. The powerful 480-size brushless motor rated at 960Kv is paired with a 10.75 x 8 propeller and a 30-amp electronic speed controller featuring telemetry capability, enabling real-time monitoring of motor performance and battery voltage. The aircraft accommodates 3S lithium polymer batteries ranging from 1300mAh to 3200mAh capacity, with typical flight times of approximately 5 minutes depending on battery selection and flying style. The included Spektrum AR631 receiver operates on the 2.4GHz DSMX/DSM2 frequency and requires binding to any full-range, five-channel or higher compatible Spektrum transmitter. The aircraft's centre of gravity should be set at 65mm plus or minus 3mm from the wing leading edge measured at the fuselage – this critical measurement ensures balanced flight characteristics and prevents nose-heaviness or tail-heaviness that would compromise handling. The durable EPO construction combined with quality aluminium landing gear with wheel pants ensures reliable operation in typical park flying conditions, with excellent durability against minor impacts and weather exposure.
What's in the Box
- 1x Valiant 1.3m Park Flyer BNF Basic aircraft (fully assembled except for final minor assembly)
- 1x Product manual with assembly instructions, setup guidance and flight recommendations
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range, 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter (not included)
- 3S lithium polymer flight battery with capacity between 1300mAh and 3200mAh, featuring either EC3 or IC3 connector (not included)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (not included)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Valiant 1.3m suitable for complete beginners to RC flying? — Yes, the Valiant 1.3m is an excellent choice for those new to powered RC aircraft. It is designated as Skill Level 2, indicating intermediate suitability, but the optional SAFE Select flight mode provides automatic stabilisation and envelope protection that makes it much more forgiving for newer pilots. The light wing loading, functional flaps and stable high-wing design all contribute to confidence-inspiring handling, and once you have mastered the basics with SAFE Select enabled, you can disable it and enjoy precise AS3X-stabilised flying as your skills develop.
- What transmitter do I need for the Valiant 1.3m BNF? — You need any full-range, five-channel or higher Spektrum transmitter compatible with DSMX or DSM2 protocols on the 2.4GHz frequency. Popular options include the Spektrum DX6i, DXS, DX8 and DX9, though any authorised Spektrum transmitter meeting these requirements will work perfectly. The transmitter must have at least five channels to control throttle, aileron, elevator, rudder and flaps.
- What battery should I use with this aircraft? — The Valiant 1.3m requires a 3S lithium polymer battery (11.1 volts nominal) with capacity between 1300mAh and 3200mAh. The recommended battery for optimal performance is 2200mAh, which provides a good balance between weight and flight duration, though you can experiment with larger packs for extended flights or smaller packs for lighter handling. The battery must feature either an EC3 or IC3 connector to match the aircraft's power system.
- How long can I expect to fly on a single battery charge? — Approximate flight time is 5 minutes, though this varies based on your choice of battery capacity, flying style and throttle management. Using a 2200mAh 3S battery at moderate throttle settings will give you flight times at the longer end of this range, whilst aggressive aerobatic flying with a smaller capacity battery will reduce flight duration accordingly.
- Can I use the Valiant 1.3m for water flying? — The standard Valiant 1.3m is not waterproof and should not be flown from water, but an optional float set is available separately that includes all necessary mounting hardware for rapid installation. Once fitted, the floats enable reliable water operations, transforming your park flyer into an amphibious aircraft perfect for flying from lakes, rivers and coastal environments.
- What is the difference between BNF Basic and other completion levels? — Bind-N-Fly Basic means the aircraft arrives fully assembled with motor, ESC, receiver and servos installed, requiring only binding to a transmitter before flight. This is different from ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) kits which require significant assembly, and different from RTR (Ready to Run) which includes transmitter and battery. BNF offers the best of both worlds – minimal assembly time with the quality and performance of a serious RC aircraft.
- Does this aircraft come with a transmitter or battery? — No, the transmitter and battery are sold separately. You will need to purchase a compatible Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX/DSM2 transmitter and a suitable 3S LiPo battery separately. Many retailers offer completion packages that bundle these items together at a discount.
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 Valiant 1.3M BNF Basic with SAFE & AS3X A-EFL49500 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.
