Overview
The E-flite UMX Night Vapor BNF Basic represents a significant upgrade to one of the most versatile ultra-micro RC aircraft ever created. This isn't just another slow flyer — it's a purpose-built aircraft designed for pilots who want maximum flexibility in where and when they can fly. Whether you're looking for an indoor RC plane for flying in large rooms, garages, gymnasiums, or you want to enjoy calm outdoor flying sessions, the Night Vapor delivers an unmatched flying experience both day and night. The BNF Basic configuration makes it an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts in the UK who already own a compatible Spektrum 2.4GHz transmitter, helping you save money by avoiding duplicate radio equipment.
Over its nearly decade-long history, the original ParkZone Night Vapor slow flyer became a favourite of a wide range of RC pilots for its unique indoor and outdoor versatility. There was simply nothing else like it. The updated E-flite UMX Night Vapor picks up where that popular aircraft left off, adding exciting upgrades that make it more fun than ever before. With enhanced durability, stronger construction, and factory-installed LED lighting with customisable colour options, this is the slow flyer reimagined for modern RC enthusiasts. The aircraft arrives 100% factory-assembled and ready to fly right out of the box — no building required, no complex setup, just charge a battery and you're airborne.
What sets the Night Vapor apart in the ultra-micro RC aircraft market is its combination of cutting-edge flight stabilisation technology with practical, real-world durability. Whether you're an intermediate to experienced pilot looking to expand where you can fly, or someone wanting an RC plane that works in spaces other aircraft simply cannot, the UMX Night Vapor delivers exceptional value and performance. With exclusive AS3X and optional-use SAFE Select technologies built in, you get smoother, more stable flight regardless of your skill level, while the reinforced airframe and metal landing gear mean this aircraft can handle the inevitable bumps and collisions that come with RC flying.
Key Features
- Updated and reinforced airframe — The stronger construction significantly improves durability, allowing the Night Vapor to handle collisions and impacts far better than previous generations, whether you're flying indoors in large rooms or outdoors in light wind conditions. This means fewer repairs and more time flying.
- Factory-installed customisable LED lighting — Multiple user-selectable colour options allow you to personalise your aircraft for day and night flying, adding both visibility and style. You can change between different colour options to match your preferences or coordinate with other UMX Night Vapors if flying with friends.
- 100% factory-assembled airframe — There's absolutely no building required. The aircraft arrives completely assembled with all systems installed and tested, meaning you can be flying in just the time it takes to charge a battery. This is genuine ready-to-fly convenience without the assembly hassle.
- Exclusive AS3X stabilisation technology — The Artificial Stabilisation (3-aXis) system works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in feel that makes the Night Vapor seem far larger and more stable than its ultra-micro size suggests. This technology makes a real, noticeable difference to flight stability.
- Optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection — This innovative technology offers pitch and bank angle limits along with automatic self-leveling that can be turned on or off at the flip of a switch. Whether you're learning or experienced, SAFE Select makes the aircraft easier to control and more forgiving of pilot inputs.
- Spektrum Receiver, ESC and servo control unit installed — The aircraft comes with a full Spektrum 2.4GHz receiver and integrated ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) with dual servo control already installed and factory-tested, eliminating the need for complex electronics installation.
- More durable metal landing gear — Easy to remove and replace, the metal prebent wire landing gear with tail skid is built to withstand the wear and tear of repeated landings on indoor floors, garages, and outdoor grass. This practical design ensures your aircraft stays serviceable through countless flying sessions.
- Proven power system with stronger prop shaft — Compatible with 1S 70–200mAh LiPo batteries, the power system delivers a wide range of performance and flight time options. The stronger prop shaft ensures reliability even with extended use, giving you confidence in the aircraft's engineering.
- Built-in telemetry — Real-time battery voltage data is reported to compatible Spektrum transmitters, keeping you aware of exactly how much power remains during your flight. This practical feature helps you manage battery safety and flight time more effectively.
- Under 250g flying weight — At just 25g with battery installed (21g without), the Night Vapor requires no FAA registration in the UK, making it perfectly legal to fly almost anywhere without paperwork or bureaucratic hassle.
- Indoor and outdoor versatility — Fly indoors in large family rooms, garages, conference rooms, and gymnasiums, or take it outdoors in calm to light wind conditions. Few aircraft offer this genuine flexibility, making the Night Vapor uniquely valuable for UK RC pilots.
Technical Performance
The E-flite UMX Night Vapor is engineered as a true ultra-micro slow flyer, with a wingspan of 376mm (14.8 inches) and overall length of 419mm (16.5 inches). The aircraft weighs just 25 grams with battery installed and 21 grams without, placing it comfortably under the 250-gram weight threshold that triggers UK CAA registration requirements. Powered by a brushed electric motor with a 150mm (5.9-inch) propeller, the power system is optimised for efficient, low-speed flight characteristics perfect for indoor and calm outdoor environments. The aircraft is compatible with 1S 3.7V LiPo batteries ranging from 70–200mAh capacity, allowing you to choose between extended flight times with larger batteries or higher performance with smaller cells. The integrated Spektrum receiver includes an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and dual servo control unit, providing everything needed for full aircraft control without additional equipment.
The construction quality reflects E-flite's reputation for durability and performance. The reinforced airframe uses modern materials designed to absorb impact energy during indoor flying, whilst the metal prebent landing gear with tail skid provides stable ground handling. The factory-installed LED lighting system adds practical visibility for night flying whilst also allowing customisation of colour options for aesthetic appeal. AS3X technology continuously monitors the aircraft's attitude using multiple sensors, automatically making micro-adjustments to stabiliser inputs to counteract wind gusts and turbulence. This stabilisation creates a remarkably locked-in feel, making the aircraft seem far more capable than its diminutive size suggests. SAFE Select offers additional flight envelope protection with selectable pitch and bank limits, ideal for building confidence or for pilots wanting simplified control characteristics. The telemetry system continuously monitors battery voltage and transmits this data to compatible Spektrum transmitters, providing essential flight data without dedicated battery monitoring equipment.
What's in the Box
- E-flite UMX Night Vapor airframe (fully assembled)
- Electric brushed motor (installed)
- Spektrum 2.4GHz receiver with integrated ESC and dual servo control unit (installed)
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- 4–5+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter (sold separately)
- 1S 3.7V 70–200mAh LiPo battery with Ultra Micro connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite UMX Night Vapor suitable for beginner RC pilots? — The aircraft is rated as Skill Level 2, making it suitable for intermediate to experienced pilots rather than complete beginners. However, the optional-use SAFE Select technology with automatic self-leveling makes it significantly more forgiving than aircraft without such features. If you're new to RC flying, the SAFE Select mode can substantially ease the learning curve, though you should ideally have some basic RC flying experience or be prepared to learn with proper instruction.
- What battery does the Night Vapor need and where can I find compatible options? — The aircraft requires a 1S 3.7V LiPo battery with Ultra Micro connector, with a recommended capacity range of 70–200mAh. Smaller 70–100mAh batteries provide higher performance with shorter flight times, whilst larger 150–200mAh batteries extend flight duration but reduce overall speed. RC Model Shop stocks multiple compatible battery options including the E-Flite 3.7V 1S 150mAh batteries in both 25C and 45C variants, as well as Spektrum alternatives with different connector types, and we can advise on the best choice for your flying style.
- Is this aircraft suitable for flying indoors in UK homes and facilities? — Yes, the Night Vapor is specifically designed for indoor flying in large spaces such as family rooms, garages, conference rooms, and gymnasiums. Its ultra-micro size, slow flight characteristics, and reinforced airframe make it ideal for these environments. Outdoors, it's suitable for flying in calm to light wind conditions. The factory-installed LED lighting makes it particularly enjoyable for night flying sessions indoors or in outdoor spaces with ambient lighting.
- What transmitter do I need for the BNF Basic version? — You need a 4–5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter. The aircraft requires minimum 6-channel capability for full-range control. Many Spektrum transmitters will work, including the Spektrum DXS and various other 2.4GHz models. Ensure your transmitter is explicitly compatible with DSMX or DSM2 protocols before purchasing, as older transmitters using different protocols will not work with this aircraft.
- How does AS3X technology improve flight performance? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation 3-aXis) continuously monitors the aircraft's attitude on all three axes using onboard sensors. The system automatically makes tiny corrective inputs to the stabiliser control surfaces to counteract wind gusts, turbulence, and pilot over-control, resulting in a remarkably locked-in, stable feel. In practice, this means the aircraft feels much larger and more stable than its actual size, making it easier and more enjoyable to fly, particularly in gusty conditions or when flying indoors where air currents can be unpredictable.
- Can I use SAFE Select mode all the time or can I turn it off? — SAFE Select is completely optional and can be turned on or off at the flip of a switch on your transmitter. When enabled, it provides pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-leveling, making the aircraft extremely forgiving of pilot inputs. Experienced pilots often disable SAFE Select for more direct control characteristics, whilst newer pilots benefit from the extra assistance. This flexibility makes the Night Vapor suitable for pilots of varying experience levels sharing the same aircraft.
- What is the difference between the RTF and BNF Basic versions of the Night Vapor? — The RTF (Ready-To-Fly) version includes everything needed to fly immediately: transmitter, battery, and charger are all included in the box. The BNF (Bind-N-Fly) Basic version includes only the aircraft with receiver and ESC installed, requiring you to source your own compatible Spektrum transmitter, battery, and charger. The BNF Basic is significantly less expensive for pilots who already own compatible equipment, whilst the RTF is better for those starting completely from scratch. Both versions are identically equipped with AS3X, SAFE Select, and LED lighting.
- How long does the battery take to charge and how long can I fly on a single charge? — Flight time depends significantly on battery capacity and your flying style. Smaller 70mAh batteries typically provide 5–8 minutes of flight time with higher performance, whilst larger 200mAh batteries extend this to 15–20 minutes with more docile flight characteristics. Charging time varies by charger — a standard micro USB charger typically requires 30–60 minutes for full charge depending on battery capacity. RC Model Shop stocks several compatible chargers including the E-Flite Micro 1S 350mA USB Charger for convenient charging.
- Is the Night Vapor waterproof or suitable for wet conditions? — The aircraft is not waterproof and should not be flown in rain or wet conditions. The motor, receiver, and electronic components are standard RC electronics without water-resistant rating. Fly only in dry conditions and avoid puddles or wet grass. The airframe itself is durable and can handle occasional moisture exposure, but the electronics require protection from water to ensure reliability and longevity.
- How durable is the airframe and what happens if I crash? — The reinforced airframe is significantly more durable than previous slow flyer designs, specifically engineered to handle collisions and crashes better. However, the aircraft will eventually sustain damage from impacts — this is normal for RC flying. The modular design with removable landing gear makes it relatively easy to replace worn or damaged components. RC Model Shop stocks replacement parts including propeller shafts with gears, tail skids, landing gear assemblies, pushrod sets, and LED light controllers, ensuring your aircraft can be repaired and kept flying for years with normal use.
- Can I use this aircraft with my existing RC radio and batteries? — Only if your existing radio is a Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter with 4–5+ channels. If you use a different brand (Futaba, Sanwa, JR, etc.) or an older non-compatible Spektrum radio, the aircraft will not bind to your transmitter. For batteries, only 1S 3.7V LiPo cells with Ultra Micro connectors are suitable. If your existing batteries use different connectors or voltage, you'll need to purchase new compatible batteries. RC Model Shop can advise on compatibility before you purchase.
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 UMX Night Vapor BNF Basic A-EFLU1350 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.
