Overview
The E-flite UMX Radian BNF Basic is an ultra-micro motor glider that has become a class favourite among RC enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. This lightweight, feature-rich aircraft represents the perfect blend of traditional motor glider design and cutting-edge flight stabilisation technology. Whether you're looking for an affordable entry into RC glider flying, searching for a ready to run RC aircraft that's easy to fly, or seeking a relaxing soaring experience in your local park or gymnasium, the UMX Radian delivers an exceptionally smooth and stable flying experience that belies its compact size and weight.
Updated with the latest optional-use SAFE Select technology alongside the renowned AS3X stabilisation system, the UMX Radian offers beginners and experienced pilots alike a confidence-boosting flying platform that feels like a much larger, professionally-tuned aircraft. The exclusive Spektrum technologies work behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in feel that makes this ultra-micro glider exceptionally forgiving and enjoyable to fly. With real-time battery voltage telemetry capability when paired with compatible Spektrum transmitters, you'll always know exactly how much flight time remains, helping you keep your flights perfectly scheduled.
At just 45 grams without battery, the UMX Radian sits comfortably under the 250-gram FAA weight limit, meaning no registration is required. This ultra-micro aircraft can be flown indoors in large gymnasiums and other suitable indoor spaces, or outdoors in gardens, parks, sports fields and beyond. The efficient power system and intelligent folding propeller design support extended flight times of 10-20+ minutes with a mix of power-on and power-off soaring, making it an economical and environmentally-conscious choice for RC enthusiasts seeking genuine long-duration flight experiences.
Key Features
- Optional-Use SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — This innovative technology includes pitch and bank angle limits that prevent the aircraft from rolling or pitching excessively, plus automatic self-levelling that instantly returns the Radian to level flight when the control sticks are centred, making it significantly easier for newer pilots to learn and build confidence without complex programming requirements.
- Exclusive AS3X Stabilisation Technology — The renowned Artificial Stabilization 3-Axis system smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence across all three flight axes, delivering a locked-in feel that makes the ultra-micro glider seem like you're flying a much larger, expertly-tuned aircraft with professional-grade stability characteristics.
- Real-Time Battery Voltage Telemetry — When paired with compatible Spektrum AirWare equipped transmitters, the UMX Radian provides continuous flight battery voltage telemetry, allowing you to monitor power levels in real-time and ensure you never get caught out with an empty battery mid-flight.
- Exceptional Flight Times of 10-20+ Minutes — The efficient coreless motor, intelligent gearbox, and aerodynamic folding propeller design work together to deliver outstanding climb performance and extended flight durations through a combination of powered and unpowered soaring flight.
- Removable One-Piece Wing with Composite Spar — The detachable wing design featuring a reinforced composite spar makes storage and transport exceptionally convenient, allowing you to carry the aircraft easily in a rucksack or car without requiring a roof-mounted carrier.
- Factory-Installed Motor, Gearbox and Folding Propeller — The complete power system arrives pre-installed and ready for flight, eliminating the need for complex assembly and ensuring optimal alignment and performance right out of the box.
- Advanced EPS Construction — The lightweight yet durable expanded polystyrene airframe provides exceptional durability for an ultra-micro model, with a gracefully curved polyhedral wing and efficient airfoil that deliver outstanding soaring performance in a variety of wind conditions.
- Bind-N-Fly Convenience with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX Receiver — The integrated Spektrum receiver, ESC and servo control unit arrive pre-installed, meaning you simply bind to your existing Spektrum transmitter, install a charged battery, and you're ready to fly within minutes.
- Under 250-Gram Weight Class — This ultra-micro aircraft weighs just 45 grams without battery, placing it well below the 250-gram threshold, which means no FAA registration is required in most jurisdictions, simplifying ownership and operation.
- Versatile Flying Environments — The compact size and stable flight characteristics make the UMX Radian suitable for flying almost anywhere, from large indoor gymnasiums and sports halls to outdoor parks, gardens, sports fields and beyond, giving you maximum flexibility in where you can enjoy your flying.
Technical Performance
The E-flite UMX Radian BNF Basic represents a masterclass in ultra-micro aircraft engineering and design. At just 45 grams without battery, this aircraft delivers remarkable performance through intelligent engineering rather than raw power. The airframe utilises advanced EPS (expanded polystyrene) construction, a proven material choice for lightweight RC models that offers the perfect balance between durability and weight savings. The distinctive gracefully curved polyhedral wing and efficient airfoil profile are specifically designed to generate maximum lift at low speeds, allowing for extended soaring flights and incredible glide characteristics that make this model suitable for both powered and unpowered flight regimes.
The factory-installed power system features a coreless brushed motor paired with an intelligent gearbox reduction, creating an exceptionally efficient drive system that maximises climb performance whilst minimising current draw. This efficiency is key to achieving the impressive 10-20+ minute flight times when flying with the recommended 1S 3.7V 150-200mAh LiPo batteries. The included folding propeller design is crucial to the UMX Radian's performance characteristics; when the motor is switched off during soaring flights, the propeller folds back automatically to minimise drag and allow the aircraft to glide efficiently, extending flight duration well beyond what traditional fixed-prop designs could achieve. The complete integrated electronics package comprises a Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX/DSM2 compatible receiver with built-in ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and a dual servo control unit, all operating on a single 1S LiPo battery voltage platform. The Spektrum receiver utilises industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX technology, providing robust signal transmission with excellent range and immunity to interference, ensuring reliable control even in areas with significant radio traffic. For enhanced stability, the system incorporates exclusive Spektrum AS3X technology that operates on three axes, continuously smoothing control inputs and compensating for wind disturbances to deliver a locked-in flight feel. The optional-use SAFE Select system adds an additional layer of confidence through pitch and bank angle envelope limiting, which prevents the aircraft from entering dangerous flight attitudes, combined with automatic self-levelling that engages when the control sticks are centred, making this an ideal platform for progression from trainers like the HobbyZone Sport Cub S.
What's in the Box
- E-flite UMX Radian BNF Basic aircraft
- Coreless electric motor with gearbox and folding propeller (pre-installed)
- Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX/DSM2 compatible receiver with integrated ESC and dual servo control unit (pre-installed)
- Complete product manual with assembly and operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- 4+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter (suggested compatibility includes DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX20 and other compatible models)
- 1S 3.7V 150-200mAh LiPo battery with Ultra Micro connector
- Compatible LiPo battery charger suitable for 1S packs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite UMX Radian BNF Basic suitable for complete beginners? — Yes, this is an excellent choice for beginners thanks to the optional-use SAFE Select technology, which includes pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-levelling that prevents dangerous flight attitudes. The AS3X stabilisation system also smooths out wind disturbances, making the aircraft feel stable and predictable. If you've previously flown a HobbyZone Sport Cub S trainer, you can use the same transmitter, battery and charger, making this an economical next step in your RC flying progression.
- What battery does the UMX Radian need? — The aircraft requires a 1S (single cell) 3.7V LiPo battery with a capacity between 150-200mAh for optimal performance and balanced flight characteristics. The battery must feature an Ultra Micro connector to mate with the integrated ESC and receiver unit. Batteries in this capacity range will provide flight times of 10-20+ minutes when using a combination of powered and unpowered soaring flight.
- Can this aircraft be flown indoors? — Absolutely. The UMX Radian is perfectly suited for indoor flight in large spaces such as gymnasiums, sports halls and other suitable indoor venues. Its ultra-micro size, lightweight construction, stable flight characteristics and efficient power system make it ideal for indoor RC flying where traditional RC aircraft would be impractical.
- What transmitter do I need? — You'll need a Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter with 4+ channels (5+ channel transmitters are recommended). Compatible models include the Spektrum DX5e, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, and the newer NX series (NX6, NX8, NX10) as well as iX12 and iX20 smart transmitters. The aircraft will bind to any compatible Spektrum 2.4GHz transmitter.
- Does this aircraft require FAA registration? — No, the UMX Radian weighs just 45 grams without battery, placing it well below the 250-gram threshold. This means no FAA registration is required in most jurisdictions, simplifying ownership and operation. Always check your local regulations before flying.
- What makes the UMX Radian different from other ultra-micro gliders? — The combination of exclusive Spektrum AS3X and optional-use SAFE Select technologies sets this model apart from competitors. These systems work together to provide stability and confidence-boosting handling that makes the aircraft significantly easier to fly in challenging conditions. The included battery voltage telemetry capability when paired with compatible Spektrum transmitters allows you to monitor flight time in real-time, preventing unexpected power loss.
- How long does assembly take? — The UMX Radian arrives 95% pre-assembled. Assembly time is less than one hour and simply involves installing the one-piece removable wing using a few screws, then binding to your transmitter and installing a charged battery before flight.
- Can I replace damaged parts? — Yes, E-flite offers a comprehensive range of replacement and spare parts for the UMX Radian, including replacement wings, fuselage components, servos, propellers and motor assemblies, ensuring your aircraft can be repaired and restored to perfect condition if damaged.
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 Radian BNF Basic 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.
