Overview
The HobbyZone Carbon Cub S2 1.3M BNF Basic (A-HBZ32500) is the most versatile, capable and easiest to fly scale RC aeroplane available for beginners and experienced pilots alike. Based on the iconic Carbon Cub by CubCrafters—an upgraded and thoroughly modern iteration of the classic Super Cub—this scale trainer combines authentic styling with Horizon Hobby's exclusive SAFE technology to make learning to fly accessible to almost anyone. Whether you're purchasing your first RC plane or you're an experienced flyer looking for a reliable trainer aircraft, the Carbon Cub S2 represents the pinnacle of beginner-friendly RC design, offering stability, versatility and confidence-building performance in one beautifully engineered package.
This BNF Basic version is perfect for pilots who already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter and want to get flying quickly without purchasing additional radio equipment. The aircraft arrives mostly factory-assembled with the brushless power system, servos, flight controller and receiver all pre-installed, meaning you can be ready to fly in less than an hour with no glue or special tools required. The robust design, powered by efficient brushless technology and protected by durable EPO foam construction, is tough enough to handle everyday flying punishment whilst remaining lightweight and responsive for genuine learning opportunities.
From grass airfields and gravel paths to dirt trails and water operations (with optional floats), the Carbon Cub S2 can operate from virtually any surface thanks to its oversized pneumatic tundra tyres and fixed landing gear with steerable tailwheel. This makes it an exceptionally practical choice for UK RC enthusiasts who may not have access to dedicated airfields, as you can fly from local parks, fields and beaches with ease.
Key Features
- SAFE Technology with Three Flight Modes — Horizon Hobby's exclusive SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) system prevents overcontrol, loss of orientation and crashes by maintaining pitch and bank angle limits in Beginner Mode, allowing the aircraft to automatically return to level flight when control sticks are released. As your skills progress, you can switch to Intermediate Mode for more freedom in pitch and bank whilst still preventing significant overcontrol, or advance to Experienced Mode for complete control including inverted flight and aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls and stall turns.
- Panic Recovery for Loss-of-Control Situations — If you lose control in Intermediate or Experienced Mode, simply switch to Beginner Mode and release the control sticks, and SAFE technology will automatically return the aircraft to level flight, providing crucial safety assurance for new pilots.
- 30A Telemetry-Capable ESC — The brushless electronic speed controller provides real-time power system telemetry data including motor RPM, current draw, battery voltage and more to compatible Spektrum AirWare equipped transmitters (including the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, iX12 and iX20), allowing you to monitor your aircraft's health throughout every flight.
- Powerful Brushless Motor with 3S Compatibility — A 950Kv brushless outrunner motor is paired with the telemetry ESC to deliver efficient, reliable performance with 3S LiPo battery compatibility, accepting batteries from 1300mAh up to 2200mAh for flexible flight time and performance options.
- Pre-Installed Factory Components — The aircraft arrives with all critical components pre-installed and tested, including the brushless motor, 30A ESC, four servos (two aileron, one elevator, one rudder), Spektrum flight controller and Spektrum 4650 serial receiver, dramatically reducing setup time and complexity.
- All-Terrain Tundra Tyres and Steerable Tailwheel — Oversized pneumatic 200mm tundra tyres absorb bumps and provide excellent ground clearance whilst the 360-degree steerable tailwheel assembly enables operations from grass, gravel, pavement and dirt surfaces that would be impossible for most similarly-sized models.
- Durable EPO Foam Construction — Advanced EPO foam airframe material delivers lightweight, durable construction that's tough enough to handle everyday flying without bending out of shape, and should damage occur, a full line of affordable replacement parts is readily available for quick repairs.
- SAFE Plus GPS Upgradeable — The Carbon Cub S2 can be easily upgraded with an optional Spektrum GPS Module to add autonomous AutoLand for assisted landings, Virtual Fence to prevent flying too far away, and Holding Pattern for pausing flight and handing controls to a friend.
- Optional Landing Assist Sensor for Smoother Touchdowns — The Spektrum Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) provides automatic flare control, helping inexperienced pilots achieve smooth landings by minimising or completely eliminating bouncing, with optimum performance when flying over and landing in grass.
- Optional Functional Flaps — Functional flaps are available as an optional upgrade (requiring a 7+ channel transmitter plus flap servo and extension sold separately) for improved slow-speed handling and even shorter takeoffs and landings.
- Optional Float Kit for Water Operations — Quick and easy to install floats (sold separately) include all necessary hardware and allow the Carbon Cub S2 to take off and land on lakes, ponds and waterways, adding remarkable versatility to an already capable aircraft.
- BNF Pre-Bound with DSMX Anti-Jamming — The aircraft comes pre-installed with a Spektrum AR631 receiver that is pre-bound and ready to link with compatible 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 2.4GHz transmitters, providing 11ms latency and modern anti-jamming frequency-hopping technology for reliable control.
- RealFlight Simulator Compatibility — Practice flying the Carbon Cub S2 in the RealFlight RC flight simulator before taking to the skies, allowing you to build muscle memory and confidence in a risk-free virtual environment.
- Aerobatic Capable — Despite its beginner-friendly stability systems, the Carbon Cub S2 is fully capable of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls and inverted flight when piloted in Experienced Mode, providing room to grow as your skills develop.
Technical Performance
The Carbon Cub S2 BNF Basic represents a significant achievement in RC aeroplane engineering, combining accessible flight control with genuine performance capabilities. The aircraft features a 950Kv brushless outrunner motor paired with a 30A telemetry-capable ESC that provides unprecedented insight into your power system's performance during flight. The 480-class motor is lightweight yet efficient, delivering smooth, controllable thrust perfect for learning whilst remaining responsive enough for experienced pilots seeking aerobatic capability. The airframe measures 864mm (34 inches) in length with a 1295mm (51-inch) wingspan, creating the perfect balance between portability and in-air presence. All-up weight with battery is approximately 1069g (38 ounces), making the aircraft manageable for transport whilst maintaining the structural integrity needed for repeated takeoffs and landings from rough surfaces. The EPO foam construction provides genuine impact resistance that absorbs crash energy rather than transmitting it directly to internal components, making the Carbon Cub S2 a forgiving platform for learning. Flight times typically range from 5 to 7 minutes depending on flight style and battery capacity, with the recommended 3S 2200mAh LiPo battery offering the optimal balance of runtime, weight and performance. The 9x6 inch propeller efficiently converts motor power into thrust whilst remaining properly cleared by the oversized landing gear, and the 1.6-inch (41mm) spinner provides a finished appearance. Centre of gravity is adjustable between 62-68mm (2.4-2.7 inches) from the wing leading edge at root, allowing pilots to fine-tune handling characteristics. The robust fixed main landing gear with steerable tailwheel assembly is specifically designed for operation from unimproved surfaces, with 200mm pneumatic tundra tyres featuring deep treads for grip on grass, gravel and dirt whilst maintaining ground clearance for the propeller and essential airframe components.
What's in the Box
- HobbyZone Carbon Cub S2 1.3M BNF Basic airframe with integrated components
- Brushless outrunner motor (pre-installed)
- 30A brushless ESC with telemetry capability (pre-installed)
- Four servos: two aileron servos, one elevator servo, one rudder servo (pre-installed)
- Spektrum flight controller (pre-installed)
- Spektrum 4650 serial receiver (pre-installed)
- Product manual with assembly and setup instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter (not included; must already own for BNF Basic version)
- 3S 11.1V LiPo battery with 1300-2200mAh capacity and EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the HobbyZone Carbon Cub S2 suitable for absolute RC beginners with no flying experience? — Yes, absolutely. The Carbon Cub S2 is specifically engineered for beginner pilots with Horizon Hobby's exclusive SAFE technology that prevents overcontrol and automatically returns the aircraft to level flight, making it one of the easiest RC planes to learn on. Beginner Mode keeps the aircraft stable whilst you develop basic control skills, and Panic Recovery provides instant recovery if you lose orientation. Even if you've never flown RC before, the three progressive flight modes mean you can advance at your own pace as confidence builds.
- What battery does the Carbon Cub S2 need and how long does it fly? — The aircraft is compatible with 3S LiPo batteries ranging from 1300mAh to 2200mAh, with the recommended battery being 3S 11.1V 2200mAh. Flight times typically range from 5 to 7 minutes depending on your flying style, battery capacity and conditions. Larger 2200mAh batteries provide longer flights but increase weight slightly, whilst smaller 1300mAh batteries reduce weight but shorten flight duration.
- What is the difference between the BNF Basic and RTF versions? — The BNF Basic version (this model) includes the aircraft with all factory-installed components but requires you to provide your own Spektrum transmitter, 3S LiPo battery and charger—making it perfect for experienced pilots who already own compatible equipment. The RTF version includes a Spektrum DXS transmitter, 3S 2200mAh Smart LiPo battery and S120 Smart charger in the box, making it the complete all-in-one package for new pilots with nothing else to purchase.
- Can the Carbon Cub S2 fly from water? — The standard aircraft features tundra tyres for grass, gravel and dirt operations, but an optional float kit (sold separately) can be quickly installed to enable water takeoffs and landings from lakes, ponds and rivers. The necessary hardware is included with both the aircraft and float set, requiring just a few minutes to install.
- Does the Carbon Cub S2 have flaps? — The standard aircraft does not include flaps, but functional flaps are available as an optional upgrade. Installing flaps requires a 7+ channel computer transmitter plus a dedicated flap servo and servo extension (all sold separately) but provides improved slow-speed handling and even shorter takeoffs and landings once configured.
- What transmitter do I need for the Carbon Cub S2 BNF Basic? — You need a full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter. Compatible options include the Spektrum DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, iX12 and iX20. The aircraft's AR631 receiver is pre-bound and ready to connect to any of these transmitters.
- Is the Carbon Cub S2 upgradeable to SAFE Plus with GPS capabilities? — Yes. An optional Spektrum GPS Module can be easily installed to add SAFE Plus functionality including AutoLand for automated assisted landings, Virtual Fence to prevent flying beyond a preset boundary, and Holding Pattern to circle automatically whilst you regain control or hand the aircraft to a friend. The Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) is also available separately for smoother automatic flare control during landings.
- How quickly can I get flying after receiving the Carbon Cub S2 BNF Basic? — Assembly time is approximately less than one hour. The aircraft arrives with all critical components pre-installed and tested, requiring only basic final assembly without glue or special tools. Once assembled, you simply bind your transmitter to the pre-installed receiver and charge the battery, then you're ready to fly.
- What is the maximum flight weight and how much does it weigh ready to fly? — The aircraft weighs approximately 850g without battery and 1069g with battery installed. This lightweight construction combined with the brushless motor and efficient design provides excellent performance whilst remaining portable and practical for UK RC enthusiasts.
- Can the Carbon Cub S2 do aerobatics and inverted flight? — Yes, in Experienced Mode the Carbon Cub S2 is fully capable of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls, stall turns and inverted flight, providing genuine room to grow as your piloting skills advance beyond the beginner stage.
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 HobbyZone, Spektrum, E-flite, Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing 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 HobbyZone Carbon Cub S2 1.3M BNF Basic A-HBZ32500 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.
