Overview
The Spektrum Avian 45 Amp Brushless Smart ESC represents a significant step forward in electronic speed control technology for RC aircraft enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. This sophisticated brushless ESC combines Spektrum's renowned Smart Technology ecosystem with professional-grade power management, making it an ideal choice for anyone serious about maximising their RC aircraft's performance. Whether you're flying electric RC planes, parkflyers, or mid-sized aerobatic models, the Avian 45 Amp offers the intelligent connectivity and robust power delivery you need to achieve outstanding results on every flight.
What makes the Avian 45 Amp truly stand out in the brushless RC ESC market is its revolutionary one-wire telemetry system. Unlike traditional setups that require multiple sensors, wires, and separate modules all working independently, the Avian Smart ESC gathers critical real-time data through a single intelligent connection. This streamlined approach to brushless motor control eliminates complexity whilst actually providing more information than ever before. The ESC communicates directly with your Spektrum Smart transmitter, delivering live telemetry data so you can monitor your aircraft's vital systems and adjust settings on the fly.
Developed in partnership with the industry's leading ESC manufacturer, the Avian 45 Amp has been engineered from the ground up as part of Spektrum's integrated Smart Technology ecosystem. This means it doesn't just work as a standalone brushless speed controller—it works in harmony with Smart batteries, Smart receivers, and Smart transmitters to create a unified system where every component enhances the others. For serious RC aircraft pilots looking for a brushless ESC that truly delivers intelligent performance, ready-to-install convenience, and exceptional reliability, the Avian 45 Amp Brushless Smart ESC is the professional choice.
Key Features
- One-Wire Smart Telemetry — The Avian 45 Amp uses Spektrum's innovative single-wire telemetry system to transmit critical flight data directly to your transmitter in real time, including current draw, battery voltage, individual cell balance information, motor temperature and RPM, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and separate telemetry modules.
- Smart Battery Integration — When paired with a Spektrum Smart LiPo battery featuring IC3 or IC5 connectors, the ESC automatically receives and displays comprehensive battery telemetry data on your transmitter screen, including charge cycles, remaining battery percentage and individual cell voltages for complete flight awareness.
- 32-Bit ARM M4 Processor — The fast, powerful 32-bit M4 processor delivers higher resolution signal input processing and more accurate brushless motor output control compared to slower processors, resulting in smoother throttle response, better efficiency and more precise power delivery throughout your flight envelope.
- Multi-Point Protection System — The Avian 45 Amp incorporates comprehensive protection features including automatic over-current limiting to protect your motor and battery, programmable low-voltage cutoff to prevent LiPo damage, thermal protection to monitor ESC temperature, and failsafe protection to ensure safe operation if signal is lost.
- Smart Motor Reversal — With a compatible Spektrum Smart transmitter and receiver, you can reverse your brushless motor direction from the radio itself, providing increased ground mobility for tail-dragger aircraft and acting as an effective brake system for models requiring longer landing distances.
- On-Screen ESC Programming — Using a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver, you can adjust any ESC parameter directly from your transmitter's telemetry screen without needing a separate programming box, allowing quick field adjustments to optimise power output or efficiency on the flight line.
- Multiple Programming Options — The Avian 45 Amp supports throttle stick programming with no additional equipment, programming via the optional Smart ESC Programming Box for detailed field adjustments, on-screen transmitter programming for convenience, and SmartLink USB application for computer-based configuration.
- EC3/EC5 Backward Compatible Connectors — The ESC features Spektrum's IC3 battery connector paired with high heat-resistant IC series connectors that are backward compatible with older EC3 and EC5 connectors, ensuring compatibility with your existing battery collection whilst offering superior connection quality and heat resistance.
- Dual BEC Power Connectors — Two BEC output connectors allow you to power multiple receivers, servos or accessories simultaneously, with a continuous output capacity of 7 amps and maximum burst capacity of 20 amps at selectable voltage (6V or 7.2V), providing flexible power distribution for complex aircraft installations.
- Adjustable Timing Control — Programmable brushless motor timing adjustment allows you to fine-tune motor performance characteristics, optimising efficiency for different motor types and tuning the power delivery to match your specific flying style and aircraft requirements.
- Firmware Updating — The ESC firmware can be updated to the latest version through either the Smart ESC Programming Box or the SmartLink PC application, ensuring you always have access to the latest performance improvements and features without needing to replace your hardware.
- Compact, Heat-Efficient Design — The Avian 45 Amp features a space-saving compact form factor that fits easily into tight fuselage compartments, whilst the sophisticated heat-dissipating design with high-efficiency cooling ensures reliable operation even during extended high-power flights.
- Ready to Install, No Soldering Required — Pre-assembled with all connectors installed and tested, the Avian 45 Amp requires no soldering or technical assembly, allowing you to install it into your aircraft and begin flying with minimal preparation time.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum Avian 45 Amp Brushless Smart ESC delivers impressive electrical performance whilst maintaining the compact size and reliability required for serious RC aircraft applications. With a maximum continuous current rating of 45 amps and maximum burst capacity of 60 amps, this ESC is suitable for brushless motors ranging from approximately 850KV to 2200KV depending on your aircraft's weight and power requirements. The unit accepts input voltages from 3S through 6S LiPo battery configurations (11.1V to 22.2V nominal), giving you tremendous flexibility in power system design and allowing you to scale your aircraft from lightweight park-flyers to larger, more powerful models. The switching BEC (battery elimination circuit) provides regulated 6V or 7.2V power at up to 7 amps continuous or 20 amps burst, making it capable of powering receivers, servos and digital accessories without requiring a separate power supply. Built with high heat-resistant IC series connectors featuring innovative data pins for Smart telemetry, the ESC weighs just 50 grams (1.8 ounces) and measures a compact 62mm in length, 28mm in width and 13mm in height, making it practical for installation in fuselages with limited available space. The rugged thermoplastic housing combined with aluminium heat sink and efficient thermal design ensures reliable operation even during extended full-throttle flight sequences, whilst the programmable low-voltage cutoff automatically protects your LiPo battery from damaging over-discharge.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum Avian 45 Amp Brushless Smart ESC (P-SPMXAE1045)
- Spektrum Smart sticker sheet
- Comprehensive product manual with setup instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum Aircraft Receiver (Smart Technology compatible for full telemetry functionality)
- Spektrum Smart or standard transmitter (Smart-compatible transmitter required for advanced programming features and telemetry display)
- 3S to 6S LiPo battery (Spektrum Smart battery recommended for battery telemetry integration)
- Brushless outrunner or inrunner motor rated 3S-6S compatible with ESC specifications
- Propeller appropriately sized for your motor and aircraft (follow motor manufacturer recommendations)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Avian 45 Amp ESC suitable for beginners flying RC aircraft? — The Avian 45 Amp is designed as a professional-grade brushless ESC with advanced features, making it better suited to experienced RC pilots rather than complete beginners. However, its simple plug-and-play installation and straightforward throttle stick programming do make it accessible. Beginners should ensure they have a compatible Spektrum receiver and understand basic brushless motor setup before purchasing.
- What battery voltage does this brushless ESC require? — The Avian 45 Amp accepts 3S, 4S, 5S or 6S LiPo batteries, corresponding to nominal voltages of 11.1V, 14.8V, 18.5V and 22.2V respectively. This flexibility allows you to select the voltage that best suits your motor choice and aircraft size. Always ensure your chosen motor is rated for your selected battery voltage.
- How do I programme the Avian 45 Amp ESC? — You have multiple programming options: basic throttle stick programming requires nothing but your transmitter and receiver; the optional Smart ESC Programming Box allows field adjustments; the SmartLink USB application on computer provides detailed configuration; and if you have a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver, you can programme parameters directly on-screen during flight line adjustments. This flexibility makes the Avian 45 Amp suitable for various skill levels and preferences.
- Does the Avian 45 Amp work with my existing Spektrum batteries and connectors? — The ESC features IC3 battery connectors (the latest Spektrum Smart standard) but maintains backward compatibility with older EC3 and EC5 connectors, so you can use existing batteries. When used with IC3 or IC5 connector-equipped Spektrum Smart batteries, you'll receive comprehensive battery telemetry on your transmitter. EC3 and EC5 batteries will provide basic ESC operation and telemetry.
- What is Smart Technology telemetry and why should I care? — Spektrum's Smart telemetry system transmits critical flight data through a single wire connection directly to your transmitter, eliminating the complexity of multiple sensors and modules. You receive real-time information about battery voltage and cell balance, motor current draw and power consumption, ESC temperature, and motor RPM, allowing you to monitor aircraft health and adjust settings mid-flight for optimal performance.
- Can I reverse the motor direction using the Avian 45 Amp? — Yes, the Avian 45 Amp supports Smart motor reversing functionality, allowing you to reverse brushless motor direction from your transmitter with a switch. This feature requires a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver, and must be activated within the ESC parameters. This is useful for tail-dragger ground handling and as a landing brake for models requiring longer runway distances.
- How much power can this ESC supply to my servos and receiver? — The dual BEC connectors provide regulated 6V or 7.2V power (selectable) at a continuous output of 7 amps with burst capacity to 20 amps. This is sufficient for powering most aircraft receivers and digital servos, though you should verify your specific servo current requirements don't exceed these specifications when using multiple servos.
- Is the Avian 45 Amp waterproof for outdoor flying? — Whilst the ESC has a rugged thermoplastic case and high heat-resistant connectors, it is not fully waterproof and should be protected from direct water exposure. It is suitable for typical RC aircraft flying conditions but should be kept away from water ingestion.
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 SPM Avian 45 Amp Brushless Smart ESC P-SPMXAE1045 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.
