Overview
The Spektrum Avian 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC represents the pinnacle of modern electronic speed control technology for RC aircraft. Developed and designed by Spektrum engineers in partnership with the industry's leading ESC manufacturer, this brushless ESC is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability and connectivity for serious RC enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. Whether you're piloting a high-performance electric aircraft, a scale warbird, or any demanding aerial platform, the Avian 100A provides the power and intelligence your model demands.
This isn't just another brushless speed controller — the Avian is part of Spektrum's revolutionary Smart ecosystem, a connected RC system where all your electronics communicate seamlessly with one another. The integration of Smart technology means you get real-time telemetry data streamed directly to your transmitter, eliminating the need for separate sensors, modules, and complicated wiring harnesses. For pilots who demand maximum control and confidence in their aircraft systems, the Avian 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC is the natural choice.
The ESC is specifically designed for 3S to 6S LiPo battery applications, making it incredibly versatile for everything from trainer aircraft through to powerful scale models and competition platforms. Its compact dimensions and lightweight design make installation straightforward in almost any airframe, whilst the professional-grade construction ensures years of reliable service. If you're searching for a premium brushless RC ESC with cutting-edge Smart connectivity, look no further than the Spektrum Avian.
Key Features
- Smart All-in-One Telemetry System — The Avian uses a revolutionary single-wire telemetry solution that transmits vital operating data directly to your Spektrum transmitter in real time, including current draw, battery voltage, individual cell balance information, motor temperature and RPM, all without requiring extra sensors or separate modules. This real-time feedback gives you complete visibility into your aircraft's electrical system during every flight, allowing you to monitor performance and adjust settings on the fly for peak efficiency and safety.
- Fast, Powerful 32-Bit ARM M4 Processor — At the heart of the Avian lies a sophisticated 32-bit ARM M4 processor that delivers higher resolution signal input and more accurate motor output compared to conventional ESCs. This advanced processor enables rapid response times, smoother throttle curves and superior motor control across the entire power range, resulting in noticeably improved flight characteristics and stability.
- Spektrum Smart Battery Integration — When paired with a Spektrum Smart LiPo battery featuring IC3 or IC5 connectors, the Avian automatically receives and displays comprehensive battery telemetry data on your transmitter screen in real time. This includes total charge cycles, remaining battery capacity percentage, individual cell voltage readings and more, giving you complete confidence in your battery's state of health and remaining flight time.
- Multiple Programming Options for Ultimate Flexibility — Configure your Avian ESC using whatever method suits you best. Simple throttle stick programming requires nothing more than your transmitter, or use the optional Smart ESC Programming Box for comprehensive field adjustments. The SmartLink USB Updating and Programmer application provides a full-featured computer interface for detailed tuning, whilst the innovative on-screen ESC programming feature (requiring a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver) lets you change any parameter right on the flight line without additional equipment.
- Advanced Smart ESC Thrust Reversing — Included with the Avian is the ability to reverse motor direction at the flip of a switch, providing increased ground mobility and acting as an effective brake for large-scale models that require additional runway distance for landing. This feature requires a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver, and activation through the ESC parameters.
- Multi-Point Protection System — The Avian incorporates multiple layers of protection including over-current protection that prevents damage from electrical surges, automatic LiPo low-voltage cutoff to safeguard your battery from over-discharge, thermal protection to prevent overheating, and failsafe protection that brings your model to a controlled state if signal is lost. These protective features work together to maximise the lifespan of your expensive components and ensure safe operation in all conditions.
- Professional Connector System — The Avian features Spektrum's IC5 series battery connectors, engineered from the ground up to provide superior electrical connection quality, higher heat resistance compared to older standard connectors, and effortless installation. The system remains backward compatible with older EC5 connectors for basic operation, giving you flexibility when integrating with existing equipment.
- Heat Dissipating Design with Cooling Efficiency — Advanced thermal engineering includes an aluminium heat sink and integrated cooling systems to manage heat generation during high-current operation, ensuring the ESC maintains peak performance even during extended high-throttle flights or in hot weather conditions. The compact rugged plastic case with tabs for hard mounting provides excellent protection whilst allowing air circulation for optimal heat dissipation.
- Adjustable High-Power BEC with Dual Connectors — The integrated switching-type BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) provides selectable output voltage options of 6V, 7.4V, or 8.4V, allowing you to power your receiver and servos without additional batteries. Dual BEC power connectors enable simultaneous connection of multiple receiver types, and the maximum burst capability of 25A with continuous output up to 8A ensures sufficient power for demanding servo arrays and receiver systems.
- Adjustable Motor Timing and Comprehensive Programming — Advanced users gain access to programmable motor timing adjustment, allowing fine-tuning of performance characteristics to suit specific motors and flying conditions. Combined with programmable low-voltage cutoff thresholds and other configurable parameters, the Avian adapts to virtually any aircraft setup and pilot preference.
- Firmware Updating Capability — Keep your Avian at peak performance with firmware updates delivered through either the Smart ESC Programming Box or the SmartLink application, ensuring you always have access to the latest performance improvements and bug fixes as they're released by Spektrum.
- Ready to Install, No Soldering Required — The Avian ships completely assembled with all connectors pre-installed, meaning you can mount it in your airframe and connect battery and motor leads immediately without any soldering or complex preparation. This accelerates your build process and reduces the risk of connection issues.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum Avian 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC is a sophisticated piece of engineering designed to deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of aircraft platforms. At its core is the powerful 32-bit ARM M4 processor that manages up to 100 amps of continuous current with peak burst capability of 120 amps, making it suitable for everything from moderate-power trainers through to high-performance aerobatic aircraft and scale warbirds. The ESC accepts input voltage from 3S through 6S LiPo batteries (11.1V to 22.2V), providing remarkable versatility for builders with different power requirements. The integrated switching-type BEC delivers adjustable output voltage (selectable at 6V, 7.4V, or 8.4V) with continuous current capability of 8 amps and maximum burst capability of 25 amps, sufficient for nearly all aircraft receiver and servo combinations. Measuring just 76mm in length, 35mm in width and 33mm in height, and weighing only 126 grams, the Avian is exceptionally compact for an ESC of this capability, allowing installation in tight fuselages and confined spaces. The rugged plastic case incorporates both an aluminium heat sink and cooling fan to manage thermal load during sustained high-current operation, whilst the high heat-resistant IC series connectors provide electrical superiority and durability. The dual BEC connectors allow simultaneous connection of multiple receivers or other devices requiring separate power, and the tabs for hard mounting accommodate various installation styles. When paired with Spektrum Smart LiPo batteries featuring IC3 or IC5 connectors, the Avian automatically communicates battery data to your Spektrum transmitter, creating a fully integrated Smart system where all components work in harmony. The single-wire telemetry solution eliminates the requirement for separate current sensors, voltage monitors, and temperature probes, whilst delivering more comprehensive data in real time than traditional post-flight telemetry systems. This represents a genuine advancement in brushless RC ESC technology for serious aircraft pilots in the UK and worldwide.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum Avian 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC
- Spektrum Smart sticker sheet
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum aircraft receiver (Smart-compatible recommended for full telemetry functionality)
- Spektrum Smart technology compatible components (such as Smart LiPo battery with IC3 or IC5 connector)
- Spektrum transmitter with Smart technology support
- Brushless motor rated for your application
- LiPo battery, 3S through 6S rated (11.1V to 22.2V)
- Propeller matched to your motor and airframe specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Spektrum Smart technology and why does it matter for my RC aircraft? — Spektrum Smart technology is an integrated ecosystem where your ESC, battery, receiver and transmitter all communicate with one another, sharing real-time performance data and configuration information. Instead of installing multiple separate sensors and modules with independent wiring, a Smart system uses single connections to transmit comprehensive data including current, voltage, cell balance, temperature and RPM directly to your transmitter screen during flight. This makes systems simpler to build, more reliable in operation, and provides superior real-time feedback that helps you fly better and make immediate adjustments to optimise performance.
- Is the Spektrum Avian 100A suitable for beginners? — The Avian is primarily designed for intermediate to advanced pilots who appreciate sophisticated electronics and real-time telemetry feedback. Beginners can certainly use it, but its advanced programming options and Smart technology features are aimed at pilots who want maximum control and data integration. For a first brushless RC aircraft, simpler non-Smart ESCs might be more appropriate, though the Avian's straightforward installation and throttle-stick programming option do make it accessible to less experienced builders willing to learn its capabilities.
- What battery does the Spektrum Avian 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC require? — The Avian accepts input voltage from 3S through 6S LiPo batteries, meaning it works with 11.1V batteries (3S) all the way up to 22.2V batteries (6S). This exceptional range makes it incredibly versatile — you can use a standard 3S battery in a smaller aircraft or trainer, or step up to a 6S battery for high-performance or larger-scale models. For full Smart technology integration including battery telemetry, use a Spektrum Smart LiPo battery with IC3 or IC5 connectors; standard LiPo batteries with EC5 or IC5 connectors will work for basic ESC operation without battery data telemetry.
- Can I program the Avian ESC without additional equipment? — Yes. The Avian includes throttle stick programming, meaning you can configure basic settings using only your Spektrum transmitter and receiver — no additional boxes or software required. For more detailed parameter adjustment and field programming, the optional Smart ESC Programming Box provides an easy-to-use interface at the flying field. Computer-based tuning is available through the SmartLink USB Updating and Programmer application. Advanced pilots with Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitters can also program any ESC parameter directly from their transmitter screen using on-screen telemetry programming.
- How does the one-wire telemetry system work? — Rather than requiring separate wires to individual sensors, the Avian's single data wire integrated into the receiver connection transmits all necessary information to your Spektrum receiver, which relays it to your transmitter. This eliminates clutter, reduces potential points of failure, and provides a cleaner installation. The Avian continuously measures and sends current, voltage, cell-by-cell battery information (when using Smart batteries), motor temperature and RPM — everything your transmitter can display in real time during flight.
- What protection systems does the Avian ESC include? — The Avian incorporates four layers of protection: over-current protection prevents damage from electrical faults or shorts, automatic LiPo low-voltage cutoff protects your battery from damage caused by over-discharge, thermal protection monitors ESC temperature and throttles back if overheating occurs, and failsafe protection brings your model to a controlled state if radio signal is lost. Together these systems safeguard your investment and ensure predictable operation across a wide range of flying conditions.
- Is the Avian backwards compatible with older Spektrum connectors? — Yes. The Avian features IC5 series connectors but remains fully compatible with older EC5 connectors, allowing you to use the ESC with existing batteries and equipment. For basic operation, EC5 and IC5 batteries work interchangeably. However, for full Smart battery telemetry functionality, you'll need a Spektrum Smart LiPo battery with IC3 or IC5 connectors.
- Can I use the Avian 100A in a scale warbird or large aircraft? — Absolutely. The Avian's 100-amp continuous rating (120-amp burst) combined with its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for large-scale aircraft from trainers through to ambitious scale replicas. The 6S compatibility means you can deliver substantial power to large brushless motors whilst the integrated BEC handles receiver and servo power. The telemetry system also helps you monitor a large aircraft's electrical systems in real time, giving you confidence that everything is operating normally during flight.
- What is Smart ESC thrust reversing and do I need it? — Smart thrust reversing allows you to reverse motor direction via a transmitter switch, providing additional ground mobility and acting as a brake for landing in models that need extended runway distance. Activation requires a Smart-compatible Spektrum transmitter and receiver. This feature is most useful for larger aircraft and aerobatic platforms where landing distance is a concern, but it's not essential for typical flying operations.
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 100 Amp Brushless Smart ESC P-SPMXAE1100 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.
