Overview
The E-flite UMX Timber X BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select represents a remarkable achievement in ultra-micro RC aircraft design. This 570mm wingspan aeroplane is a scaled-down version of the wildly popular Timber X 1.2m, distilled into a compact airframe that combines genuine Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities with legitimate 3D aerobatic performance. Whether you're searching for a brushless RC plane UK enthusiasts recommend, or you're looking to expand your flying envelope with a versatile model that can operate from challenging surfaces, the UMX Timber X delivers capabilities that defy its diminutive size. Weighing just 137 grams without battery, this electric RC aircraft is light enough to fly indoors in suitable spaces like gymnasiums, yet powerful enough for outdoor flying in yards, parks, and sports fields across the UK.
The UMX Timber X is purpose-built for intermediate to experienced pilots seeking a "mild to wild" flying experience. Its unique wing design combines the proven STOL characteristics of the Turbo Timber with oversized control surfaces and a 3S-compatible brushless power system that delivers an exceptionally wide flight envelope. The aircraft arrives factory-assembled and ready to fly as a Bind-N-Fly basic model, meaning the brushless motor, four linear servos, and Spektrum receiver with integrated ESC are already installed. Simply bind it to your 5+ channel Spektrum transmitter, add a compatible 3S LiPo battery and charger, and you're airborne within minutes. This ready-to-fly convenience makes it an ideal choice whether you're a seasoned RC pilot looking for a versatile addition to your fleet or an experienced flyer wanting to master a uniquely capable aircraft.
The combination of advanced EPS construction, factory-installed LED lighting, oversized tundra-style tyres, and legendary Spektrum technology makes this ultra-micro aircraft exceptionally practical for real-world flying conditions. Optional floats expand your flying possibilities to water, whilst the full-span ailerons offer flexibility to configure the aircraft for maximum control authority or optimised slow-flight and STOL performance. With Spektrum AS3X stabilisation working invisibly to smooth turbulence and provide a locked-in feel, and optional SAFE Select offering pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-levelling, the UMX Timber X provides the perfect balance of capability and confidence-building technology.
Key Features
- Incredible STOL Capability — The UMX Timber X features a shortened-span wing with enhanced chord and full-span ailerons that can be configured as flaperons, enabling extraordinarily short takeoff and landing distances that exceed the capabilities of comparable ultra-micro aircraft, making it practical for confined flying spaces.
- Genuine 3D Aerobatic Performance — The 3S-compatible brushless outrunner motor delivers unlimited vertical performance and hovering capability, with enlarged elevator and rudder providing extreme 3D control authority that lets you perform knife-edge passes, inverted flight, and full 3D manoeuvres.
- Spektrum AS3X Stabilisation — Advanced Artificial Stabilization–3-aXis technology works invisibly behind the scenes to smooth wind and turbulence effects, delivering a locked-in feel that makes the ultra-micro airframe behave like a much larger, expertly-tuned aircraft, resulting in more confident and stable flight in real-world conditions.
- Optional SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — The built-in optional-use SAFE Select technology offers pitch and bank angle limits that prevent extreme attitudes, along with automatic self-levelling that returns the aircraft to level flight when the sticks are centred, making it easier to fly and providing an extra margin of safety without requiring complex programming.
- Factory-Installed LED Lighting — Functional LED landing, navigation, and simulated strobe lights are factory-installed and powered from the flight battery, enabling extended flying sessions from earlier in the morning to later in the evening and improving visibility for both daytime and dusk operations.
- Full-Span Aileron Design — The full-span ailerons provide maximum control authority for aggressive 3D flying on high rates, whilst the ability to configure them as flaperons optimises slow-flight performance and STOL capability for gentler flying on lower rates, offering unprecedented versatility in a single airframe.
- Oversized Tundra-Style Tyres — Rugged, oversize tires absorb bumps and provide exceptional ground clearance, enabling the aircraft to operate from grass, gravel paths, dirt trails, paved surfaces, and other challenging terrain that would be impossible for most comparable ultra-micro models.
- Real-Time Battery Telemetry — The integrated Spektrum receiver and ESC provide real-time flight battery voltage telemetry to compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters (including DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 and iX20), allowing you to monitor battery status and remaining flight time throughout your session.
- Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX Technology — Industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX digital spread spectrum technology ensures reliable, interference-free control with 5+ channel capability, providing the control precision and response speed essential for advanced 3D aerobatics and smooth sport flying.
- Optional Water Flying Capability — Installation of optional UMX floats (EFLUA1190, sold separately) transforms the aircraft into an amphibious model capable of takeoff and landing from pools, ponds, and lakes, dramatically expanding your flying location options.
- Bind-N-Fly Convenience — Everything essential for flying is pre-installed and factory-assembled, eliminating the need for soldering, servo installation, or receiver setup; simply bind to your compatible transmitter, add battery and charger, and fly.
- Advanced EPS Construction — Lightweight yet durable EPS foam construction delivers exceptional durability whilst keeping weight to just 137 grams, enabling incredible performance whilst minimising damage risk, with a comprehensive range of replacement parts readily available if repairs are ever needed.
Technical Performance
The UMX Timber X represents exceptional engineering in ultra-micro aircraft design. The airframe measures 570mm wingspan and 470mm length, weighing just 137 grams without battery, making it genuinely portable and capable of flying in spaces where larger RC planes simply cannot operate. The factory-installed brushless outrunner motor is specifically selected for 3S compatibility, delivering the high power output necessary for vertical climbs, hovering capability, and aggressive 3D manoeuvres whilst remaining appropriately scaled for the lightweight airframe. The integrated Spektrum receiver combines the 2.4GHz DSMX receiver with a brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) in a single unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing weight and complexity. Four linear servos deliver precise control authority to the elevator, rudder, and full-span ailerons, with strengthened control horns and ball-link equipped linkages providing durability and consistent performance during demanding flight regimes. Battery compatibility is specified as 3S 11.1V at 280-350mAh capacity with JST-RCY connectors, providing approximately the weight and power balance necessary for optimal performance. The aircraft requires a full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter for operation, with specific compatibility noted for models including the DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 and iX20. The construction utilises advanced EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam throughout, offering an excellent combination of light weight, durability, and repairability. All components arrive factory-assembled and pre-installed, ensuring proper alignment, balance, and integration from the moment you open the box.
What's in the Box
- E-flite UMX Timber X airframe
- Brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Four linear servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum receiver with integrated brushless ESC (factory-installed)
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter (examples: DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX20)
- 3S 11.1V 280-350mAh LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector
- Compatible LiPo charger
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite UMX Timber X suitable for beginners or intermediate pilots? — The UMX Timber X is rated as Skill Level 2, making it suitable for intermediate to experienced pilots rather than absolute beginners. However, the optional-use SAFE Select technology provides pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-levelling, which can significantly assist newer pilots during their learning curve. If you're new to RC flying, you might consider starting with a more basic model before progressing to the UMX Timber X.
- What battery does the UMX Timber X need and how long does it fly? — The aircraft requires a 3S 11.1V LiPo battery in the 280-350mAh capacity range with a JST-RCY connector. The manual and manufacturer specifications do not provide a specific flight time duration, as this varies significantly depending on your flying style, throttle management, and whether you're performing aggressive 3D manoeuvres or gentle sport flying. Lighter battery choices within the recommended range may provide shorter flight times but better vertical performance, whilst batteries at the heavier end of the range offer longer endurance at the cost of slightly reduced agility.
- Can I fly the UMX Timber X with my existing Spektrum transmitter? — Yes, provided your transmitter is a full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible model. Specifically compatible transmitters include the DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, and iX20. If you own a different Spektrum transmitter not listed, check with the manufacturer to confirm it supports 5+ channels and DSMX or DSM2 protocols before purchasing.
- What makes the UMX Timber X different from other ultra-micro RC aircraft? — The UMX Timber X uniquely combines STOL capability with genuine 3D aerobatic performance in an ultra-micro size. Its shortened-span wing with enlarged chord maintains wing area whilst enabling agile control, full-span ailerons provide maximum authority and optional flaperons for slow-flight optimisation, and the 3S-compatible brushless motor delivers unlimited vertical performance. The inclusion of Spektrum AS3X stabilisation and optional SAFE Select, factory-installed LED lighting, oversized tundra-style tyres, and real-time battery telemetry capability make it exceptionally versatile. The optional float compatibility further expands flying possibilities to water. These combined features deliver a "mild to wild" flying experience unmatched by competing ultra-micro models.
- Can I fly the UMX Timber X indoors? — Yes, the ultra-micro size (570mm wingspan, 137g weight) makes it suitable for flying indoors in gymnasiums and other suitably large enclosed spaces. The oversized control surfaces provide excellent authority even at slow speeds necessary for indoor operations. The factory-installed LED lights also enhance visibility in indoor environments with lower ambient light levels.
- What do the optional floats do and are they included? — Optional UMX floats (model EFLUA1190, sold separately) enable the aircraft to take off and land from water including pools, ponds, and lakes. These floats are not included in the basic package and must be purchased separately if you wish to add water-flying capability to your UMX Timber X.
- Does this model include a transmitter and battery? — No, the Bind-N-Fly Basic package includes only the aircraft with factory-installed motor, servos, and receiver/ESC. You must separately purchase a compatible 5+ channel Spektrum transmitter, a 3S 280-350mAh LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector, and a compatible LiPo charger to complete the setup and begin flying.
- What is Spektrum AS3X and how does it help my flying? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilization–3-aXis) is Spektrum's exclusive stabilisation technology that continuously monitors aircraft attitude across three axes and makes micro-corrections to smooth the effects of wind and turbulence. This technology works automatically in the background without requiring any pilot input, delivering a locked-in, stable feeling that makes the ultra-micro airframe behave like a much larger, expertly-tuned aircraft. This results in smoother, more confident flight in real-world outdoor conditions where wind and thermals are always present.
- What is SAFE Select and can I use it if I'm still learning to fly? — SAFE Select is optional-use flight envelope protection technology that provides pitch and bank angle limits (preventing excessive climb, dive, or roll angles), automatic self-levelling (the aircraft returns to level flight when you centre the sticks), and configurable switch assignment for easy activation. SAFE Select is not enabled by default and can be turned on and off with a transmitter switch, making it ideal for newer pilots or when you want an extra margin of safety without complex programming. For the UMX Timber X, SAFE Select is automatically assigned to channel 5 (Gear), so you can toggle it with any transmitter switch assigned to that channel.
- How durable is the UMX Timber X and what happens if I damage it? — The airframe is constructed from advanced EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam, which is lightweight yet surprisingly durable. EPS is known for its damage tolerance—minor impacts and crashes often result in cosmetic damage rather than structural failure. In the event you suffer damage you cannot repair yourself, E-flite offers a comprehensive range of replacement parts including wings, fuselage sections, control surfaces, and all other airframe components, ensuring your aircraft can be restored to like-new condition.
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 EFL UMX Timber X BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 570mm A-EFLU7950 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.
