Overview
The HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m RTF Basic is the most versatile, capable and easiest to fly scale RC trainer aeroplane yet, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to learn to fly RC aircraft for the first time. Based on the iconic Carbon Cub by CubCrafters—an upgraded and thoroughly modern iteration of the classic Super Cub—this ready-to-fly RC plane combines authentic scale styling with cutting-edge flight technology that makes successful learning possible for almost anyone. Whether you're a complete beginner to the world of RC flying or an experienced pilot looking for a new trainer aircraft, the Carbon Cub S 2 delivers versatility and capability that few ready-to-fly models can match.
Equipped with Horizon Hobby's exclusive and innovative SAFE® (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology, this scale replica helps prevent overcontrol, loss of orientation and crashes, enabling zero-risk pilot training through integrated Beginner, Intermediate and Expert flight modes. The durable EPO foam airframe is tough enough to handle everyday flying punishment while remaining lightweight, and comes with a powerful brushless motor, telemetry-capable ESC, factory-installed flight controller, receiver and servos already installed and ready to go. The taildragger landing gear features oversized pneumatic 'tundra' style tyres and a 360° steerable tailwheel that make it possible to take off from and land on grass, gravel, pavement and even rough dirt trails—surfaces where most RC trainers cannot operate. This ready-to-fly RC aircraft arrives mostly pre-assembled, so you'll be ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery, making it perfect for UK RC enthusiasts who want to get airborne quickly.
The Carbon Cub S 2 is also remarkably upgradeable. You can easily add SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology to unlock advanced features such as AutoLand, Virtual Fence and Holding Pattern capability, whilst the optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) automatically flares the aircraft for smoother, more controlled landings. For experienced pilots, the model is fully capable of aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls and inverted flight in Expert mode. Optional floats (sold separately) enable water operations, transforming this already versatile platform into a truly amphibious trainer. The included Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter can also be used with other Bind-N-Fly aircraft, giving you excellent value and flexibility as you develop your RC flying skills.
Key Features
- SAFE® Anti-Crash Training System — The integrated Beginner, Intermediate and Expert flight modes allow you to choose the level of stability and control you need at the flip of a switch, whilst Panic Recovery mode instantly returns the aircraft to steady, level flight at the push of a button in any flight mode, preventing loss of control and crashes for risk-free learning.
- 3S Brushless Power System — A 950Kv brushless outrunner motor paired with a 30A telemetry-enabled ESC delivers responsive, efficient power whilst the telemetry capability provides real-time monitoring of motor RPM, battery voltage and current to compatible Spektrum transmitters, allowing you to monitor flight pack status via LEDs on the included DXS transmitter.
- All-Terrain Tundra Tyres and Steerable Tailwheel — Oversized 200mm pneumatic tundra-style tyres combined with a 360° steerable tailwheel assembly enable reliable takeoffs and landings on grass, gravel, pavement and rough dirt surfaces where conventional tricycle gear aircraft cannot operate, whilst the impact-resistant EPO foam airframe absorbs the bumps of rough terrain.
- Factory-Installed Electronics — The brushless motor, 30A telemetry-capable ESC, four sub-micro servos, Spektrum 3230A flight controller and Spektrum 4650C serial receiver are all pre-installed in the airframe, eliminating assembly time and reducing frustration for new pilots.
- Tool-Free Modular Assembly — All components are pre-installed with plug-and-play connections, requiring no glue or special tools for final assembly, allowing you to be ready to fly in less than an hour and certainly faster than charging a battery.
- SAFE Plus GPS Upgradeability — Optional AutoLand, Virtual Fence and Holding Pattern features can be added via the Spektrum GPS module, whilst the Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) optimises flare angle during touchdown for smoother, more controlled landings that minimise or eliminate bouncing.
- Spektrum DSMX® 2.4GHz Control System — The included Spektrum DXS transmitter with industry-leading DSMX 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology provides reliable, interference-free control, and the four-channel receiver allows the model to progress from basic training through to full aerobatic capability in Expert mode.
- Amphibious Capability — Optional float kit (HBZ7390, sold separately) can be installed in minutes using included hardware, enabling safe water takeoffs and landings on lakes, ponds and rivers.
- Aerobatic Capability — In Expert mode, the Carbon Cub S 2 is fully capable of performing aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls and inverted flight, allowing you to progress beyond basic trainer operations once your skills develop.
- RealFlight® Simulator Compatibility — Practice flying this aircraft in the RealFlight RC flight simulator (sold separately) with virtual flight instructor lessons, allowing you to build confidence at home before flying outdoors.
- Optional Functional Flaps — Flaps are available as an optional upgrade (requiring a 7+ channel transmitter, flap servo and servo extension sold separately) for improved slow-speed handling and even shorter takeoffs and landings.
- Full Spare Parts Availability — A complete line of replacement and spare parts is readily available, ensuring you can maintain and repair your aircraft for years of enjoyable flying.
Technical Performance
The Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m delivers impressive performance through carefully engineered components designed specifically for trainer aircraft. The 480 brushless motor running at 960Kv is perfectly matched to 3S LiPo battery power (1300-2200mAh recommended), producing responsive but controlled acceleration suitable for learning to fly. The motor drives a propeller through a brushless speed control rated at 30A with telemetry capability, allowing real-time monitoring of power system data. Construction utilises advanced EPO (expanded polypropylene) foam material, which provides an excellent balance between durability and weight—the complete airframe weighs just 913 grammes without battery, making it light enough for responsive handling yet tough enough to withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes of learning. The 1300mm wingspan combines with the 865mm fuselage length to create a balanced platform with excellent slow-speed characteristics, critical for a trainer aircraft. Four sub-micro servos provide precise control of ailerons, elevator, rudder and throttle. The Spektrum 3230A flight controller integrates AS3X gyro stabilisation technology throughout all flight modes, whilst the Spektrum 4650C serial receiver provides reliable DSMX 2.4GHz communication with the included DXS transmitter. The IC3 connector standard ensures compatibility with modern Spektrum batteries and chargers. For a beginner-focused ready-to-fly RC plane in the UK market, the engineering represents an excellent combination of performance, durability, ease of use and safety features.
What's in the Box
- HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m airframe
- 480 Brushless Outrunner Motor (factory-installed)
- 30A Brushless Telemetry-Capable ESC (factory-installed)
- Four Sub-Micro Servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum 3230A Flight Controller (factory-installed)
- Spektrum 4650C Serial Receiver (factory-installed)
- Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX Transmitter
- Product Manual
What You Need to Complete
- 3S 11.1V 1300-2200mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo charger (sold separately)
- Optional: Spektrum Powerstage 2 bundle (SPMXPSA200) which includes a compatible 3S 2200mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Carbon Cub S 2 suitable for beginners with no RC flying experience? — Yes, absolutely. The Carbon Cub S 2 is specifically designed as a trainer aircraft for complete beginners. The SAFE technology with Beginner, Intermediate and Expert modes allows you to start in the most stable configuration, with Panic Recovery providing instant stability restoration at the push of a button. The oversized tundra tyres and steerable tailwheel allow operations from grass and gravel, which are forgiving surfaces for learning. Most new pilots progress successfully on this model.
- What battery does the Carbon Cub S 2 need? — The aircraft requires a 3S (11.1V) LiPo battery in the 1300-2200mAh capacity range. A 1300mAh battery provides good overall performance, whilst a 2200mAh battery extends flight time. All batteries must feature either EC3 or IC3 connectors. The recommended Spektrum Powerstage 2 bundle includes a 3S 2200mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C charger.
- Can I upgrade the Carbon Cub S 2 with advanced features? — Yes, several upgrades are available. SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology (requiring the Spektrum GPS module SPMA3173) adds AutoLand, Virtual Fence and Holding Pattern features. The optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) provides automatic flare control for smoother landings. Optional floats (HBZ7390) enable water operations. Functional flaps are available for improved slow-speed handling but require a 7+ channel transmitter.
- What is the difference between this RTF Basic version and other Carbon Cub S 2 versions? — This Ready-To-Fly Basic version includes the aircraft, transmitter, and all factory-installed electronics, but does not include a battery or charger, giving you flexibility to choose your preferred battery and charger combination. A Bind-N-Fly Basic version is also available for experienced pilots who want to use their existing Spektrum transmitter. The RTF Basic version is ideal for complete beginners as it includes the DXS transmitter.
- How long does it take to assemble the Carbon Cub S 2? — Approximately less than one hour. The aircraft arrives mostly factory-assembled with all electronics installed. You simply need to complete quick and easy final assembly tasks without requiring glue or special tools, allowing you to be ready to fly faster than charging a battery.
- Can I perform aerobatic manoeuvres with this aircraft? — Yes, in Expert mode the Carbon Cub S 2 is fully capable of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls and inverted flight. However, you should progress through Beginner and Intermediate modes first to develop the skills necessary for safe aerobatic flying.
- What is the Spektrum DXS transmitter included with this model? — The DXS is a four-channel 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter with telemetry display. It shows approximate flight battery power remaining via LEDs and audible alerts. It can also display detailed telemetry data including motor RPM, current and voltage when used with SAFE Plus compatible transmitters. The DXS can be used with other Bind-N-Fly and Bind-N-Fly Basic HobbyZone and E-flite aircraft.
- Can the Carbon Cub S 2 take off and land from water? — The standard aircraft features tundra tyres and a tailwheel for grass, gravel and pavement operations. Optional floats (HBZ7390, sold separately) can be installed in minutes to enable water takeoffs and landings on lakes, ponds and rivers.
- What type of remote control system does this aircraft use? — The Carbon Cub S 2 uses Spektrum's DSMX 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology via the included DXS transmitter. This provides interference-free control and is compatible with Spektrum's ecosystem of batteries, chargers and other accessories.
- Is this aircraft suitable for flying from a runway or only grass fields? — The tundra tyres are optimised for grass, gravel and dirt surfaces but the aircraft can also operate from pavement and tarmac runways. However, the tailwheel design and oversized tyres make it particularly suited to rough-field operations where conventional tricycle gear aircraft cannot safely operate.
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 HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m RTF 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.
