Overview
The E-flite UMX Turbo Timber Evolution BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE represents a breakthrough in ultra-micro RC aircraft design, bringing genuine big-airplane capability to a portable package that weighs just 153 grams. This is a scaled-down version of the hugely popular 1.5-metre Turbo Timber Evolution, updated and upgraded to deliver enhanced performance and versatility. Whether you're searching for a brushless RC aircraft for beginners, an ultra-micro RC plane for UK gardens and parks, or a serious sport flyer capable of advanced aerobatics, the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution delivers on every front. It's an evolution of the best-selling UMX Turbo Timber, featuring a reinforced airframe and stronger ball-link equipped linkages that can handle the significantly increased power and performance of the new 2S and 3S compatible brushless motor and ESC system.
This is a ready-to-fly RC aircraft that arrives 100% factory-assembled with all electronics installed—simply bind it to your Spektrum transmitter, charge a compatible LiPo battery, and you're airborne within minutes. The UMX Turbo Timber Evolution is classified as a Skill Level 2 aircraft, making it appropriate for pilots who have successfully flown at least one other model before. However, with the optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection system built into the receiver, even less experienced pilots can enjoy safe, confidence-inspiring flight. Thanks to its ultra-micro size and incredible STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capability, you can fly this aircraft in places where most RC aeroplanes simply cannot operate—small yards, local parks, sports fields, indoor gymnasiums, and even suitable indoor spaces as small as a basketball court. Add the optional floats (sold separately) and you can expand your flying adventures to ponds, lakes, and large pools.
The combination of reinforced airframe design, advanced Spektrum technologies, dual battery compatibility, and factory-installed LED lighting makes the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution an exceptional choice for UK RC enthusiasts seeking a versatile, capable, and genuinely fun-to-fly aircraft. Whether you're a weekend recreational flyer or someone progressing toward more advanced RC aircraft, this Bind-N-Fly model offers the perfect balance of accessibility, performance, and value for money.
Key Features
- 2S and 3S Compatible Brushless Power System — The factory-installed 1208 brushless outrunner motor is compatible with both 2S 7.4V and 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries, offering a wide performance envelope ranging from relaxed, fuel-efficient cruising on 2S to unlimited vertical aerobatic performance on 3S. This flexibility means you can choose your flying style and battery specifications based on your specific needs and desired flight characteristics.
- Reinforced Airframe with Ball-Link Linkages — The updated airframe features reinforced construction and stronger, more precise ball-link equipped linkages throughout, making the structure significantly more durable and capable of handling the increased performance demands of the upgraded 2S/3S power system. This engineering enhancement ensures consistent control response and longevity even with aggressive flying.
- AS3X Stabilisation Technology — Spektrum's industry-leading Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis (AS3X) technology works continuously behind the scenes to smooth out wind effects and turbulence, delivering locked-in stability that makes the ultra-micro aircraft feel like a much larger, expertly tuned model. This creates a smooth, locked-in flight experience that builds pilot confidence.
- Optional-Use SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — Built into the Spektrum receiver, SAFE Select can be toggled on or off with a simple transmitter switch assignment (automatically assigned to channel 5/Gear channel by default). When enabled, it provides pitch and bank angle limits to prevent inverted flight, automatic self-leveling when sticks are centred, and assistance during takeoffs and landings—making the aircraft far easier and safer to fly for progressing pilots.
- Incredible STOL Capability — The wing design incorporates drooped wingtips, functional oversized flaps, and optional-use leading-edge slats (included in the box) that dramatically reduce takeoff and landing distances. Combined with the lightweight foam construction and high-power brushless motor, the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution achieves STOL performance that rivals aircraft three times its size.
- Factory-Installed LED Lighting System — Realistic LED landing lights, navigation lights, and simulated strobe lights are pre-installed and powered from the flight battery, extending your flying opportunities from early morning through dusk and evening sessions. The lighting system transforms the flying experience, especially during low-light conditions.
- Real-Time Telemetry System — The integrated ESC and Spektrum receiver provide real-time flight battery voltage telemetry transmitted directly to compatible Spektrum transmitters (including DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX14, iX20 and others), allowing you to monitor battery status throughout your flight session without interrupting your control.
- Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX Technology — The integrated receiver uses industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, offering immunity to interference, extended range, and compatibility with a vast array of Spektrum transmitters. This means reliable, crystal-clear control in even challenging RF environments.
- Oversized Tundra-Style Tyres and Versatile Landing Gear — The landing gear features oversized tyres designed specifically for rough surface operations, enabling the aircraft to safely takeoff and land on grass, gravel, dirt trails, and paved surfaces. The fairing design is secured to the fuselage rather than the landing gear, providing excellent ground clearance and protection in uneven terrain.
- Sport and Aerobatic Performance — Beyond STOL capability, the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution is fully capable of advanced aerobatic flight including inverted flight, knife-edge passes, snap rolls, and spins. Experienced pilots will appreciate the smooth handling and precise control response that allows execution of the full aerobatic repertoire.
- Fully Factory-Assembled Bind-N-Fly Design — Out of the box, the aircraft comes completely assembled with all electronics installed—motor, ESC, receiver, and five linear servos are all factory-installed. You simply bind the receiver to your transmitter, install a charged battery, and you're ready to fly, making this one of the quickest ready-to-fly RC aircraft available.
- Ultra-Micro Size for Portable Flying — Weighing just 153 grams with a 698mm wingspan, the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution is genuinely portable and can be flown in spaces where larger RC aircraft cannot operate. This ultra-micro platform makes RC flying accessible in urban environments, small yards, parks, and even carefully selected indoor spaces.
- Optional Water-Flying Capability — The aircraft can be fitted with optional UMX floats (model EFLUA1190, sold separately), instantly transforming it into an amphibious aircraft capable of water operations on ponds, lakes, and large pools, dramatically expanding your available flying locations.
- Functional Oversized Flaps — In addition to contributing to STOL performance, the functional flaps provide enhanced control during slow-flight operations and can be deployed for even shorter landing distances, giving pilots complete control over their approach profile.
Technical Performance
The EFL UMX Turbo Timber Evolution represents sophisticated engineering packed into an ultra-micro airframe. The aircraft utilises a factory-installed 1208 brushless outrunner motor paired with an integrated brushless ESC, both rated for operation on 2S or 3S LiPo batteries (280–300mAh recommended). The brushless motor system delivers responsive, linear throttle control and exceptional efficiency, allowing extended flight times on 2S batteries or explosive vertical performance on 3S systems. The airframe is constructed from durable foam material, providing an excellent balance between weight and strength—critical factors for an aircraft that must be both portable and capable of sustained aerobatic flight. The reinforced construction with ball-link equipped linkages ensures precise servo-to-control-surface response and exceptional durability even under aggressive flying conditions. Five linear servos are pre-installed, managing control surfaces including ailerons, elevator, rudder, flaps, and retractable landing gear functionality. The Spektrum receiver is fully integrated with the ESC, simplifying wiring and reducing weight whilst maintaining redundancy and safety. The propeller is a 120mm x 70mm three-blade design, optimised for the power delivery and performance envelope of the included motor. Dimensionally, the aircraft spans 698mm in wingspan, measures 495mm in length, and tips the scales at just 153 grams, making it genuinely portable whilst maintaining the wing area necessary for slow-flight and STOL operations. Battery connector is JST-RCY specification (or JST-PH with adapter). The combination of advanced AS3X stability augmentation, optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection, and the inherently stable design of the Turbo Timber platform creates an aircraft that is approachable for developing pilots yet satisfying for experienced RC flyers.
What's in the Box
- E-flite UMX Turbo Timber Evolution airframe with 100% factory assembly and all electronics pre-installed
- Five linear servos (fully installed and configured)
- 1208 brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Spektrum receiver with integrated brushless ESC (factory-installed)
- Set of optional-use leading-edge slats for enhanced STOL and slow-flight performance
- Product manual with assembly, setup, and flight operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter (suggested compatibility with Spektrum DXS and other modern DSMX systems)
- 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V 280–300mAh LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector (alternatively, JST-PH connector plus a suitable JST-RCY to JST-PH adapter such as SPMXCA327, sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger for charging your selected battery pack
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite UMX Turbo Timber Evolution suitable for beginner RC pilots? — The aircraft is classified as Skill Level 2, meaning it's designed for pilots who have successfully flown at least one other model previously. However, the optional-use SAFE Select system provides pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-leveling, making it significantly more approachable for developing pilots. The AS3X stabilisation also helps smooth out wind effects. If this is your first aircraft, consider learning in a more basic model first, then progressing to the Turbo Timber Evolution once you have foundational flying skills.
- What battery does the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution need and how long does it fly? — The aircraft is compatible with both 2S 7.4V and 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries in the 280–300mAh capacity range. The manufacturer recommends these specific capacities for optimal balance between weight, power, and flight duration. Flight time will vary depending on your flying style, battery selection, and conditions, but you can expect reasonable endurance especially when flying at moderate throttle settings on a 2S battery. Always use the recommended battery types and never exceed the maximum capacity specifications.
- What transmitter do I need for this aircraft? — The UMX Turbo Timber Evolution requires a full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter. The manual suggests compatibility with the Spektrum DXS transmitter and other modern DSMX systems. If you already own a Spektrum transmitter with at least 6 channels, you can bind directly to it. The aircraft's SAFE Select feature is automatically assigned to channel 5 (Gear channel) on most Spektrum computer transmitters.
- Can I fly this aircraft indoors? — Yes. The ultra-micro size makes indoor flight possible in suitable large spaces such as gymnasiums, warehouses, or sports halls. However, indoor flying requires excellent piloting skills, smooth control inputs, and appropriate space. Always obtain permission before flying indoors and follow all venue-specific rules. The relatively slow stall speed and STOL capability make the aircraft better suited to indoor flight than many alternatives.
- What's the difference between the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution and earlier UMX Turbo Timber models? — The Evolution model features a reinforced airframe, stronger ball-link equipped linkages, and a 2S/3S compatible power system with increased capability. Earlier models were typically single-voltage designs. The Evolution delivers significantly more performance potential whilst maintaining the same ultra-micro size and STOL character.
- Can I fly this aircraft from water? — The standard aircraft is not water-capable. However, optional UMX floats (model EFLUA1190) are available as a separate purchase, instantly transforming the aircraft into an amphibious seaplane suitable for ponds, lakes, and large pools.
- What makes the AS3X and SAFE technologies valuable? — AS3X works automatically to compensate for wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in, stable feel that makes the tiny aircraft seem much larger and more stable. SAFE Select (when enabled) prevents the aircraft from rolling inverted or pitching excessively, and provides automatic self-leveling—features that substantially reduce the cognitive load during flying, especially in challenging wind conditions or for pilots still developing their skills.
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 Turbo Timber Evolution BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE A-EFLU8950 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.
