Product Details
The E-flite UMX WACO blends classic style with state-of-the-art features including a 2S and 3S compatible power system and optional-use SAFE Select to give you one of the most rewarding Golden Age biplane flying experiences at any size!
Key Features
- An officially licensed scale replica of the modern-day yet classic YMF-5 biplane design
- The most affordable, convenient, capable, and easiest-to-fly WACO model yet
- More powerful 2S and 3S-compatible outrunner motor and ESC
- Easier to fly with optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection
- Factory-finished with a scale trim scheme available in two colour options
In The Box - (1) E-flite UMX WACO 550mm
- (4) Spektrum Linear Servos (installed)
- (1) Spektrum Brushless Outrunner Motor (installed)
- (1) Spektrum Control Unit with
- (1) Receiver and (1) Brushless ESC (installed)
- (1) UMX WACO 550mm Product Manual
Needed to Complete- (1) Full-range 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX compatible transmitter
- (1) 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V 280-300mAh LiPo with JST-RCY Connector (or JST-PH connector plus a suitable JST-RCY to JST-PH adapter sold separately)
- (1) Compatible LiPo Charger
Introduction
The Weaver Aircraft Company of Ohio (WACO) was founded by aviators whose love of flight and daring tenacity led them to produce over 60 different aircraft models in just 28 years. This made WACO one of the leading manufacturers of aircraft during the Golden Age of Aviation. In 1985 the founders of the Classic Aircraft Foundation set out to reincarnate the iconic YMF model. And now, the E-flite® UMX™ WACO has been updated and upgraded to be an even easier and more fun to fly tribute to the revered biplane! It's equipped with optional-use SAFE® Select, is both 2S and 3S compatible, plus provides real-time battery voltage telemetry to compatible transmitters. And because of its ultra-micro size, the UMX WACO can be flown indoors in gymnasiums and other suitable spaces, or outdoors in many yards, parks, and sports fields! It's an affordable, convenient, and easy to fly replica of the modern-day classic that's also available in two trim scheme colour options.
Features
- An officially licensed scale replica of the modern-day yet classic YMF-5 biplane design
- The most affordable, convenient, capable, and easiest-to-fly WACO model yet
- More powerful 2S and 3S-compatible outrunner motor and ESC
- Compatible with the Spektrum™ DXS transmitter included with many RTF models
- Real-time battery voltage telemetry with compatible Spektrum transmitters
- Spektrum receiver with industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX® technology
- The unmatched stability and locked-in feel of exclusive AS3X® technology
- Easier to fly with optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection
- Completely factory-assembled and ready to fly right out of the box
- Factory-finished with a scale trim scheme available in two colour options
- Scale details including simulated flying wires and a pilot figure with a scarf
Overview
This updated and upgraded version of the E-flite UMX WACO is now equipped with optional-use SAFE Select that makes it more stable than ever before, plus exclusive Spektrum™ AS3X® that keeps things smooth so it feels like you're flying a much larger model, even in windy conditions. The factory-installed brushless power system features an upgraded 2S- and 3S-compatible outrunner motor. Install 2S 280mAh batteries for performance similar to the original model, or use 3S 300mAh batteries for more speed and unlimited vertical performance. The control unit includes an ESC and Spektrum™ receiver that provides real-time flight battery voltage telemetry to compatible Spektrum AirWare™ equipped transmitters while you fly. It's constructed of advanced EPS material for a lightweight yet durable airframe, and it's now available in two trim scheme colour combinations including fully-painted yellow and lighter-weight unpainted white base versions. Best of all this Bind-N-Fly® Basic model arrives 100% factory-assembled and is ready to bind to your 5+ channel DSMX®/DSM2® equipped transmitter so you can be flying within minutes of opening the box! The lightly loaded biplane design and ultra-micro size are perfect for flying indoors in gymnasiums and similar large spaces, or outdoors pretty much anywhere - from yards to parks, sports fields, and beyond.
Bind-N-Fly Completion Level AdvantageAlready own a Spektrum™ transmitter? Bind-N-Fly (BNF) aircraft make getting into the air quickly and with the best control experience possible easier than ever. They come out of the box with the power system, servos and a Spektrum 2.4GHz receiver installed so all you need to do is bind the receiver to a compatible transmitter, finish any final assembly and fly!
This Bind-N-Fly Basic model is equipped with a Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX® receiver featuring AS3X® (Artificial Stabilization-3-aXis) technology that works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence so you enjoy a sense of stability and precision that makes it feel like you're flying a much larger, expertly tuned aircraft.
If this is your first model of its type, or you want an extra margin of safety while familiarizing yourself with the airplane, you can enable the optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection technology built into the receiver. No programming is required.
With SAFE Select enabled, you get:
Pitch and Bank Angle Limits
- These envelope limits keep the airplane from rolling or pitching upside down. They also prevent excessive climb or dive angles.
Automatic Self-Leveling
- The airplane instantly returns to and holds level flight when the sticks are released and in the centre position. It's also helpful for keeping the wings level during takeoffs/launches and landings.
Easy Switch Assignment-No Complex Programming Required
- The simple procedure for assigning a transmitter switch to turn SAFE Select features on and off doesn't require any complex programming and takes just a few seconds. For UMX models like this one, SAFE Select is automatically assigned to channel 5 (Gear) so you can turn it on and off with any switch assigned to that channel (switch A by default on most Spektrum computer transmitters).
- Model: E-flite UMX WACO BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select
- Model Number: EFLU53550 / A-EFLU53550 / EFLU5355X
- Manufacturer: E-flite (Horizon Hobby)
- Aircraft Type: Ultra-micro brushless biplane
- Design: Officially licensed scale replica of the modern-day YMF-5 biplane
- Wingspan: 550mm (21.65 inches)
- Length: 418mm (16.45 inches)
- Weight: 119g (4.2oz) with recommended battery
- Airframe Material: Advanced EPS (expanded polystyrene)
- Propeller Size: 5.75 x 2.50 inches
- Motor Type: Spektrum brushless outrunner
- Motor Specifications: 1208-1900KV, 10-pole brushless
- ESC Type: Spektrum brushless ESC (integrated in control unit)
- Power System: Brushless electric
- Battery Compatibility: 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V LiPo
- Recommended 2S Battery: 280-300mAh LiPo with JST-RCY connector
- Recommended 3S Battery: 300mAh LiPo with JST-RCY connector
- Battery Connector: JST-RCY (JST-PH connector compatible with suitable adapter sold separately)
- Control Unit: Spektrum control unit with integrated receiver and brushless ESC
- Receiver: Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX receiver (included, pre-installed)
- Radio Frequency: 2.4GHz DSMX
- Radio Protocols Supported: DSMX and DSM2
- Minimum Required Transmitter: Full-range 5-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter
- Suggested Compatible Transmitters: Spektrum DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX9, NX6 through NX20, iX12 through iX20
- Telemetry: Real-time flight battery voltage telemetry to compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters
- Stability Technology: Spektrum AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation-3-aXis)
- Flight Envelope Protection: Optional-use SAFE Select with pitch and bank angle limits and automatic self-levelling
- SAFE Select Activation: Channel 5 (Gear) on most Spektrum computer transmitters
- Servos: Four Spektrum linear servos (pre-installed)
- Servo Type: Spektrum linear servos
- Completion Level: Bind-N-Fly (BNF) Basic
- Assembly Status: 100 percent factory-assembled, no assembly required
- Skill Level: Skill Level 2 (requires some RC flying experience)
- Colour Options: Two trim scheme options available—fully-painted yellow and unpainted white base version
- Scale Details: Simulated flying wires and pilot figure with scarf
- Flying Capability: Suitable for indoor flight in gymnasiums and suitable enclosed spaces, or outdoor flight in yards, parks, and sports fields
- Pre-Installed Components: Four Spektrum linear servos, Spektrum brushless outrunner motor, Spektrum control unit with receiver and brushless ESC
- Included in Box: E-flite UMX WACO 550mm airframe, four Spektrum linear servos (installed), Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (installed), Spektrum control unit with receiver and brushless ESC (installed), UMX WACO 550mm product manual
- Required to Complete: Full-range 5-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter, 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector, compatible LiPo battery charger
Overview
The E-flite UMX WACO is an officially licensed, ultra-micro tribute to the classic YMF-5 biplane that blends timeless Golden Age aviation aesthetics with cutting-edge modern flight technology. This ready-to-fly brushless RC plane arrives completely factory-assembled and ready to bind to your Spektrum transmitter, making it one of the most convenient and capable aircraft in its class. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast looking to expand your collection or a skilled pilot seeking a rewarding flying experience, the UMX WACO delivers authentic scale detail combined with exceptional performance and stability that makes it feel like you're piloting a much larger model.
Constructed from advanced EPS material, this lightweight yet durable airframe weighs just 119 grams with the recommended battery installed, making it perfectly suited for flying indoors in gymnasiums and other suitable indoor spaces, as well as outdoors in yards, parks, and sports fields across the UK. The factory-finished trim scheme features authentic scale details including simulated flying wires and a pilot figure with a scarf, available in two colour options including fully-painted yellow and a lighter-weight unpainted white base version. What sets the UMX WACO apart from standard beginner RC planes is its combination of professional-grade technology with user-friendly features, making this one of the easiest-to-fly WACO models available today.
The E-flite UMX WACO represents the pinnacle of ultra-micro brushless RC aircraft design. Its heritage traces back to the Weaver Aircraft Company of Ohio, which was founded by aviators whose passion and tenacity led them to produce over 60 different aircraft models during the Golden Age of Aviation. This modern incarnation, developed in partnership with the Classic Aircraft Foundation, brings that legendary design into the 21st century with technologies like AS3X stability augmentation and optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection. For anyone seeking an authentic, scale-accurate biplane that's easy to fly and packed with advanced features, the UMX WACO is an exceptional choice.
Key Features
- Officially Licensed Scale Replica — The UMX WACO is an authentic, officially licensed tribute to the modern-day YMF-5 biplane design, ensuring accurate proportions and classic aesthetics that capture the spirit of the Golden Age of Aviation with factory-finished details and scale accuracy.
- AS3X Stability Technology — Spektrum's exclusive Artificial Stabilisation-3-aXis (AS3X) technology works continuously behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in feel that makes this ultra-micro model handle like a much larger, expertly tuned aircraft even in challenging flying conditions.
- Optional-Use SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — Pilots can toggle SAFE Select on and off during flight to enable pitch and bank angle limits, automatic self-levelling, and envelope protection features that prevent excessive climb or dive angles, making the model forgiving and confidence-inspiring for flying in any situation.
- 2S and 3S Compatible Power System — The factory-installed brushless outrunner motor and ESC are designed to work seamlessly with either 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries, allowing you to choose between original performance levels or upgraded speed and unlimited vertical performance with 3S power.
- Real-Time Battery Voltage Telemetry — The integrated Spektrum control unit transmits live flight battery voltage data to compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters, including the DX6e, DX8e, DX9, and the NX and iX series, allowing you to monitor power consumption throughout your flight.
- Fully Factory-Assembled Bind-N-Fly Convenience — The UMX WACO arrives 100 percent factory-assembled with all servos, motor, ESC, and Spektrum receiver pre-installed, meaning you can be flying within minutes of opening the box by simply binding the receiver to your compatible 5-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 transmitter.
- Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX Receiver Technology — The integrated receiver uses industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX digital spread spectrum technology, providing secure, interference-resistant radio control with reliable range and responsive handling across the UK's busy RC flying environment.
- Lightweight Advanced EPS Airframe — Constructed from durable expanded polystyrene material, the airframe weighs just 119 grams, enabling indoor flight capability whilst maintaining structural integrity and resilience against minor impacts during training and recreational flying.
- Four Spektrum Linear Servos Included — The model comes equipped with four pre-installed Spektrum linear servos that provide precise control authority over the biplane's control surfaces, ensuring responsive and accurate flight inputs.
- Two Factory-Finished Colour Schemes Available — Choose between a fully-painted classic yellow scheme or a lighter-weight unpainted white base version, both featuring authentic scale details including simulated flying wires and a detailed pilot figure complete with a scarf.
Technical Performance
The E-flite UMX WACO delivers impressive performance through its carefully engineered brushless power system. The 1208-1900KV, 10-pole brushless outrunner motor has been specifically optimized for both 2S and 3S battery compatibility, allowing experienced RC pilots to choose between two distinct performance profiles. When powered by a 2S 7.4V 280-300mAh LiPo battery, the model delivers performance characteristics similar to the original design, making it suitable for smooth, leisurely flights that emphasize manoeuvrability and grace. For those seeking enhanced performance, the 3S 11.1V 300mAh configuration unlocks more speed and delivers unlimited vertical performance capabilities, transforming the biplane into a more dynamic and aggressive flying machine. The 5.75 x 2.50 propeller has been selected to optimize thrust across both battery configurations. The integrated Spektrum brushless ESC manages power delivery seamlessly and includes real-time telemetry transmission to compatible Spektrum radios, allowing you to monitor battery health throughout your flight session. The aircraft's advanced EPS construction provides a superb strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the 119-gram ready-to-fly weight includes your recommended battery whilst maintaining the structural rigidity required for aerobatic manoeuvres and sustained flight. The four Spektrum linear servos deliver precise control across all primary flight surfaces, and the factory-assembled construction means every component has been professionally aligned and tested before delivery to your door in the UK.
What's in the Box
- E-flite UMX WACO 550mm biplane airframe
- Four Spektrum linear servos (fully installed)
- Spektrum brushless outrunner motor, 1208-1900KV, 10-pole (installed)
- Spektrum control unit with integrated 1x receiver and 1x brushless ESC (installed)
- UMX WACO 550mm product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter (for example, the Spektrum DXS transmitter or other AirWare-equipped Spektrum radio)
- One 2S 7.4V 280-300mAh LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector, or one 3S 11.1V 300mAh LiPo battery with JST-RCY connector (alternatively, a JST-PH connector battery plus a suitable JST-RCY to JST-PH adapter, sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite UMX WACO suitable for intermediate RC pilots? — Yes, the UMX WACO is designated as Skill Level 2, meaning it's suitable for RC pilots who already have some experience and the skills to fly higher-performance ultra-micro models like various UMX Timber models or larger models such as the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.1m or Commander mPd 1.4m. It is not recommended as a first-ever RC aircraft or as a next step after a trainer model for low-time pilots. You should have experience flying similar class models before attempting the UMX WACO.
- What is the difference between flying the UMX WACO on 2S versus 3S batteries? — The brushless power system is fully compatible with both 2S 7.4V and 3S 11.1V battery configurations. When flown with a 2S 280-300mAh LiPo, the model delivers performance similar to the original design, suitable for smooth and graceful flying. When powered by a 3S 300mAh LiPo, the model gains significantly more speed and unlimited vertical performance, allowing for more aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres and sustained climbs.
- Does the UMX WACO come with a transmitter? — No, the UMX WACO does not include a transmitter. As a Bind-N-Fly Basic model, it includes the receiver but you must supply your own compatible 5-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 transmitter. Suggested compatible transmitters include the Spektrum DXS and other AirWare-equipped Spektrum radio systems.
- What battery connector does the UMX WACO use? — The aircraft features a JST-RCY connector. If you wish to use batteries with JST-PH connectors, you will need to purchase a suitable JST-RCY to JST-PH adapter sold separately.
- Can the UMX WACO be flown indoors? — Yes, the ultra-micro size and lightweight EPS construction make the UMX WACO suitable for indoor flight in gymnasiums and other suitable large enclosed spaces, as well as outdoor flying in yards, parks, sports fields, and similar open areas throughout the UK.
- What is SAFE Select and can I turn it off? — SAFE Select is an optional-use flight envelope protection system built into the integrated receiver. When enabled, it provides pitch and bank angle limits that prevent excessive roll or pitch, automatic self-levelling that returns the aircraft to level flight when the control sticks are released, and automatic bank levelling during takeoffs and landings. SAFE Select can be toggled on and off during flight using any switch assigned to channel 5 (Gear) on your Spektrum transmitter—no complex programming is required.
- Does the UMX WACO have telemetry capability? — Yes, the integrated control unit and receiver provide real-time flight battery voltage telemetry to compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters, including the DX6e, DX8e, DX9, NX6 through NX20, and iX12 through iX20. This allows you to monitor your battery's remaining capacity throughout your flight session.
- What makes the UMX WACO different from other ultra-micro models? — The UMX WACO is an officially licensed scale replica of the modern-day YMF-5 biplane with authentic Golden Age aviation aesthetics. It combines this classic design with exclusive Spektrum AS3X stability technology, optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection, 2S and 3S battery compatibility, and real-time telemetry transmission. It's also fully factory-assembled and features factory-finished details including simulated flying wires and a pilot figure, making it one of the most complete and capable ultra-micro aircraft available.
- Is assembly required? — No assembly is required. The UMX WACO arrives completely factory-assembled with all servos, motor, ESC, and receiver pre-installed and tested. You simply bind the receiver to your transmitter and you're ready to fly.
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 E-flite UMX WACO BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, White 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.
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