Overview
The E-flite Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select represents an exceptional choice for intermediate to experienced RC aeroplane pilots seeking a scale model aircraft that combines authentic design with modern flight technology. This updated and upgraded version of the popular E-flite Cherokee 1.3m is a Smarter tribute to the general aviation classic PA-28, which has been a cornerstone of civil aviation since rolling off the assembly line in Vero Beach, Florida in the early 1960s. With over 32,000 Cherokees and variants produced for flight training, personal use and beyond, the real aircraft is celebrated for its simple design and smooth handling characteristics – qualities that E-flite has expertly translated into this RC model aircraft. Whether you are looking for a brushless RC plane UK enthusiasts recommend or a ready-to-fly electric aeroplane that delivers confidence-inspiring flight performance, the Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic stands out as an exceptional option in the UK RC hobby market.
This ready-to-fly RC plane arrives with virtually all the electronics you need already installed and integrated, including a high-performance brushless motor, intelligent speed controller and advanced digital receiver featuring industry-leading stabilisation technology. The model features a 1.3-metre wingspan, which places it in the sweet spot for excellent handling characteristics whilst remaining manageable for transport and storage. From the moment you unpack this electric RC aeroplane, you will notice the attention to detail and quality construction that defines E-flite products – moulded-in panel lines, rivets, corrugated control surfaces, factory-installed LED navigation lights, strobes, beacons and landing lights for added scale realism. The composite-reinforced EPO construction delivers the perfect balance of durability and lightweight performance, whilst the factory paint and modern trim scheme give the model an authentic, contemporary appearance that will turn heads at any RC flying field.
What truly sets this RC model aeroplane apart from competitors is the combination of exclusive Spektrum technologies and the optimised power system that makes flying both smooth and exciting. The shock-absorbing nose strut with improved design and oversized wheels allows operation from paved, dirt and even some grass surfaces, making this a versatile aircraft for varied flying locations across the UK. The two-piece plug-in wing design features convenient hands-free servo connections and functional slotted flaps that genuinely improve slow-speed handling and enable shorter takeoffs and landings. Most importantly, the fast and easy bolt-together assembly requires no glue, meaning you can have this electric RC plane ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery – making it an ideal choice for pilots who want to spend more time flying and less time building.
Key Features
- AS3X Stabilisation Technology — This exclusive Spektrum system works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in feel that makes this RC aeroplane handle like a much larger full-scale aircraft, providing confidence and precision in varied flying conditions.
- SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — The optional-use SAFE Select feature offers pitch and bank angle limits plus automatic self-levelling that can be turned on and off via a switch on your transmitter, providing an extra safety net for intermediate pilots whilst allowing experienced flyers to disable it for unrestricted aerobatic performance.
- Spektrum Avian 70-Amp Smart Lite ESC — This intelligent speed controller provides real-time telemetry data including battery voltage, motor RPM and current draw via compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters, allowing you to monitor your power system performance and battery status whilst flying, which is essential for safe RC flight operations.
- Spektrum AR631 6-Channel Receiver with DSMX Technology — The included receiver features industry-leading Spektrum DSMX radio technology with fly-by range telemetry and full compatibility with a wide range of Spektrum transmitters, providing reliable digital signal transmission and superior interference immunity for UK RC pilots.
- Factory-Installed LED Navigation and Landing Lights — The model includes moulded-in navigation lights, strobes, beacon and landing lights for enhanced scale realism and improved visibility during flight, adding both authenticity and practical benefit to your RC flying experience.
- Full-Flying Stabilator with Updated Mounting — The horizontal stabiliser features full-flying design with updated mounting for improved precision and control response, delivering the smooth handling characteristics that make this RC plane suitable for both cruising and aerobatic flight.
- Functional Slotted Flaps — Genuine working flaps deliver improved slow-speed handling, enabling shorter takeoffs and landings whilst opening up more varied flying techniques and adding scale authenticity to the model's appearance and operation.
- Optimised Brushless Power System — The Spektrum brushless outrunner motor is paired with an efficient smaller-diameter propeller that delivers improved ground clearance, better take-off performance and enhanced efficiency compared to the original Cherokee model.
- Two-Piece Plug-In Wing with Hands-Free Connections — The innovative wing design features convenient hands-free servo and light connections that connect automatically when you dock the wing panels, eliminating the need for manual plug-in and reducing assembly time significantly.
- Shock-Absorbing Nose Strut with Oversized Wheels — The improved nose strut design features easier maintenance with a redesigned steering arm, whilst the oversized wheels enable operation from varied surfaces including paved, dirt and grass airstrips, making this RC aeroplane accessible to pilots with different flying location options.
- Composite-Reinforced EPO Airframe Construction — The lightweight yet durable EPO material with composite reinforcement provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, durability against minor impacts and crashes, and straightforward repair capabilities that keep your RC plane flying for years.
- No-Glue Bolt-Together Assembly — Unlike many scale RC model aircraft, the Cherokee 1.3m requires no adhesive for assembly, with fast mechanical connections that allow you to be flight-ready in minimal time, making this an ideal choice for pilots who prioritise flying time over building time.
- Six Factory-Installed Spektrum Sub-Micro Servos — The model comes with six sub-micro servos already installed and connected, providing the 5-channel control needed for elevator, rudder, ailerons, flaps and throttle, eliminating the need to source and install servos separately.
- 3S and 4S LiPo Battery Compatibility — The power system is optimised to work with popular 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range, allowing you to choose batteries based on desired flight time and performance characteristics.
- Approximately 5-Minute Flight Time — With compatible batteries in the recommended capacity range, expect flight times of around 5 minutes, which allows for multiple flights on fully charged batteries without excessively long charge cycles between flights.
- Extremely Large Accessible Battery Hatch — The large top hatch features a clear pilot figure and now includes a plastic instrument panel cover to eliminate "gatoring" (warping), providing easy access to the battery mounting area with generous space for your selected LiPo battery.
- Factory Paint and Modern Trim Scheme — The model arrives fully painted in a classic yet contemporary colour scheme with period-correct markings, eliminating the need for painting and allowing you to start flying immediately.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic represents a sophisticated integration of modern RC flight technologies combined with traditional fixed-wing aeroplane design principles. The airframe measures 1311mm across the wingspan and 1040mm in length, placing it in the mid-size category of electric RC planes – large enough to deliver stable, predictable handling in varied wind conditions, yet compact enough for practical transportation and storage in a standard vehicle. The model weighs approximately 1405 grams ready-to-fly with a battery installed, resulting in wing loading characteristics that favour smooth, confidence-inspiring flight performance over aggressive speed. The brushless motor paired with the optimised smaller-diameter propeller delivers better-than-scale power levels that enable rapid climbs and positive control authority whilst the composite-reinforced EPO construction ensures the airframe can withstand the stresses of training flights, touch-and-go landings and occasional aerobatic manoeuvres. The Spektrum Avian 70-Amp Smart Lite ESC provides more than adequate current handling for the brushless motor whilst offering programmable features and real-time telemetry transmission via compatible receivers and Spektrum AirWare transmitters including models such as the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6–NX20 and iX12–iX20. Battery compatibility with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo packs in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range allows pilots to optimise performance and flight time based on personal preference and flying conditions – a 3S battery delivers longer flight times and gentler handling characteristics suitable for relaxed cruising and training, whilst a 4S battery provides noticeably improved climb rate and aerobatic capability for more energetic flying styles. The model connects via IC3 or EC3 connectors, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of modern RC LiPo batteries available in the UK RC hobby market. The EPO construction combined with the composite reinforcement delivers exceptional durability relative to weight, with the ability to absorb minor impacts and crashes whilst remaining light enough to handle effectively across a broad wind speed range.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Cherokee 1.3m airframe with factory paint and trim
- Six (6) Spektrum Sub-Micro Servos (pre-installed in control surfaces)
- Spektrum Brushless Outrunner Motor (factory-installed on firewall)
- Spektrum Avian 70-Amp Smart Lite Brushless ESC (installed in fuselage)
- Spektrum AR631 6-Channel Receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select (installed in fuselage)
- Product Manual with assembly and operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5–6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter (not included – compatible transmitters include the Spektrum DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6–NX20, iX12–iX20 and other Spektrum radio systems)
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo battery in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range with EC3 or IC3 connector (battery sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately – must be capable of charging your selected battery chemistry and connector type)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic suitable for beginners or intermediate pilots? — The manufacturer designates this model as Skill Level 2, indicating it is designed for intermediate pilots rather than absolute beginners. The model's smooth handling characteristics, included stabilisation technologies (AS3X for wind resistance and optional SAFE Select for self-levelling), and forgiving EPO construction make it an excellent choice for pilots transitioning from trainer models to more realistic scale aircraft. However, beginners should consider starting with a dedicated trainer aircraft first, as the Cherokee requires a transmitter, battery and charger not included in the box, and successful operation depends on proper setup and understanding of basic RC flying principles.
- What transmitter should I use with the Cherokee 1.3m? — The model is compatible with any full-range 5–6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter. E-flite specifically mentions compatibility with the Spektrum DXS transmitter included with many popular E-flite and HobbyZone trainer models, making it an ideal upgrade path if you already own one of those trainers. Compatible transmitters include the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6–NX20, iX12–iX20 and numerous other Spektrum radio systems. If you want real-time telemetry display during flight, you should select an AirWare-equipped transmitter from the compatible list above.
- What battery does the Cherokee 1.3m need and how long will it fly? — The model is compatible with 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range with EC3 or IC3 connectors. A 3S battery delivers approximately 5 minutes of flight time with gentler handling characteristics, whilst a 4S battery provides similar flight duration but with noticeably improved climb rate and aerobatic capability. The battery is sold separately and must be sourced from an RC hobby retailer alongside a compatible LiPo charger – most UK RC shops stock a wide variety of batteries suited to this capacity and voltage range.
- What is the recommended takeoff distance for the Cherokee 1.3m? — Whilst the model is designed for efficient operation with good ground clearance, typical takeoff distances of around 10–15 feet (3–5 metres) are achievable in calm conditions, depending on the battery selected, propeller condition and pilot skill. The functional slotted flaps help reduce required takeoff distance by improving lift at lower speeds, and the shock-absorbing nose strut with oversized wheels allows operation from varied surfaces.
- Can I perform aerobatics with this RC aeroplane? — Yes, the Cherokee 1.3m is capable of aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres including rolls, loops and inverted flight. The full-flying stabilator provides excellent control authority, and the brushless power system delivers the necessary performance. However, when SAFE Select is enabled, the flight envelope protection will limit pitch and bank angles for safety – simply disable SAFE Select via your transmitter switch to unlock full aerobatic capability.
- How durable is the EPO construction and what happens if it crashes? — EPO foam is renowned for durability and repairability. The composite-reinforced construction of this model provides excellent impact absorption, and minor damage such as wing cracks can typically be repaired with cyanoacrylate adhesive or foam-safe epoxy. Major damage such as a broken fuselage can be professionally repaired or the component replaced as a spare part, keeping your aircraft flying long-term.
- What makes AS3X and SAFE Select technology valuable for RC flying? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation 3-aXis) uses three-axis gyro technology to detect and counteract the effects of wind and turbulence in real-time, delivering a smooth, locked-in feeling that makes the aircraft handle like a much larger model. SAFE Select provides optional self-levelling and pitch/bank angle limits that prevent overcontrolling and help prevent stalls, accidents and crashes – these features can be toggled on and off via a transmitter switch, making the aircraft safer for learning whilst still allowing full aerobatic capability when desired.
- Does the model include working lights and how do they function? — Yes, the Cherokee 1.3m comes with factory-installed LED navigation lights, strobes, beacon and landing lights that operate on the same battery powering the motor and servos. These lights enhance scale realism, improve visibility during flight and help you track the aircraft's orientation in the air – they operate continuously whenever the battery is connected, adding genuine utility beyond aesthetic appeal.
- What is the difference between the BNF (Bind-N-Fly) version and other variants? — BNF Basic means the aircraft arrives with motor, ESC, receiver and servos already installed and configured, requiring only binding to your transmitter before flight – you do not need to source and install these components separately. This eliminates assembly complexity and reduces the number of individual purchases required. A basic RTR (Ready-to-Run) version would include a transmitter, battery and charger, whilst a bind-n-fly basic requires you to source these items separately.
- Is the Smart Lite ESC a significant advantage over standard speed controllers? — The Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC provides real-time telemetry data transmission including battery voltage, motor RPM and current draw to compatible Spektrum AirWare transmitters, allowing you to monitor critical power system parameters during flight. This advanced feedback helps prevent over-discharging your battery, identifies motor or propeller issues and provides valuable information for optimising flight time and safety – a significant practical advantage over ESCs without telemetry capability.
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 Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select 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.
