Overview
The E-flite Cherokee 1.3m PNP is an updated and upgraded scale replica of the legendary PA-28 Cherokee, one of the most iconic general aviation aircraft ever produced. Since rolling off the assembly line in Vero Beach, Florida in the early 1960s, more than 32,000 Cherokees and variants have been manufactured for flight training, personal use, and beyond. This modern tribute captures the essence of that classic design whilst delivering the advanced performance and convenience features that today's RC pilots demand. Whether you're searching for a brushless RC plane UK or looking to expand your collection with a scale model aircraft, the Cherokee 1.3m PNP offers an exceptional combination of authentic appearance, smooth handling, and functional scale details that will appeal to intermediate and experienced pilots alike.
This latest version represents a significant upgrade over previous iterations, featuring a Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC as part of a comprehensively optimised power system. The model comes factory-equipped with all the essential electronics you need—six Spektrum sub-micro servos, a brushless outrunner motor, and the intelligent electronic speed controller—making it a true plug-and-play RC aircraft. Simply add your preferred transmitter, receiver, and compatible LiPo battery, and you'll be ready to experience the smooth, confident handling that has made the Cherokee such a beloved model amongst RC enthusiasts. The Cherokee 1.3m PNP delivers rock-solid cruising at any speed, confidence-inspiring touch-and-go landings, and surprising aerobatic capability, all wrapped in a package that looks absolutely stunning on the flight line.
As a ready-to-run style RC aeroplane, the Cherokee 1.3m PNP eliminates the time-consuming building process while maintaining the quality and performance you'd expect from a premium manufacturer. The composite-reinforced EPO construction is lightweight yet durable, and the bolt-together assembly requires no glue, meaning you can have everything assembled and ready to fly in minimal time. For those seeking a serious scale RC plane with genuine flying capability, the E-flite Cherokee 1.3m PNP stands out as an outstanding choice that combines authentic scale detail with the smart technology and performance characteristics that make modern RC flying so rewarding.
Key Features
- Updated and Upgraded Scale Replica Design — This is a modernised tribute to the classic PA-28 Cherokee with an accurate outline and abundant authentic details, including moulded-in panel lines, rivets, and corrugated control surfaces that enhance the scale appearance and make the model look like a miniature version of the full-size aircraft.
- Factory-Installed Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC — The brushless electronic speed controller delivers real-time telemetry data including battery voltage, current, and motor RPM through compatible Spektrum receivers and AirWare-equipped transmitters, allowing you to monitor critical flight data whilst airborne for safer, more informed flying.
- Optimised Power System with Improved Ground Clearance — The power system features a smaller diameter propeller that delivers better ground clearance, improved efficiency, and enhanced overall performance compared to earlier versions, making the model more practical for various flying environments.
- Pre-Installed Motor and Electronic Components — The Spektrum brushless outrunner motor and complete servo suite arrive factory-installed and tested, eliminating the need for complex assembly whilst ensuring professional setup and reliable operation from day one.
- Comprehensive Scale Lighting Package — Factory-installed LED navigation lights, strobes, beacon, and landing lights provide authentic scale realism and enhanced visibility during flight, adding both visual appeal and practical safety benefits to your flying sessions.
- Full-Flying Stabilator with Precision Control — The full-flying horizontal stabiliser features an updated mounting system that delivers precise pitch control and smooth flight characteristics, contributing to the model's excellent handling across the entire flight envelope.
- Functional Slotted Flaps for Realistic Operations — Operational slotted flaps enable shorter take-offs and landings whilst improving slow-speed handling, allowing you to operate from smaller flying sites and experience realistic aircraft control just like full-scale pilots.
- Shock-Absorbing Nose Strut with Improved Design — The nose gear features an updated shock-absorbing strut with an improved steering arm and mounting design that makes maintenance easier, whilst oversized wheels enable operation from paved, dirt, and even some grass surfaces.
- Two-Piece Plug-In Wing System with Hands-Free Connections — The wings feature convenient hands-free servo connection systems that integrate the control servos and lighting connections seamlessly, simplifying assembly and making it easy to separate the wings for transport or storage.
- Lightweight Composite-Reinforced EPO Construction — The durable EPO airframe is reinforced with composite materials to provide excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in a robust model that can handle the demands of regular flying whilst remaining responsive and efficient.
- Battery Compatibility with 3S or 4S LiPo Systems — The model is designed to work with either 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range, offering flexibility in your power source selection and the ability to tailor performance to your preferences.
- Fast Bolt-Together Assembly Without Glue — The no-glue assembly system uses bolts and mechanical connections exclusively, meaning you can assemble the entire model quickly and without any concerns about adhesive curing times, getting you flying faster than models requiring traditional construction.
- Six Pre-Installed Spektrum Sub-Micro Servos — The model includes six factory-installed servo units that control all flight surfaces and mechanical systems, providing the multi-channel control capability needed for realistic and responsive aircraft handling.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Cherokee 1.3m PNP delivers exceptional performance through a carefully engineered combination of components designed to work together seamlessly. The brushless outrunner motor, paired with the 70-amp Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC, creates a power system capable of delivering genuine aerobatic performance whilst maintaining the smooth, controlled flight characteristics that define the Cherokee's reputation. The motor benefits from an optimised power system featuring a smaller diameter propeller that provides superior ground clearance and improved efficiency compared to earlier iterations, translating to better performance, longer flight times, and practical advantages when operating from varied surfaces. Built from composite-reinforced EPO construction, the 1.3m wingspan airframe (1311mm) represents an ideal balance between scale detail and practical flight performance, offering enough size to feel substantial and stable in the air whilst remaining manageable for transport and storage. The full-flying stabilator design enables precise pitch control across the entire speed range, from slow controlled approaches to spirited aerobatic manoeuvres, whilst the functional slotted flaps allow realistic short-field operations. The shock-absorbing nose strut and oversized wheels accommodate operations from paved runways, grass fields, and dirt surfaces, expanding the range of locations where you can enjoy this model. Expected flight times of 5–10 minutes depend on battery selection, flying style, and environmental conditions, with 3S and 4S LiPo compatibility offering flexibility in balancing power versus runtime. The intelligent Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC provides real-time telemetry for battery monitoring, current draw, and RPM tracking when paired with compatible receivers and transmitters, enhancing safety and performance optimisation. Overall build quality reflects E-flite's reputation for engineering excellence, with factory-installed components that have been tested and tuned to deliver consistent, reliable performance from the very first flight.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Cherokee 1.3m airframe
- 6 × Spektrum sub-micro servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Spektrum Avian 70-amp Smart Lite brushless ESC (factory-installed)
- Product manual with assembly and flight guidance
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5+ channel transmitter and receiver (sold separately)
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–4000mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo charger (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Cherokee 1.3m PNP suitable for beginner RC pilots? — The manufacturer designates this model as Skill Level 4, positioning it as an intermediate to advanced aircraft rather than a beginner model. However, its smooth handling characteristics, stable flight envelope, and forgiving nature make it an excellent choice for pilots transitioning from smaller trainer aircraft to larger, more realistic scale models. If you're an experienced RC pilot looking for your first low-wing scale aircraft, this model represents an outstanding gateway into scale flying. Beginners without previous RC experience should first gain proficiency with simpler trainer models before progressing to the Cherokee.
- What is the difference between the PNP format and other completion levels? — PNP stands for Plug-N-Play, meaning the model arrives with all essential flight electronics pre-installed and tested by the factory. This includes the motor, ESC, and servos, eliminating the need for complex soldering and electronic integration. You simply add your own transmitter, receiver, and battery to complete the model. This differs from RTR (Ready-to-Run) models, which include the transmitter and battery, and from kit versions that require you to source and install all electronics yourself. The PNP format offers the perfect balance between cost savings and convenience.
- What battery does the Cherokee 1.3m PNP need, and what flight times can I expect? — The model is compatible with 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–4000mAh capacity range. A 3S 2200mAh battery represents the minimum specification, whilst a 4S 4000mAh battery provides extended capacity for longer flights. Expected flight times range from 5–10 minutes depending on your battery selection, flying style, and environmental conditions. For reference, gentle cruising will yield flight times at the longer end of this range, whilst aggressive aerobatics will reduce flight time accordingly. Always ensure your battery is fully charged before flying and use a compatible charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries, as improper charging can damage the battery or create safety hazards.
- Does the Cherokee 1.3m PNP come with lights, and are they functional or decorative? — Yes, the model features factory-installed functional LED lighting including navigation lights, strobes, beacon lights, and landing lights. These are genuine operational lights, not merely decorative elements, which means they draw power from your battery and provide authentic scale realism. The lighting system adds visual appeal during daylight flying and significantly enhances visibility and safety during early morning or evening flights. The lights integrate with the overall electrical system and function through the receiver connections.
- Can I use this model for aerobatics, or is it purely a cruiser? — The Cherokee 1.3m PNP is fully capable of performing aggressive aerobatics including loops, rolls, inverted flight, and other advanced manoeuvres. The full-flying stabilator and brushless power system provide the control authority and thrust necessary for spirited flying. However, the model is optimised for smooth, controlled flight characteristics rather than extreme aerobatic performance, meaning it delivers more refined and predictable handling compared to dedicated aerobatic aircraft. This makes it an excellent all-rounder that excels at smooth cruising, realistic operations, and entertaining aerobatics without requiring aggressive, twitchy control inputs.
- What transmitter and receiver options are compatible with this model? — The Cherokee 1.3m PNP requires a full-range 5+ channel transmitter and receiver system. Spektrum receivers, particularly the AR631 with Smart Lite ESC telemetry support, are specifically recommended for compatibility with the Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC, allowing you to receive real-time battery and motor data. However, other reputable RC manufacturers' receivers will also function correctly with the model. You have complete freedom to choose your radio system based on your preferences and existing equipment, provided it meets the minimum 5+ channel requirement.
- How long does assembly take, and do I need special tools or glue? — Assembly requires no glue whatsoever, as the model uses exclusively bolt-together construction. You'll need basic hand tools including screwdrivers, wrenches, and potentially a soldering iron for receiver and battery connections. The airframe assembly typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on your familiarity with RC aircraft, making it significantly faster than traditional glued construction. Detailed assembly instructions are provided in the product manual, guiding you through each step of the process.
- What is the wingspan and overall size of this model? — The Cherokee 1.3m features a wingspan of 51.6 inches (1311 mm), making it a substantial model that looks impressive both on the ground and in the air. The fuselage length is 1040 mm, and the model weighs approximately 1405 grams in typical flying configuration. These dimensions make it large enough to see easily during flight and to display impressive scale detail, whilst remaining manageable for transport in a standard vehicle or flying bag.
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 Cherokee 1.3m PNP A-EFL05475 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.
