Overview
The officially licensed E-flite RV-7 1.1m BNF Basic is the smartest, most convenient and easiest to fly scale model of this iconic general aviation aircraft yet. Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking for a versatile sport flyer or someone stepping up from trainer aircraft, this brushless RC plane delivers exceptional value and capability. The RV-7 represents one of the most popular homebuilt aircraft designs in the world, and this 1.1-metre scale replica captures the character and performance of the full-size aircraft in a conveniently sized package perfect for UK flying sites, large parks and sports fields.
With capabilities ranging from slow, scale-like flight to high-energy aerobatics and everything in between, the E-flite RV-7 1.1m offers an extraordinarily wide performance envelope. This brushless RC aircraft combines refined handling with real-time telemetry via Spektrum's intelligent power system, ensuring you have complete confidence in your battery voltage and motor performance whilst airborne. The factory-installed AS3X stabilisation technology and optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection make this an excellent choice for both experienced competitors and pilots transitioning to low-wing scale aircraft for the first time.
Available as a Bind-N-Fly Basic ready to run RC model, the RV-7 1.1m comes with all the essential electronics pre-installed and factory-assembled. If you already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter, this is one of the quickest paths to the air in the RC hobby. The model features durable, lightweight composite-reinforced EPO construction with impressive scale detail, functional LED lighting and operational flaps, making it as enjoyable to admire on the ground as it is thrilling to fly.
Key Features
- Officially Licensed Van's Aircraft RV-7 Replica — This is an authorised scale model of the renowned Van's Aircraft RV-7, a side-by-side seating general aviation aircraft known worldwide for superior handling, excellent cross-country performance and impressive aerobatic capabilities. More than 10,000 RV aircraft have been built and flown in at least 45 countries, making this one of the most iconic and celebrated homebuilt aircraft designs ever created.
- 3S/4S Compatible Brushless Power System — The factory-installed power system features a specially tuned 3536 850Kv brushless outrunner motor paired with a 3-blade propeller that delivers excellent thrust with 3S batteries or enhanced speed and unlimited vertical performance with 4S power, all without requiring any modifications or upgrades to the aircraft.
- Spektrum Avian 45A Smart Lite ESC with Real-Time Telemetry — This intelligent electronic speed controller provides live data including battery voltage, motor RPM and current consumption to compatible Spektrum transmitters via the included AR631 receiver, allowing you to monitor your power system performance throughout every flight.
- AS3X Stabilisation Technology — Exclusive Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis technology works continuously behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering a locked-in, precision feel that makes you seem to be flying a much larger and expertly tuned aircraft even in challenging conditions.
- Optional-Use SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — When enabled, SAFE Select provides pitch and bank angle limits that prevent excessive attitudes, automatic self-leveling when control sticks are released, and simple switch assignment with no complex programming required, making it ideal for pilots familiarising themselves with low-wing or scale aircraft.
- Six Factory-Installed Digital Servos with 5-Channel Control — The model comes equipped with six digital servos pre-installed and configured for aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle and flap control, with convenient Hands-Free Servo Connection System on the one-piece wing for effortless assembly and disassembly.
- Spektrum AR631 6-Channel DSMX Receiver — The included receiver features industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX technology with fly-by range telemetry, ensuring secure, interference-free control communication across full-range distances with compatible Spektrum transmitters.
- Taildragger Landing Gear Configuration — The realistic tailwheel-style landing gear is specifically designed to handle a variety of surfaces including grass fields, gravel and traditional RC flying areas, adding to both the scale authenticity and operational versatility of the model.
- Operational Flaps for Enhanced Flight Control — Functional flaps provide shorter take-off and landing capabilities, improved slow-speed handling and greater control authority during scale-like flying, making the aircraft more adaptable to different flying styles and field conditions.
- Factory-Painted Scale Trim with LED Lighting — The composite-reinforced EPO airframe arrives factory-finished with a modern scale-inspired trim scheme and features functional LED landing and navigation lights that add visual authenticity and make evening or overcast flying safer and more enjoyable.
- Fast, Simple Bolt-Together Assembly — No glue is required for final assembly; the RV-7 1.1m features a quick-release one-piece wing with convenient servo connections and can be ready to fly in less than one hour, making it ideal for pilots who want minimal setup time.
- Composite-Reinforced EPO Construction — The lightweight yet durable airframe is fully moulded from EPO (expanded polypropylene) with composite reinforcement, providing an excellent balance of strength, impact resistance and weight efficiency whilst maintaining impressive scale detail including steps, instrument panel and pilot figure.
- Compact Size for Easy Storage and Transport — At 1.1 metres wingspan and 902mm length, the RV-7 fits comfortably in most vehicles when fully assembled, whilst the removable one-piece wing allows even more compact storage and transport when required.
- Spektrum Transmitter Compatibility — Fully compatible with a wide range of Spektrum DSMX and DSM2 transmitters including the DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 and iX20, offering flexibility if you already own compatible radio equipment.
Technical Performance
The E-flite RV-7 1.1m BNF Basic delivers impressive performance across a broad flight envelope thanks to its carefully engineered brushless power system and intelligent flight control technologies. The 3536 850Kv motor paired with the Spektrum Avian 45A Smart Lite ESC provides responsive throttle control and exceptional power delivery, enabling the aircraft to achieve speeds of 65–70 mph (95–110 kph) when powered by 4S LiPo batteries. The motor and propeller combination have been specifically tuned to work with both 3S and 4S battery configurations, allowing pilots to choose between the gentler, more economical 3S option for scale flying or the high-speed, high-energy performance of 4S power without any mechanical modifications. The airframe itself is constructed from composite-reinforced EPO, a material that offers superior strength-to-weight characteristics compared to traditional foam, ensuring durability through normal flying operations whilst keeping the all-up weight to just 1421 grams. The 1.1-metre wingspan provides excellent lift characteristics and authoritative control authority, whilst the wing area of 365 square inches delivers stable, predictable handling across the entire speed range. The digital servos provide precise control inputs with adequate torque for responsive flight control, and the factory-installed linkages are pre-adjusted for optimal throw and centering. The smart ESC technology continuously monitors motor RPM, battery voltage and current draw, transmitting this data in real-time to compatible receivers and transmitters, enabling you to optimise your battery selection and monitor power system health throughout every flight session.
What's in the Box
- E-flite RV-7 1.1m airframe with factory-applied scale trim scheme
- Spektrum Avian 45A Brushless Smart Lite ESC (pre-installed)
- 3536 850Kv brushless outrunner motor (pre-installed)
- 11 x 6 three-blade propeller (pre-installed)
- Six digital servos (pre-installed with pre-configured linkages)
- Spektrum AR631 6-channel receiver with DSMX technology (pre-installed)
- 2-inch spinner
- Comprehensive product manual with assembly and setup instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5–6+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter (such as Spektrum DXS, DX6e, DX8e or other compatible models) — sold separately
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo battery with 2200–3200mAh capacity and EC3 or IC3 connector — sold separately
- Compatible LiPo battery charger with appropriate connector — sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite RV-7 1.1m BNF Basic suitable for beginner RC pilots? — Whilst the RV-7 is a more advanced scale aircraft than dedicated trainer models, the Bind-N-Fly Basic version is specifically equipped with SAFE Select flight envelope protection that can be optionally enabled to assist less experienced pilots. If you're new to RC flying, we recommend first learning with a purpose-built trainer such as the HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 RTF, which includes everything needed to fly out of the box. However, once you've mastered basic flying skills, the RV-7 1.1m makes an excellent next step into low-wing and scale aircraft categories.
- What battery does the E-flite RV-7 1.1m require? — The aircraft is compatible with both 3S and 4S LiPo batteries with capacities between 2200mAh and 3200mAh. 3S batteries (11.1V) provide adequate power for scale flying and reasonable aerobatics, whilst 4S batteries (14.8V) unlock the full performance envelope with significantly higher top speed and unlimited vertical capability. Both battery types should use either EC3 or IC3 connectors. Popular options include 3S 2200mAh and 4S 2200mAh Smart batteries, which provide excellent performance and flight times with the included Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC.
- What transmitter do I need for the RV-7 1.1m? — The aircraft requires a full-range 5–6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter. If you already own a Spektrum transmitter such as the DXS, DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12 or iX20, simply bind the receiver and you're ready to fly. The Bind-N-Fly Basic version does not include a transmitter, making it an economical choice for pilots who already have compatible radio equipment.
- What is AS3X technology and how does it improve flying? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis) is exclusive Spektrum technology that continuously monitors aircraft pitch, roll and yaw rates, automatically making micro-corrections to smooth out the effects of wind turbulence and gusts. The result is a locked-in, precision feel that makes the aircraft seem significantly larger and more stable than its actual size, allowing you to fly with greater confidence and consistency even in moderately windy conditions.
- Can I disable SAFE Select if I prefer to fly without it? — Yes, absolutely. SAFE Select is optional-use technology that only activates when deliberately enabled through a specific binding sequence. If you prefer unrestricted flight control, simply bind the receiver using the standard binding procedure and SAFE Select will remain inactive, leaving only the AS3X stabilisation active. No programming is required — it's a simple procedure that takes just a few seconds.
- How long does it take to assemble the RV-7 1.1m? — The aircraft can be assembled in less than one hour. The one-piece wing features quick-release connectors, and all electronics come pre-installed. No glue is required; assembly consists primarily of securing the wing, landing gear and tail surfaces using bolts.
- Is the RV-7 1.1m suitable for high-speed flying and aerobatics? — Yes, the RV-7 1.1m is specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of flying styles. With 4S power, it achieves speeds of 65–70 mph and is fully capable of high-energy aerobatics including loops, rolls, inverted flight and beyond. The composite-reinforced EPO construction provides excellent strength for aggressive manoeuvres, though scale flying enthusiasts can also enjoy relaxed, slow-speed flight for realistic aeronautical practice.
- What is the difference between Bind-N-Fly and Ready-to-Fly RC aircraft? — Bind-N-Fly (BNF) aircraft come with all major electronics pre-installed including motor, ESC, servos and receiver, but require you to provide your own transmitter. Ready-to-Fly (RTF) aircraft include everything in one box including a transmitter, making them ideal for complete beginners. The RV-7 1.1m BNF Basic is perfect if you already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter and want to save money.
- Can I use the RV-7 1.1m at grass flying fields? — Yes, the taildragger landing gear configuration is specifically designed for operation from a variety of surfaces including grass fields, gravel and unprepared ground, making it ideal for traditional RC flying clubs as well as large parks and sports fields.
- What real-world aircraft does the E-flite RV-7 1.1m replicate? — The model is an officially licensed replica of the Van's Aircraft RV-7, a side-by-side seating general aviation homebuilt aircraft. Founded in 1972, Van's Aircraft has become world-renowned for their popular homebuilt designs, with more than 10,000 RV aircraft built and flown in at least 45 countries. The RV-7 is particularly celebrated for its superior handling characteristics, excellent cross-country range and impressive aerobatic capabilities.
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 RV-7 1.1m BNF Basic A-EFL01850 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.