Overview
The E-flite Ultimate 3D 950mm SMART BNF Basic with AS3X & SAFE is a modernised take on the classic aerobatic biplane, refined for precision, sport and full 3D flying. This 950mm ready-to-fly RC aircraft represents the pinnacle of E-flite's biplane engineering, building upon decades of aerobatic excellence dating back to Gordon Price's original Ultimate design flown in the 1988 World Aerobatic Championships. Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking for your next serious aerobatic platform or an enthusiast ready to explore the thrilling world of 3D flying, this brushless RC aeroplane delivers exceptional performance, smart technology features and factory-finished quality that makes it one of the best RC aircraft for discerning pilots in the UK.
This BNF (Bind-N-Fly) Basic model comes almost completely assembled with all the essential components pre-installed: a powerful 60-amp Spektrum Avian Smart ESC, brushless motor, four high-torque metal-geared servos, and a Spektrum AR637TA receiver with full telemetry capability. You'll be airborne in less time than it takes to charge a battery, with no glue required for final assembly and tool-free wing installation for convenient transport and storage. The lightweight yet durable composite-reinforced, hollow-core EPO construction provides the durability needed for repeated aerobatic flying whilst keeping the airframe nimble and responsive.
What sets this RC biplane apart from other 3D-capable aircraft is the exceptional combination of power system versatility, precision control surfaces and smart avionics. The specially tuned brushless motor delivers strong thrust on 3S LiPo batteries and ballistic power on 4S batteries without requiring any modifications or upgrades. Higher-torque, higher-speed metal-geared servos with ball-link equipped linkages ensure crisp, positive control even during the most extreme aerobatic manoeuvres, whilst exclusive Spektrum AS3X stabilisation technology keeps you locked in and smooth even in windy conditions.
Key Features
- Spektrum Avian 60A Smart ESC with Telemetry — The factory-installed 60-amp brushless smart speed controller provides real-time telemetry data including motor RPM, current draw, battery voltage and temperature, all displayed on compatible Spektrum transmitters for complete power system monitoring during flight. This smart technology also enables optional motor reversing capability when used with 7+ channel transmitters, adding special ground handling and unique operational possibilities.
- Dual Battery Compatibility (3S/4S LiPo) — The specially tuned brushless power system is designed to work perfectly with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries without any motor or ESC modifications needed, giving you flexibility to choose between longer flight times on 3S or ballistic vertical performance on 4S depending on your flying style and preferences.
- Spektrum AR637TA 6-Channel Receiver with Full-Range Telemetry — This advanced receiver offers full-range telemetry capability, industry-leading DSMX digital technology for interference-free control, and works seamlessly with any full-range 5-7+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter for reliable, responsive flying anywhere.
- Exclusive AS3X Stability Technology — The built-in AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation 3-aXis) system works invisibly in the background to smooth out the effects of wind turbulence and gusts, delivering a locked-in feel that makes this RC biplane handle like a much larger, heavier aircraft with exceptional stability during aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres.
- Optional SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — SAFE Select can be engaged with compatible transmitters to provide pitch and bank angle limits along with automatic self-levelling, helping newer pilots learn whilst remaining completely optional for experienced aerobatic fliers who want full freestyle capability.
- Four Factory-Installed High-Torque Metal-Geared Servos — Pre-installed 9-gram servos with higher-torque and higher-speed metal gearing plus ball-link equipped linkages deliver positive, precise control and enhanced durability even during the most demanding 3D aerobatic sequences.
- Oversized Control Surfaces with Extreme Throw Capability — Bevelled hinge lines and vortex generators on the ailerons, elevator and rudder enable extreme control surface deflections for outstanding 3D aerobatic performance, whilst allowing you to dial in the control throw to suit your preferred flying style from gentle sport flying to aggressive 3D sequences.
- Tool-Free Wing Assembly with Quick-Release Hardware — Pins easily secure the struts and thumbscrews secure the wings to the fuselage, enabling you to remove and install the wings in seconds without any tools, making transport and storage incredibly convenient whether you're heading to the flying field or storing your aircraft at home.
- Lightweight Durable Composite-Reinforced EPO Construction — The hollow-core EPO airframe with composite reinforcement provides an optimal balance of strength and weight, creating a durable aircraft that can withstand the rigours of repeated aerobatic flying whilst remaining responsive and agile in the air.
- Factory-Finished with Updated Trim Scheme — The aircraft arrives factory-finished in a striking trim scheme with vivid graphics in white, red, grey and black, eliminating the need for painting or finishing work and getting you airborne quickly with a professional-looking aircraft.
Technical Performance
The Ultimate 3D 950mm represents serious engineering for demanding aerobatic flying. The power system centres around a BL10 brushless outrunner motor paired with an 11.6 x 6-inch propeller, specially tuned to deliver excellent performance across the entire battery voltage range from 3S through 4S without requiring any modifications. The 60-amp Spektrum Avian Smart ESC is rated to handle the continuous current demands of aerobatic flying whilst the IC3 connector ensures secure, reliable power delivery. Flying weight is specified at 45-48 ounces (1270-1360 grams) depending on battery and radio equipment, giving a wing loading of 12.5-13.3 ounces per square foot across the 519 square inch wing area, which is ideal for precision aerobatic and 3D flying. The centre of gravity must be maintained between 85-96mm from the leading edge of the top wing at centre, giving you a reasonable range for balancing. The fuselage measures 42.6 inches (1082.3mm) in length with fixed landing gear featuring steerable tailwheel for convenient ground handling. Control surfaces include ailerons, elevator and rudder with no flaps or retractable gear, keeping the design clean and simple. The high-control-throw configuration provides 27mm aileron deflection, 55mm elevator and 70mm rudder in high rate mode, with lower throw options available for more moderate flying. Assembly time is less than one hour, and the aircraft is compatible with any full-range Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 transmitter operating on the 2.4GHz frequency band, making it compatible with virtually all modern UK RC radio systems.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Ultimate 3D 950mm airframe
- Spektrum Avian 60A Brushless Smart ESC (factory-installed)
- Brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Four high-torque metal-geared servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum AR637TA 6-channel receiver (factory-installed)
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 5-7+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible 2.4GHz transmitter (7+ channels required for motor reversing function)
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo battery (1800-2700mAh recommended) with EC3 or IC3 connector
- Compatible LiPo battery charger
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Ultimate 3D suitable for beginners? — The Ultimate 3D is specified as Skill Level 3, making it best suited to intermediate and experienced RC pilots who have mastered basic flying and are ready to explore aerobatic flying. The optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection can assist newer pilots by limiting pitch and bank angles, but this aircraft is designed for pilots who want serious 3D aerobatic capability rather than first-time flyers.
- What battery does the Ultimate 3D need? — The aircraft is compatible with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 1800-2700mAh capacity range. You can use either voltage without any modifications, making it flexible depending on whether you prefer longer flight times (3S) or maximum vertical power (4S). The battery must have an EC3 or IC3 connector to match the ESC.
- Can I use this aircraft with my existing Spektrum transmitter? — Yes, provided you have a full-range 5-7+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter. The aircraft will work with any Spektrum radio system operating on the 2.4GHz frequency band. For access to telemetry data and motor reversing, you'll need 7+ channels and a transmitter compatible with AirWare telemetry, such as the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, iX12 or iX20.
- How long does assembly take? — Assembly takes less than one hour. The aircraft comes almost fully assembled with the motor, ESC, servos and receiver already installed. You'll mainly need to attach the wings (tool-free using thumbscrews and pins), complete any remaining linkages, and bind the receiver to your transmitter before flying.
- What makes this better than other 3D aerobatic RC biplanes? — The Ultimate 3D combines several advantages: a specially tuned power system that works brilliantly on both 3S and 4S without modifications, higher-torque metal-geared servos for precise control, exclusive Spektrum AS3X stabilisation and SAFE Select protection technology, full telemetry capability via the smart ESC, optional motor reversing for ground handling, and a factory-finished airframe requiring no painting or finishing work.
- Can the motor be reversed? — Yes, motor reversing is available when using a 7+ channel Spektrum transmitter and the AR637TA receiver, allowing you to set up special ground handling techniques and other unique flying capabilities. With standard 5-6 channel transmitters, the motor will function normally without reversing capability.
- How much does this aircraft weigh? — The flying weight is 45-48 ounces (1270-1360 grams) depending on your choice of battery and which transmitter-compatible radio equipment is installed. This lightweight construction combined with the 519 square inch wing area provides optimal wing loading for aerobatic and 3D flying.
- Is the aircraft waterproof? — The Ultimate 3D is not specified as waterproof. As with all RC aircraft, you should avoid flying in rain or landing in water, and should not submerge the aircraft, receiver, ESC or servos in water.
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 Ultimate 3D 950mm SMART BNF Basic w/AS3X & SAFE A-EFL16550 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.
