Overview
Nearly everyone who sees a radio-controlled (RC) jet tear across the sky has the same reaction: "I want to fly one of those!" But because of their speed and handling challenges, RC jets have been almost impossible for first-time or low-time RC pilots to fly successfully — until now. Thanks to the E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF jet, you can actually learn to fly RC aeroplanes successfully with a jet. The Habu STS 70mm EDF is based on the legendary Habu, one of the best high-performance Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) sport jet platforms ever created. E-flite engineers have optimised the design to improve its low-speed handling and slow speed performance and added options for taking advantage of exclusive Spektrum SAFE flight assistance technology. As a result, the Habu STS 70mm EDF is the easiest to fly RC jet ever, and the perfect choice to satisfy any RC pilot's desire to fly a jet. This Ready-to-Fly (RTF) Basic version is a complete, ready-to-run RC aircraft that includes everything needed to fly except for a compatible LiPo battery and charger, making it an excellent introduction to the world of RC jet flying for both new and experienced pilots.
The Habu STS 70mm EDF represents a breakthrough in RC jet accessibility. Unlike traditional jets that require advanced flying skills and experience, this Smart Trainer model features exclusive Spektrum SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology with multiple flight modes that adapt to your skill level. Whether you are completely new to RC flying or transitioning from prop-driven aircraft to jets, the Habu STS provides the perfect platform for learning. The Ready-to-Fly Basic package includes a Spektrum DXS DSMX 2.4GHz transmitter and factory-installed power system, meaning you can be ready to fly in less than an hour with just the addition of a suitable battery and charger. This makes it an ideal ready-to-run RC jet for enthusiasts in the UK looking to experience the thrill of electric jet flying without the complexity and cost of high-end competition models.
Built with durable EPO construction and equipped with a wide-stance tricycle landing gear featuring oversized tyres and a steerable nose wheel, the Habu STS can operate from various surfaces including paved runways, grass, and even dirt. The powerful brushless power system includes a telemetry-capable ESC and specially tuned motor with a 10-blade 70mm fan that delivers excellent performance on 3S batteries for everyday flying, or extra power and speed on 4S without any modifications. With quick, glue-free assembly and a full line of replacement parts available, this is a practical and reliable choice for anyone wanting to learn jet flying or expand their RC flying experience.
Key Features
- Unique and Optimised Airframe Design — The Habu STS features a specially optimised airframe that improves low-speed handling and slow-speed performance, making it possible to learn to fly radio-controlled aeroplanes successfully with a jet for the very first time, a capability previously unavailable to beginner RC pilots.
- Exclusive SAFE Technology with Multiple Flight Modes — Equipped with Spektrum's proprietary SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology, the Habu STS offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes that you can switch between at the flip of a switch, allowing you to progress from basic control to advanced aerobatic flying as your skills develop.
- Beginner Mode with Auto-Level Flight — In Beginner Mode, pitch and bank angle limits prevent over-control and loss of orientation, whilst the aircraft automatically returns to level flight when the control sticks are released, making takeoffs as simple as giving full throttle or providing a quick hand launch.
- Intermediate Mode for Developing Skills — Intermediate Mode provides more freedom in pitch and bank whilst still preventing over-control, allowing you to make tighter turns and climb and descend faster as your skills advance, with Beginner mode automatically activating below approximately 30 feet above ground level for extra safety.
- Experienced Mode and Aerobatic Capability — In Experienced Mode you have complete control with no pitch or bank angle limits, enabling inverted flight and advanced aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls, stall turns and more once you have mastered the basics.
- Panic Recovery Mode — If you ever lose control in advanced modes, simply switch to Beginner Mode and release the control sticks, and SAFE technology will automatically return the aircraft to level flight, providing crucial safety when learning.
- Optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) — An easy-to-install optional Landing Assist Sensor is available for smoother, more confident landings, which automatically "flares" the aircraft to make learning to land even easier and more reliable.
- Spektrum DXS DSMX 2.4GHz Transmitter Included — The Ready-to-Fly Basic package includes a Spektrum DXS controller/transmitter with industry-leading DSMX 2.4GHz technology for reliable control without interference, and it offers suggested compatibility with many BNF (Bind-N-Fly) and BNF Basic models so you can expand your fleet later.
- Factory-Installed Spektrum Flight Controller and Receiver — The Spektrum 3230B flight controller and 4650C serial receiver are factory-installed with fly-by telemetry capability, so you can monitor important flight data in real-time without additional setup.
- Powerful Brushless Power System — The aircraft features a brushless outrunner motor (2847–3200Kv 6-pole) paired with a telemetry-capable 70A ESC and a specially tuned 70mm 10-blade fan that provides smooth, efficient thrust on 3S for everyday flying or extra performance on 4S without any modifications or upgrades required.
- 3S and 4S LiPo Compatible — The 70A telemetry-capable ESC supports both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries with 3200–4000mAh capacity, giving you the flexibility to choose between longer flight times on 3S or increased speed and power on 4S depending on your preferences.
- Five Factory-Installed Sub-Micro Servos — All five sub-micro servos and linkages are pre-installed at the factory, eliminating the need for servo installation and reducing assembly time to less than one hour.
- Wide-Stance Tricycle Landing Gear — The aircraft features a wide-stance tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel and oversized tyres that allow for confident takeoffs and landings on a wide variety of surfaces from paved runways to grass and even dirt, improving ground handling and your confidence during learning.
- Durable EPO Construction — Constructed with advanced EPO material, the airframe is lightweight yet durable and tough enough to handle everyday flying punishment, and a full line of replacement parts is available if you do sustain any damage that cannot be simply repaired.
- Quick, Glue-Free Assembly — The Habu STS arrives mostly factory-assembled with the power system, servos, flight controller and receiver already installed, requiring only quick and easy final assembly without glue or special tools, meaning you can be ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery.
- RealFlight Simulator Compatible — You can purchase the RealFlight Trainer Edition RC Flight Simulator separately along with a Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator Dongle to practice flying this model on a PC at home or laptop anywhere, with built-in Virtual Flight Instructor lessons to help new pilots learn successfully.
- Flight School Qualifying Trainer — This trainer model qualifies for use in the Horizon Hobby Flight School, and as a trainer it requires minimal preparation to be flight-ready whilst including SAFE technology to help new pilots control their models effectively.
- Flexible Battery Options — The recommended Spektrum Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) includes a compatible 3S 4000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources, or you can choose separate 3S or 4S batteries and chargers that suit your needs and budget.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF is engineered to deliver impressive performance whilst remaining accessible to beginner and intermediate RC pilots. Powered by a brushless outrunner motor rated at 2847–3200Kv with 6 poles, the system is paired with a telemetry-capable 70A brushless ESC that provides real-time performance data through the Spektrum flight controller. The 70mm 10-blade fan is specifically tuned to work seamlessly with this motor configuration, delivering smooth and efficient thrust. The aircraft weighs just 1316g (46.4oz) without battery, giving it an excellent power-to-weight ratio. With a wingspan of 1029mm (40.51 inches) and length of 1143mm (45 inches), it is a substantial yet manageable aircraft size. The airframe is constructed from lightweight yet durable EPO material that provides excellent durability for everyday flying. Performance is exceptional on 3S 11.1V LiPo batteries with 3200–4000mAh capacity, providing an excellent balance of flight time and thrust, whilst upgrading to 4S 14.8V batteries offers noticeably more speed and power without requiring any mechanical modifications or component upgrades. The wide-stance tricycle landing gear with oversized tyres provides stable ground handling and enables operations from grass, dirt, and paved surfaces. Assembly time is less than one hour, making this a practical ready-to-run RC jet that can be airborne the same day it arrives.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF airframe
- Brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- 70A brushless telemetry-capable ESC (factory-installed)
- Five sub-micro servos (factory-installed)
- Spektrum 3230B flight controller (factory-installed)
- Spektrum 4650C serial receiver with fly-by telemetry capability (factory-installed)
- Spektrum DXS DSMX 2.4GHz transmitter
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo battery with 3200–4000mAh capacity and EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately)
- Optional: Spektrum Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) which includes a 3S 4000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C Smart charger compatible with various USB power sources
- Optional: Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) for smoother, more assisted landings
- Optional: RealFlight Trainer Edition simulator and Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator Dongle for practice flying
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF suitable for complete beginners with no RC experience? — Yes, absolutely. The Habu STS is specifically designed as a Smart Trainer for beginner pilots and is the only jet that new pilots can successfully learn with as their first-ever RC aeroplane. The exclusive SAFE technology with Beginner Mode prevents over-control, automatically returns the aircraft to level flight when you release the sticks, and makes takeoffs simple by just giving full throttle or hand launching. As your skills progress, you can switch to Intermediate and Experienced modes for more control and aerobatic capability.
- What batteries does the Habu STS 70mm EDF require? — The Habu STS is compatible with 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries with 3200–4000mAh capacity and either EC3 or IC3 connectors. For everyday flying with excellent balance of power and flight time, a 3S battery is recommended, whilst a 4S battery provides increased speed and thrust without requiring any modifications. The recommended Spektrum Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) includes a compatible 3S 4000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and USB-C Smart charger.
- How long does it take to assemble the Habu STS ready-to-fly model? — Assembly takes less than one hour. The aircraft arrives mostly factory-assembled with the power system, servos, flight controller and receiver already installed. You only need to complete quick and easy final assembly using no glue or special tools, making it genuinely ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery.
- Can I use the Spektrum DXS transmitter with other RC aircraft models? — Yes. The included Spektrum DXS DSMX 2.4GHz transmitter offers suggested compatibility with many BNF (Bind-N-Fly) and BNF Basic aircraft from Spektrum, allowing you to expand your RC fleet and use the same transmitter across multiple models once you have mastered flying the Habu STS.
- What is SAFE technology and how does it help beginners? — SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) is Spektrum's exclusive flight stabilisation technology that includes three selectable flight modes. Beginner Mode limits pitch and bank angles to prevent over-control and automatically returns the aircraft to level flight, making it nearly impossible to crash due to pilot error. Intermediate Mode provides more freedom whilst still preventing over-control. Experienced Mode gives full control for aerobatics. Panic Recovery mode lets you instantly switch to Beginner Mode to recover if you lose control.
- How fast does the Habu STS fly? — Speed depends on your battery choice. With a 3S battery, the Habu STS provides excellent balanced performance suitable for learning and everyday flying. With a 4S battery, you get noticeably increased speed and thrust without any modifications needed. The aircraft is capable of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, rolls, inverted flight and stall turns when in Experienced Mode.
- Can the Habu STS land on grass or only on runways? — The Habu STS can land confidently on various surfaces thanks to its wide-stance tricycle landing gear with oversized tyres and steerable nose wheel. It can operate from paved runways, grass, and even dirt surfaces. Additionally, an optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) is available to automatically "flare" the aircraft for even smoother landings.
- What telemetry data can I monitor during flight? — Both the ESC and flight controller are telemetry-capable, allowing you to monitor important flight data in real-time through the Spektrum system. This helps you understand your aircraft's performance and battery status during flight.
- Can I practice flying before purchasing a battery? — Yes. You can purchase the RealFlight Trainer Edition RC Flight Simulator separately (along with a Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator Dongle) to practice flying the Habu STS and other aircraft on a PC or laptop before flying the actual aircraft, with built-in Virtual Flight Instructor lessons to help you learn successfully.
- What is the difference between the RTF Basic version and other Habu variants? — The RTF Basic version includes everything needed to fly except a battery and charger, allowing you to choose your own battery and charger to suit your budget and needs. It includes a Spektrum DXS transmitter, factory-installed power system, flight controller and receiver, making it a complete ready-to-run package with flexibility in your battery choice.
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 Habu STS 70mm EDF Jet RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE A-EFL015001 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.