Overview
The E-flite Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic with AS3X+ & SAFE Select is a modern sport aeroplane designed from the ground up to deliver excellent handling, stunning looks, and versatile performance for both low-time pilots looking for their next step after a trainer and experienced pilots seeking a capable everyday aerobat. This ready to fly RC plane combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to progress beyond basic trainer models or to enjoy reliable, confidence-inspiring sport and aerobatic flying. With its 1.1-metre wingspan, the Sportix strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to fly well in wind and small enough to transport easily to your local park or flying field.
What sets this brushless RC aeroplane apart from other sport planes available in the UK market is its exceptional stability and locked-in feel provided by the exclusive enhanced AS3X+ technology, which automatically smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence better than ever before. The optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection makes the aircraft even easier to fly by providing confidence-boosting assistance when you want it, whilst allowing full aerobatic capability when you do not need it. The Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic arrives with factory-installed digital metal-geared servos, a specially tuned brushless motor, and a 45-amp Smart Lite ESC that all work together seamlessly to deliver smooth, predictable sport flying and impressive aerobatic performance including basic to aggressive manoeuvres and even pattern-like precision moves.
Assembly is quick and straightforward—taking less than an hour to complete—and requires no glue or special tools, making this ready to fly RC model perfect for getting airborne in minimal time. The convenient size, durable EPO foam construction, and modern features make the Sportix 1.1m an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts of all experience levels in the UK who want a capable, good-looking sport aeroplane that performs brilliantly without hassle.
Key Features
- Enhanced AS3X+ Stabilisation Technology — This exclusive and innovative system automatically smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence, delivering an unmatched locked-in feel that makes the aircraft much easier to fly in real-world conditions and significantly improves your confidence in the air.
- Optional-Use SAFE Select Flight Envelope Protection — This industry-leading technology provides confidence-boosting assistance that prevents dangerous flying attitudes when activated, but allows full unrestricted aerobatic capability when you want to disable it, giving you complete control over the level of assistance you receive.
- 3S and 4S Battery Compatibility — The specially tuned brushless motor supports both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries (2200–3200mAh) without requiring any modifications or upgrades, giving you flexibility in your battery choice and allowing you to adjust performance to suit your flying style.
- Optional Motor and Thrust Reversing — This feature allows you to reverse the motor direction and thrust, helping you shorten rollout after landing and enabling special ground handling capabilities that make taxi and landing operations much more controlled.
- Factory-Installed Digital Metal-Geared Servos — Four high-quality digital servos with metal gearing come pre-installed and feature ball-link equipped linkages for precise control and smooth, responsive handling throughout the flight envelope.
- 45-Amp Spektrum Avian Smart Lite Brushless ESC — This intelligent speed controller provides real-time battery voltage, current draw, RPM data and other telemetry information via compatible receivers and transmitters, allowing you to monitor your aircraft's performance and battery health in real-time.
- Spektrum AR631+ 6-Channel Receiver with Smart Transmitter Model File — The integrated receiver comes pre-loaded with a Smart Transmitter Model File that allows you to import all settings for NX and iX series transmitters during the binding process, eliminating manual setup and saving you valuable time.
- Spektrum DXS Transmitter Compatibility — The Sportix is specially tuned for compatibility with the popular Spektrum DXS transmitter included with many popular E-flite and HobbyZone trainer aeroplanes, making it an excellent next step if you already own compatible radio equipment.
- Two-Piece Wing with Hands-Free Servo Connections — The innovative two-piece wing design features hands-free servo connections that can be installed and removed without any tools or fasteners whatsoever, making assembly, transport, and maintenance incredibly convenient.
- Fast Snap-Plus-Bolt Assembly — No glue or special tools are required for assembly, and the snap-plus-bolt construction means you can have the aircraft ready to fly in less than one hour from opening the box.
- Large Top-Mounted Battery Hatch — The conveniently positioned top hatch provides easy access to the battery compartment for quick battery changes and charging without disassembling any other parts of the aircraft.
- Functional LED Navigation Lights — The integrated LED navigation lights improve visibility and orientation during flight, making it easier to track the aircraft's attitude and position in the sky, especially in low-light conditions or at greater distances.
- Durable Aluminium Landing Gear with Wheel Pants — The simple and robust aluminium landing gear is reinforced and streamlined with wheel pants for improved aerodynamics and durability, providing reliable ground handling for repeated takeoffs and landings on parks and sports fields.
- EPO Foam Construction — The aircraft is constructed from durable EPO foam, which is lightweight, impact-resistant, and easy to repair, making it ideal for the inevitable minor mishaps that occur during learning and recreational flying.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic is engineered with performance, reliability, and user-friendliness at its core. The aircraft features a specially tuned brushless outrunner motor that has been optimised to work seamlessly with both 3S and 4S LiPo batteries, eliminating the need for modifications or upgrades and allowing pilots to choose the battery configuration that best suits their flying style and desired performance characteristics. The integrated Spektrum Avian 45-Amp Smart Lite brushless ESC is a sophisticated piece of engineering that not only provides smooth power delivery but also monitors and reports critical flight data including battery voltage, current draw, and motor RPM in real-time through compatible Spektrum receivers and transmitters. The four factory-installed Spektrum digital metal-geared servos deliver precise, responsive control inputs with excellent holding torque, and their ball-link equipped linkages ensure smooth, linear control responses throughout the entire flight envelope. With a wingspan of 1100mm (43.3 inches) and a total weight of just 1105 grams without battery, the Sportix offers a perfect size for park flying and transport, whilst remaining large enough to be easily visible in the air and stable enough to fly well in moderate wind conditions. When equipped with a recommended 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–3200mAh LiPo battery, the aircraft weighs approximately 1338 grams, providing excellent power-to-weight ratio and nimble handling characteristics. The aircraft's centre of gravity should be set at 90mm ± 10mm from the leading edge of the wing, and the durable EPO foam airframe combined with aluminium landing gear ensures the Sportix can handle repeated landings on grass, tarmac, and other typical RC flying surfaces. The two-piece wing design with its clever hands-free servo connections minimises assembly time whilst maximising durability, and the integrated LED navigation lights enhance visibility without adding significant weight or complexity.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Sportix 1.1m airframe (EPO foam construction)
- Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (factory-installed)
- Spektrum Avian 45-Amp Smart Lite brushless ESC (factory-installed)
- Spektrum AR631+ 6-channel receiver with AS3X+ and SAFE Select (factory-installed)
- Four Spektrum digital metal-geared servos (factory-installed with ball-link equipped linkages)
- Product manual with detailed assembly and operation instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 4–5+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter (the Spektrum DXS is recommended for seamless compatibility)
- One 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–3200mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector
- Compatible LiPo charger (a Spektrum Smart charger is recommended for optimal battery management and longevity)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Sportix 1.1m suitable for beginners and first-time RC aeroplane pilots? — Yes, the Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic is an excellent choice for low-time pilots and those stepping up from basic trainer models. The enhanced AS3X+ stabilisation technology automatically smooths out wind and turbulence, making the aircraft much easier to control in real-world flying conditions. The optional-use SAFE Select system provides additional confidence-boosting assistance that prevents dangerous flying attitudes, allowing newer pilots to focus on learning smooth control inputs and developing their flying skills without worrying about inadvertently putting the aircraft into an unsafe attitude. The Skill Level 2 rating indicates this is not a beginner trainer but rather a capable sport aircraft suited to pilots with some basic RC flying experience.
- What batteries and charger do I need for the Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic? — The aircraft is compatible with 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–3200mAh capacity range, both with EC3 or IC3 connectors. You can choose either voltage depending on your desired performance characteristics—3S batteries deliver lighter, more docile flying with excellent flight time, whilst 4S batteries provide increased performance and faster response. A compatible LiPo charger is required; Spektrum Smart chargers are recommended as they automatically detect battery chemistry and cell count, optimising the charging process for maximum battery longevity and safety.
- Can I use the Sportix with my existing Spektrum radio transmitter? — Yes, provided your transmitter is a full-range 4–5+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible model. The aircraft is specially tuned and recommended for use with the Spektrum DXS transmitter, which is included with many popular E-flite and HobbyZone trainer aeroplanes. The receiver includes a Smart Transmitter Model File that allows you to import all necessary settings during binding if you have an NX or iX series transmitter, eliminating manual configuration and saving you time.
- How long does assembly take and what tools are required? — Assembly takes less than one hour and requires no glue or special tools whatsoever. The snap-plus-bolt construction and two-piece wing with hands-free servo connections make the process straightforward and accessible to pilots of all experience levels.
- What makes the AS3X+ technology different from regular stabilisation systems? — AS3X+ (Spektrum's Assisted Stabilisation with Gyro Gain) is an exclusive, enhanced technology that continuously monitors aircraft attitude and automatically applies corrective servo inputs to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence. Unlike older stabilisation systems, AS3X+ learns your flying style and adapts to provide an unmatched locked-in feel whilst remaining invisible when you want full aerobatic capability. The technology is tuned specifically for the Sportix's airframe and flight characteristics.
- Can the Sportix perform aerobatics and tricks? — Absolutely. When you disable the SAFE Select protection system, the Sportix is fully aerobatic capable and can perform basic to aggressive manoeuvres including rolls, loops, stalls, and even pattern-like precision aerobatics. The aircraft has been specifically designed to handle both smooth, predictable sport flying and demanding aerobatic routines.
- What is included in the Smart Transmitter Model File and why does it matter? — The receiver comes pre-loaded with a configuration file designed specifically for NX and iX series Spektrum transmitters. This file contains all the optimal settings for control throws, expo curves, and other parameters tuned for the Sportix 1.1m. You can import this file during binding, which automatically configures your transmitter correctly rather than requiring manual setup, saving significant time and ensuring optimal performance immediately.
- Is thrust reversing included and how does it help? — Yes, optional motor and thrust reversing is available on the Sportix 1.1m. This feature allows you to reverse the motor direction and thrust output, which helps shorten rollout distance after landing and enables special ground handling capabilities that make taxi and landing operations more controlled and predictable.
- What is the recommended centre of gravity setting? — The centre of gravity should be set at 90mm ±10mm from the leading edge of the wing. Proper CG adjustment is critical for safe and predictable flight characteristics; incorrect CG can lead to poor handling or unsafe behaviour, so always check this carefully during initial setup.
- How much does the Sportix weigh and how large is it? — The aircraft has a wingspan of 1100mm (43.3 inches) and weighs 1105 grams without a battery. With a recommended 3S or 4S LiPo battery installed, the total weight is approximately 1338 grams. This size and weight combination makes it easy to transport and fly at large parks and sports fields, whilst remaining large enough to be easy to see and fly well in wind.
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 Sportix 1.1m BNF Basic with AS3X+ & SAFE Select A-EFL10750 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.
