Overview

The Futaba HPS-CT501 Low Profile Brushless Servo is a high-performance, programmable servo designed specifically for competitive RC car driving. This ultra-responsive servo combines Futaba's custom high-power brushless motor technology with dual-protocol support for PWM and S.BUS2 control systems, making it an ideal choice for drift enthusiasts and 1/10 scale on-road and off-road racers across the UK. Whether you're piloting a precision drift car or tackling challenging terrain in a competitive 1/10 scale buggy, this servo delivers the speed, torque and reliability that serious RC hobbyists demand.

Built with a focus on compact dimensions and lightweight construction, the HPS-CT501 measures just 40.5 x 21.0 x 26.9mm and weighs only 44 grams, making it perfect for installations where space is at a premium and every gram counts towards improved handling. The low-profile design fits seamlessly into tight servo bays found on modern 1/10 scale RC cars, whilst the brushless motor ensures smooth, efficient operation without the maintenance hassles of traditional brushed motors. This is a servo engineered for performance, precision and longevity.

The HPS-CT501 represents the pinnacle of servo technology for RC cars in the UK market, offering programmable functionality that lets you fine-tune performance to match your driving style and specific racing conditions. With support for both SR (Super Response) mode with compatible Futaba T7PX/7PXR transmitters and UR (Ultra Response) mode with the T10PX, this servo integrates seamlessly into modern Futaba RC systems.

Key Features

• Brushless Motor Technology — The servo features a custom high-power brushless motor that delivers exceptional speed and consistent performance across varying voltage inputs. Brushless motors are more efficient than traditional brushed designs, generate less heat, require no maintenance, and provide superior longevity during intensive racing sessions and long-term use.
• Exceptional Speed at 0.06 sec/60° — At 7.4 volts, this servo achieves an incredibly fast actuation speed of just 0.06 seconds per 60-degree rotation, enabling lightning-quick steering corrections and throttle responses essential for competitive drift racing and high-speed RC car operations across UK tracks and terrain.
• High Torque Output of 21.0 kgf/cm — The servo produces 21.0 kilogram-force per centimetre of torque (equivalent to 291.6 ounce-force per inch), providing the power needed to control aggressive steering inputs and demanding throttle movements without servo lag or weakness, even in the most intense racing scenarios.
• Multi-Protocol Support (PWM, S.BUS and S.BUS2) — This servo works seamlessly with three different control protocols, offering flexibility to integrate with various Futaba transmitter systems. PWM provides basic compatibility, whilst S.BUS and S.BUS2 support enable advanced telemetry and programmable features for experienced racers building sophisticated RC setups.
• Programmable/HV High-Voltage Design — The servo is fully programmable via PC connection using the optional CIU-2 or CIU-3 USB adapter, allowing you to customise response curves, travel limits, and behaviour to precisely match your vehicle setup and racing technique. The high-voltage rated design operates safely from 4.8V to 8.4V, with optimal performance at 6.0V to 7.4V.
• SR Mode and UR Mode Compatibility — The HPS-CT501 supports Futaba's proprietary Super Response (SR) mode when paired with T7PX or 7PXR transmitters, and Ultra Response (UR) mode with the T10PX, providing access to advanced response tuning features that competitive drivers rely on for maximum control.
• Metal Gear Construction — The servo features metal gears throughout the drive train including 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final gears, providing superior durability and longevity compared to plastic alternatives. Metal gears resist wear, handle sustained high-torque loads, and maintain precision tolerances throughout the servo's operational life, making this ideal for frequent racing use.
• Triple Ball Bearing Motor — The brushless motor is supported by three precision ball bearings that minimise friction, improve efficiency, and enhance the servo's operational smoothness and responsiveness. Ball bearings are essential for high-speed servo operation and reduce wear on motor components during extended use.
• Splashproof Case Design — The servo features splashproof protection, safeguarding internal electronics from moisture and dust encountered during wet weather racing or outdoor 1/10 scale driving sessions across muddy or damp British terrain.
• Low-Profile Form Factor — With dimensions of just 40.5mm length, 21mm width and 26.9mm height, this servo fits into low-profile servo bays found on modern drift cars, on-road buggies and touring cars without requiring chassis modifications or compromising weight distribution.
• 25-Tooth 6mm Spline Output — The servo uses a standard 25-tooth spline with 6mm diameter shaft, ensuring compatibility with a vast range of servo horns and linkage systems available for 1/10 scale RC cars throughout the UK hobby market.

Technical Performance

The Futaba HPS-CT501 represents the cutting edge of servo engineering, combining advanced brushless motor technology with precision metal gear construction to deliver outstanding performance for competitive RC car racing. Operating across a voltage range of 4.8V to 8.4V with a rated operating window of 6.0V to 7.4V, this servo maintains consistent performance regardless of battery state of charge, though maximum speed and torque figures of 0.06 sec/60° and 21.0 kgf/cm respectively are achieved at the higher 7.4V specification. The servo's custom high-power brushless motor operates with exceptional efficiency, eliminating the carbon dust and maintenance requirements associated with traditional brushed designs whilst delivering superior power-to-weight characteristics essential for responsive RC car control.

Built with a resin plastic case for weight savings, the servo combines this with metal construction throughout the critical drive train, featuring metal first, second, third and final gears that resist the wear and stress associated with aggressive steering and throttle inputs during drift racing and 1/10 scale off-road competition. The triple ball bearing motor support ensures smooth rotation and minimal friction losses, directly translating to faster, more reliable servo response during critical racing moments. At just 44 grams, the HPS-CT501 is remarkably lightweight for its torque output, making it an excellent choice for weight-conscious builds where reducing unsprung mass improves handling characteristics. The servo's splashproof design protects against the moisture and debris encountered during outdoor racing sessions and maintenance operations, extending the lifespan of internal electronics and reducing downtime from weather-related failures.

The HPS-CT501's programmable nature via optional CIU-2 or CIU-3 USB PC adapters provides racers with unprecedented control over servo behaviour, enabling fine-tuning of response characteristics, dual-rate functionality, and travel limits to match specific vehicle setups and driving preferences. Integration with Futaba's advanced S.BUS2 protocol unlocks telemetry capabilities and advanced control features available only in premium systems, positioning this servo at the professional and competitive end of the RC car market in the UK. The servo's compatibility with SR mode (Super Response) and UR mode (Ultra Response) further enhances versatility, allowing seamless integration into various Futaba transmitter ecosystems from the T7PX through to the flagship T10PX systems.

What's in the Box

• 1x HPS-CT501 Low Profile Brushless Servo
• Servo horns for standard linkage installations
• Mounting hardware including fasteners and brackets

What You Need to Complete

• RC Car with compatible servo bay (1/10 scale drift car, on-road buggy, or off-road buggy)
• Futaba transmitter compatible with PWM, S.BUS or S.BUS2 protocols (T7PX, 7PXR, T10PX or equivalent)
• Receiver unit compatible with your chosen Futaba transmitter
• Battery pack rated 4.8V to 7.4V DC (LiPo, LiFe or similar rechargeable battery system)
• Optional: CIU-2 or CIU-3 USB adapter for PC-based programmable servo tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Futaba HPS-CT501 suitable for beginners in RC car racing? — The HPS-CT501 is optimised for competitive and intermediate-to-advanced RC car racing rather than beginner level use. Its programmable features, high-voltage specifications, and integration with advanced Futaba systems like S.BUS2 mean it's best suited to experienced racers familiar with drift or 1/10 scale competition driving. Beginners may find simpler, more affordable servo options more appropriate for learning the fundamentals of RC car control.
• What voltage battery does this servo require, and what battery type works best? — The HPS-CT501 operates across a voltage range of 4.8V to 8.4V with optimal performance between 6.0V and 7.4V. This means it works with 2S LiPo batteries (7.4V nominal, 8.4V fully charged), 2S LiFe batteries (6.6V nominal), or equivalent 6V-7.4V battery packs. The servo cannot be powered by dry cell batteries or basic BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit) power supplies — it requires a dedicated battery pack. For maximum speed and torque output, use a 7.4V 2S LiPo battery in good condition.
• Can I use this servo with my Futaba transmitter and receiver system? — Yes, the HPS-CT501 is fully compatible with Futaba transmitters and receivers supporting PWM, S.BUS or S.BUS2 protocols. It works with multiple Futaba systems including the T7PX, 7PXR and T10PX transmitters. If you own an older Futaba system using basic PWM protocol, it will function correctly. For access to advanced features like SR and UR modes, you'll need compatible transmitters such as the T7PX/7PXR (SR mode) or T10PX (UR mode).
• What is the difference between this HPS-CT501 servo and other Futaba servo models for RC cars? — The HPS-CT501 is specifically engineered as a low-profile servo for drift and 1/10 scale cars, offering an optimal balance of speed (0.06 sec/60°), torque (21.0 kgf/cm) and compact dimensions (40.5 x 21 x 26.9mm). Its brushless motor technology, metal gear construction, triple ball bearings and programmable nature position it as a premium servo for serious racers. Compared to basic brushed servos, the HPS-CT501 offers superior efficiency, longevity and consistent performance. Its low-profile form factor makes it ideal for drift cars and modern competition 1/10 buggies where space is restricted.
• Does this servo come with everything needed to install it in my RC car? — The HPS-CT501 comes with mounting hardware and servo horns for standard installations. However, you may need additional servo linkage components or custom servo mounting brackets depending on your specific RC car's design. Most 1/10 scale drift cars and buggies are designed to accommodate standard low-profile servos, so installation is typically straightforward. Consult your vehicle's instruction manual to confirm servo bay compatibility and any additional hardware requirements.
• Is the servo waterproof or splash-resistant for wet conditions? — The HPS-CT501 features a splashproof design that protects internal electronics from moisture and dust, making it suitable for damp racing conditions and outdoor use. However, it is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water. The splashproof rating is sufficient for rain, damp grass, and muddy terrain typically encountered during RC car racing across British venues.
• How do I programme the servo, and is special equipment required? — The HPS-CT501 is programmable via PC connection using an optional CIU-2 or CIU-3 USB adapter (sold separately). Once connected, you can access detailed servo tuning software to adjust response curves, travel limits, and other parameters. Programming is optional — the servo functions perfectly well without customisation using default factory settings. Advanced programmable features are particularly valuable for competitive racers seeking to fine-tune servo performance to match specific vehicle setups.

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 Futaba HPS-CT501 Low Profile Brushless Servo PWM/S.BUS2 21.0kg 0.06s 4.8V - 7.4V FUT05102725-3 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.