Overview

The Futaba HPS-CD701 Standard Brushless Servo PWM/S.BUS2 is a premium steering servo engineered for competitive 1/10 scale RC drift and touring cars. This high-performance servo delivers elite-level control with a lightning-fast response time of 0.045 seconds per 60°, making it the choice of serious RC racers across the UK and beyond. Whether you're pushing through technical circuits or navigating tight drift lines, this servo ensures razor-sharp steering precision and throttle modulation under high-load conditions. The HPS-CD701 combines cutting-edge brushless motor technology with robust construction to provide fade-free performance lap after lap, season after season.

Futaba has built its reputation on quality and innovation since 1962, and the HPS-CD701 continues that tradition. This servo is perfect for drivers who demand the very best from their RC car setup—those who refuse to compromise on response speed, torque output, or build durability. With support for PWM and S.BUS2 control protocols, the HPS-CD701 integrates seamlessly with Futaba's advanced radio systems, giving you access to precision tuning and advanced programming features. If you're serious about competitive RC car UK racing or want to upgrade your existing setup with professional-grade components, the HPS-CD701 is an investment that will pay dividends in performance and reliability.

Available now at RC Model Shop, this authorised Futaba servo represents genuine manufacturing quality and comes with the support of a trusted UK RC retailer. The servo operates across a wide voltage range from 4.8V to 8.4V, ensuring compatibility with various battery configurations, from standard NiMH packs to modern LiPo battery systems. Its compact standard-size form factor fits perfectly into 1/10 scale chassis layouts without compromising servo bay space or weight distribution.

Key Features

• Ultra-fast 0.045s response time — The HPS-CD701 delivers one of the fastest actuation speeds available for standard servo applications, ensuring your steering inputs translate to immediate wheel movement. This lightning-quick response is crucial for precision steering in competitive drift and touring car racing, where split-second control can mean the difference between winning and finishing second.
• High-torque 17kg output — With 17 kilogram-force centimetre of torque, this servo provides exceptional holding force and steering authority, even when running aggressive suspension setups or high-grip tyres that demand more steering muscle. You get the power needed to maintain control during aggressive cornering without servo jitter or binding.
• Brushless motor technology — Unlike traditional brushed servo motors that can fade under sustained load and heat, the brushless design delivers consistent, fade-free performance throughout your racing session. Brushless motors are more efficient, require less maintenance, and provide more stable torque delivery, giving you confidence that your servo will perform identically in lap one and lap twenty.
• Metal geartrain with reinforced final stage — The servo features a precision metal gear system throughout, with special reinforcement at the final drive stage where impact loads are greatest. This robust construction resists stripping and impact damage, ensuring long-term reliability even when your RC car experiences the hard impacts that come with competitive driving.
• CNC-machined aluminium case — The servo housing is crafted from precision CNC-machined aluminium, which provides exceptional rigidity for consistent performance, excellent heat dissipation to keep temperatures in check during extended sessions, and a professional appearance that reflects the quality of the servo within. The aluminium construction also contributes to the servo's durability and resistance to vibration-induced noise.
• PWM and S.BUS2 protocol support — This servo works with both conventional PWM (pulse width modulation) radio systems and Futaba's advanced S.BUS digital protocols, including S.BUS2. This flexibility ensures the servo integrates perfectly with your existing Futaba radio gear or allows future upgrades without servo replacement.
• UR/SR mode capability — The HPS-CD701 supports Ultra-Responsive (UR) and Super-Resolution (SR) signal processing modes, which enable advanced control features when used with compatible Futaba radio systems. These modes provide enhanced steering resolution and response characteristics for drivers who want to fine-tune their servo performance.
• CIU-3 programming compatibility — The servo works with Futaba's CIU-3 servo interface unit, allowing PC-based programming for tailored performance settings. This means you can adjust parameters like response curve, neutral point, and fail-safe settings to match your exact driving style and car setup.
• Compact standard-size form factor — At 4.05cm long, 2.10cm wide, and 2.62cm high, the HPS-CD701 fits into standard servo bays of 1/10 scale RC cars without modification. Its streamlined design and 53-gram weight keep your car's centre of gravity optimised and handling responsive.
• Wide voltage compatibility — The servo operates from 4.8V to 8.4V, making it compatible with 2-cell NiMH packs (4.8V), 2-cell LiPo batteries (7.4V nominal), and even 3-cell LiPo batteries (11.1V nominal, though only utilising up to 8.4V). This voltage flexibility gives you battery options and ensures optimal performance across different power configurations.

Technical Performance

The HPS-CD701 represents a significant leap forward in servo technology for competitive RC car racing. At its core is a high-speed brushless motor that generates 17 kilogram-force centimetre of torque at 7.4V (typical 2-cell LiPo voltage), with respectable 14 kilogram-force centimetre output at 6.0V for those using standard batteries. The servo completes a full 60-degree sweep in just 0.045 seconds at 7.4V, delivering response times that rival purpose-built competition servos costing significantly more. This performance level is achieved through precision engineering: the servo features a multi-stage metal geartrain that translates the brushless motor's smooth, consistent power directly to the output shaft without slip or dead spots. The final stage gears are reinforced to handle the impact loads common in competitive racing, where kerb strikes and suspension bottoming out can transmit shock through the servo. The CNC-machined aluminium case houses all these components while providing thermal management properties crucial for sustained operation. The servo's robust construction means minimal backlash—the internal clearance between gears is kept to a minimum, ensuring that every instruction from your radio transmitter is faithfully executed by your RC car's wheels. For UK RC car enthusiasts competing in drift championships, touring car racing, or simply pushing their machines to the limit, the HPS-CD701 delivers the combination of raw performance, build quality, and reliability that separates winners from the rest of the field. The brushless motor design is particularly important for drivers who run multiple heats or long practice sessions, as the motor maintains consistent output without the performance degradation that can occur with brushed designs under extended use.

What's in the Box

• Futaba HPS-CD701 Standard Brushless Servo
• Mounting hardware and servo arms
• Instruction manual with setup and programming guide

What You Need to Complete

• Compatible Futaba radio receiver system with PWM, S.BUS, or S.BUS2 output
• Power source: 4.8V to 8.4V (NiMH batteries or 2-cell/3-cell LiPo with appropriate voltage management)
• Servo cables and connectors (JR or Futaba compatible, depending on your radio system)
• Optional: CIU-3 servo interface unit for PC-based programming and tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Futaba HPS-CD701 suitable for beginners? — This is a professional-grade servo designed for competitive drivers rather than beginners. While beginners can certainly use it, its advanced features like S.BUS2 support and programming capabilities are most appreciated by experienced drivers who want to fine-tune performance. Beginners might find a simpler, less expensive servo adequate for learning, but if you're serious about RC car racing and want equipment that won't hold you back as your skills develop, this is an excellent choice for a long-term investment.
• What voltage battery should I use with the HPS-CD701? — The servo operates from 4.8V to 8.4V, giving you several options. Most competitive drivers use 2-cell LiPo batteries at 7.4V nominal voltage, which delivers the servo's full 17kg torque output and fastest 0.045-second response time. You can also use standard 2-cell NiMH packs at 4.8V (delivering slightly reduced performance), or 3-cell LiPo batteries at 11.1V nominal if your receiver and other components support this voltage—though the servo itself will only utilise up to 8.4V. For best performance in competitive applications, we recommend 7.4V 2-cell LiPo batteries.
• How does the HPS-CD701 compare to other standard servos? — The HPS-CD701 stands out through its combination of ultra-fast 0.045-second response time, high 17kg torque output, brushless motor technology for fade-free performance, and advanced protocol support including S.BUS2. The brushless motor is particularly significant—it provides superior efficiency and consistency compared to brushed alternatives, especially during extended racing sessions. The CNC-machined aluminium case and metal geartrain reflect build quality typically found in servos at a higher price point. If you're comparing servos for competitive racing, the HPS-CD701 offers professional-grade performance at a reasonable price.
• What is S.BUS2 and do I need it? — S.BUS2 is Futaba's advanced digital protocol that allows two-way communication between your servo and radio receiver, enabling telemetry feedback and advanced programming features. If you have a newer Futaba radio system with S.BUS2 support, this protocol unlocks additional tuning options through software. The servo also supports standard PWM and S.BUS protocols, so you can use it with any Futaba system—S.BUS2 is a bonus feature for those with compatible equipment rather than a requirement.
• Can I programme the HPS-CD701 for custom performance? — Yes, with a CIU-3 servo interface unit and PC software, you can adjust the servo's response curve, neutral point, and other performance parameters. This allows you to tailor the servo to match your specific driving style and car setup. Many competitive drivers use these programming capabilities to optimise their steering feel during testing and races.
• Is the HPS-CD701 waterproof for wet-weather racing? — The source materials do not specify a waterproof rating for this servo. For wet-condition racing, consult Futaba's customer support or your authorised retailer regarding weather protection recommendations. Standard protective measures like sealing servo connectors can provide additional protection.
• What makes brushless servos better than brushed servos? — Brushless motors eliminate the mechanical contact between brushes and commutator found in brushed designs, resulting in several advantages: they produce consistent torque without fade during extended use, they require less maintenance, they run cooler and more efficiently, and they deliver more stable performance across racing sessions. For competitive drivers running multiple heats, these benefits make brushless servos the preferred 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 Futaba HPS-CD701 Standard Brushless Servo PWM/S.BUS2 17kg 0.045s 4.8V - 8.4V FUT05102756-3 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.