Pilot’s Choice Product Review
E-flite UMX FPV Radian BNF A Radian with a view
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Not so long ago, anyone who wanted to experience FPV (First-Person View) flying had
to gather the components necessary to transmit and receive a video signal, obtain an amateur radio license in order to operate the equipment, and then put it all into a model large enough to carry the load. Recent technological advances have made the cost and complexity of entering FPV much lower. Using Spektrum’s integrated and miniaturized FPV components, even ultra-micro RC models can be used to experience the thrill of flying with a bird’s-eye view. The original Radian-powered sailplane
has been hugely popular among park flyers because of its gentle flying traits and resilient construction. Likewise, the downsized UMX (ultra-micro) Radian was quickly adopted by indoor fliers. The new FPV version of the UMX Radian combines this proven airframe with the aforementioned Spektrum FPV components. The result is an FPV model that is easy to handle and can be flown nearly anywhere. The UMX FPV Radian is available
only in the BNF (Bind-N-Fly) version. You need to provide a full-range DSM2/ DSMX-compatible transmitter. You will also have to provide goggles or a monitor to receive the 5.8 GHz video signal from the airplane. I’ve used two sets of goggles with this
model. One is the Fat Shark Teleporter V4 (
fatshark.com) that was included with my ultra-micro FPV Vapor (see the review in the spring 2015 issue of Park Pilot). I’ve also used the Skyzone FPV goggles (
skyzonehobby.com). Both
The low parts count reveals how little work is required to get the UMX FPV Radian airworthy.
16 PARK PILOT [Winter 2016]
perform equally well in this application. As with most UMX models, little assembly is required. The foam airframe is factory built, with the radio components, power system, pushrods, and even decals already in place. In fact, my only complaint with this model concerns the decals. Although most were smooth, those on the curved part of the upper wing surface were excessively wrinkled. The receiver, ESC, and both servos are
all integrated into a single component (commonly called a brick). On the UMX FPV Radian, the brick also features AS3X stabilization, which helps to combat the effects of wind and bumpy air. The brick is buried inside of the fuselage with no access to anything other than the battery lead. The airplane is propelled by a geared
8.5mm brushed motor that spins a 5-inch folding propeller. The propeller blades are made of clear plastic that doesn’t impede the visibility of the forward-facing FPV camera. A single-cell 150 mAh 25C LiPo battery powers the model and FPV equipment. The slender wing must be inserted
SPECIFICATIONS: TYPE: RTF ultra-micro FPV glider SKILL LEVEL: Beginner WINGSPAN: 28.7 inches WEIGHT: 1.7 ounces PRICE: $189.99 INFO:
e-fliterc.com
FEATURES: >> AS3X technology provides outstanding stability
>> Spektrum VA1100 ultra-micro FPV system (included)
>> Fat Shark 5.8 GHz FPV headset compatible
>> Three-channel control for easy flying and friendly soaring characteristics
>> One-piece, removable wing with carbon-fiber support
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