Cherokee 1.3m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select

This updated and improved version of the popular E-flite Cherokee 1.3 m is a smart homage to the civil aviation classic and has plenty of scale details and functional features, such as lighting, flaps, a pendulum tailplane, etc.

Introduction

The iconic PA-28 Cherokee began rolling off the production line in Vero Beach, Florida in the early 1960s. Since then, thanks to its simple design and smooth handling, more than 32,000 Cherokees and variants have been produced for flight training, private use and beyond. The original E-flite Cherokee 1.3m was a popular tribute to this aviation classic, offering incredible handling that any RC pilot could appreciate, while adding a variety of functional scale features such as navigation and landing lights, a full stabilizer, flaps and more. This updated and upgraded version now includes a Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC as part of the optimized power system, as well as other improvements that make the model smarter and more fun to fly than ever before!

Overview

This updated and upgraded E-flite Cherokee 1.3m celebrates the classic design of the legendary full-size PA-28 with an accurate outline, a long list of scale details, modern convenience features and technologies, and fantastic power and flight performance that makes flying exciting and fun. A wealth of scale details such as molded-in panel lines, rivets, ribbed control surfaces, factory-installed LED lights and more enhance the authentic look. The shock-absorbing nose strut features an upgraded steering arm and bracket for easier maintenance, while the oversized wheels allow it to fly off a variety of paved, dirt and even some grass surfaces. The plug-in wings are equipped with convenient hands-free servo connectors and feature ready-to-use slotted flaps for shorter takeoffs and landings and improved handling in slow flight. An extremely large top hatch with a pilot figure - and now with a plastic instrument panel cover to minimize "e;gatoring? - provides easy access to the electronics and battery mounting area with plenty of room for a 3S or 4S 2200-4000 mAh battery, while the powerful brushless motor and 70 amp Smart Lite ESC deliver above-scale performance. The propulsion system has also been optimized with a smaller diameter propeller that provides better ground clearance and increased efficiency and performance. Best of all, no glue is required to assemble the lightweight, composite-reinforced EPO airframe, so you can fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery! It all adds up to a scale marvel that offers incredible handling and fantastic flight performance for smooth touch-and-go shooting, rock-solid slow and high-speed flying, and even aggressive aerobatics - a model that's perfect for intermediate to expert pilots.

Video overview

Features

• An updated and upgraded, smarter and more modern recreation of the civil aviation classic
• Incredibly smooth flight and handling make it the perfect choice for a first low-wing or scale model
• Optimized propulsion system with a more efficient, smaller diameter propeller for improved ground clearance and performance
• Compatible with popular 3S and 4S 2200-4000mAh batteries that deliver excellent performance and flight times
• 70-amp Spektrum Avian™ Smart Lite ESC provides real-time battery voltage, motor RPM and other data via compatible receivers and transmitters
• Compatible with the Spektrum DXS transmitter included in many of the most popular E-flite and HobbyZone trainer models
• Spektrum™ AR631 receiver with fly-by-range telemetry and industry-leading DSMX® technology
• Easier takeoff, flying and landing with optional SAFE® Select flight envelope protection
• The unmatched stability and locked-in feel of exclusive AS3X® technology
• Numerous true-to-scale details such as molded-in panel lines, rivets, ribbed control surfaces and much more
• Factory-installed LED navigation lights, strobes, beacons and landing lights for added realism and visibility at scale
• Extremely large top hatch with a pilot figure and a plastic instrument panel cover for easy access to the battery installation area and electronics
• Shock-absorbing nose strut with improved design for easier maintenance and oversized wheels for operation from a variety of surfaces
• Full-flying horizontal stabilizer with an updated mounting system for improved precision and control
• Two-piece, plug-in wings with a convenient, hands-free servo connection system for the servos and lights
• Functional slotted flaps for shorter take-offs/landings and improved slow flight characteristics
• 5-channel control system with six (6) factory-installed servos and linkages
• Factory painted and finished in a classic yet modern trim scheme
• Lightweight and durable EPO construction with composite reinforcement
• Quick and easy assembly - no glue required


Exclusive technologies
This BNF® Basic version is equipped with exclusive Spektrum™ AS3X® and SAFE® Select technologies. AS3X works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence and provide a "locked-in" feel that makes it feel like you're flying a much larger airplane. The optional SAFE Select feature provides pitch and bank angle limits as well as automatic leveling that can be turned on and off with the touch of a button. If you do not wish to activate the SAFE Select functions, bind the receiver as normal and only AS3X will be active.


Intelligent technology
The Cherokee 1.3m is equipped with an exclusive Spektrum™ Avian™ Smart Lite ESC that can provide a variety of real-time telemetry data about the power system, including motor RPM, amperage, total battery voltage and more, via compatible receivers (including AR631) and Spektrum AirWare™ equipped transmitters (including DX6e and 8e, DX6 G2/3 and 8 G2, DX9, NX6 to 20, iX12 to 20 and others) while in flight - with smart and non-smart batteries.


Optimized performance
The factory-installed brushless power system now features a 70-amp Spektrum™ Avian™ Smart Lite ESC and a custom-tuned motor that provides plenty of thrust with a 3S LiPo battery, or more speed and unlimited vertical performance with a 4S battery, without the need for any modifications or upgrades. Best of all, it has been optimized with a smaller diameter propeller that provides better ground clearance as well as improved flight times and more power with popular 2200-4000mAh batteries.


Rich in detail
The Cherokee 1.3m is designed to replicate the full-size aircraft with a long list of details. Molded-in panel lines, rivets, ribbed control surfaces and other details will impress a variety of sport and scale modelers. See-through cabin windows, seat backs, a pilot figure and an instrument panel, now with a plastic cover to prevent running, add to the scale appearance, which is complemented by a new classic yet modern decoration scheme.


Functional scale features
A scale outline captures the Cherokee's iconic shape, including the constant chord wing, which features functional slotted flaps for improved low-speed handling and shorter takeoffs and landings. The unique full-length horizontal stabilizer provides authentic pitch control and features an updated mounting system to reduce backlash and improve precision and control. A shock-absorbing nose strut with an improved design for easier maintenance and oversized wheels allow for flying on a variety of paved, unpaved and even some grass surfaces. Factory-installed LED lighting, including navigation lights, wingtip flashing lights, a tail beacon and landing lights, provide a realistic and authentic look.


Durable construction
Reinforced molded EPO material construction allows complex surface details and shapes to be replicated in a lightweight yet durable airframe. The end result is a superb scale appearance that is easy to maintain while providing the best possible flying experience.


Simple assembly
The Cherokee 1.3m is designed so that no glue is required for assembly and you can fly it in less time than it takes to charge a battery! And while it's big enough to fit fully assembled in almost any vehicle, it's also designed for easier transportation and storage with plug-in wings that feature a convenient hands-free servo and LED connection system so you don't have to fumble with wires or plugs.


Skill level 2 - some experience required
Skill level 2 aircraft, such as this one, are suitable for RC pilots who already have some experience and the ability to assemble, set up and fly similar class models. And while this is one of the easiest Cherokee models ever to fly, it is not suitable as a starter model for new pilots or as the "next step after a trainer" for RC pilots with little experience. Before flying the Cherokee 1.3m, you should have the experience and skills required to successfully fly an "e;next step" model such as the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.1m, Valiant 1.3m, Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m and other similar class models.


Are you new to flying RC (radio-controlled) airplanes? Then the Cherokee is not a suitable RC model for beginners. We recommend that you learn to fly with one of our custom-built training airplanes such as the HobbyZone® Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m. It is equipped with the exclusive and innovative SAFE technology that makes it possible for almost anyone to learn to fly successfully! The Ready-To-Fly (RTF) Basic version includes almost everything needed to fly (except a compatible LiPo battery and charger, sold separately) and is the perfect choice for RC beginners.

Technical specifications

• Wingspan: 51.6" (1311 mm)
• Radio: Sold separately
• Receiver: Included
• Battery: Sold separately
• Cruise control: Included
• Flaps: Yes
• Connection type: IC3
• Servos: Included
• Approximate flight time: 5 minutes
• Charger: Sold separately
• Difficulty level: Level 2
• Completion level: Bind-N-Fly Basic
• LiPo Compatibility: 3S, 4S
• Power type: Electric
• Material: EPO
• Motor type: Brushless
• Chassis: Medium wheels
• Motor type: Brushless
• Remote control: Sold separately
• Power type: Electric
• Experience level: Level 2
• Charger: Sold separately
• Battery: Sold separately
• Completion level: Bind-N-Fly Basic
• Flaps: Yes
• Connector type: IC3
• Receiver: Included
• ESC: Included
• LiPo compatibility: 3S, 4S

Scope of delivery

• 1x E-flite® Cherokee 1.3m with:
• 6x Spektrum Sub-Micro servos (installed)
• 1x Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (installed)
• 1x Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite brushless ESC (installed)
• 1x Spektrum AR631 6-channel receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select
• 1x instruction manual

Still needed

• Full-range 5-6+ channel Spektrum DSMX®/DSM2® compatible remote control
• 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200?4000mAh LiPo with EC3? or IC3® connector
• Compatible LiPo charger