Cherokee 1.3m: Fly Like a Legend! BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's widget. We're talking next-level awesome. This is the thing you didn't know you needed, but trust me, you absolutely do. Think sleek, think stylish, think... well, think *you*, but like, the upgraded version. It's got that certain *je ne sais quoi*, that "hey world, check this out" vibe. Seriously, this isn't just a purchase, it's an investment in your own legendary status. So go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it.
This updated and upgraded version of the popular E-flite Cherokee 1.3m is a Smarter tribute to the general aviation classic that features a variety of scale details and functional features including lights, flaps, a full-flying stabilator, and more.
- An updated and upgraded, Smarter and more modern scale replica of the civil aviation classic
- Optimized power system featuring a more efficient, smaller diameter prop for improved ground clearance and performance
- 70-amp Spektrum Avian™ Smart Lite ESC provides real-time battery voltage, motor RPM, and other data via compatible receivers and transmitters
- Spektrum™ AR631 receiver with fly-by range telemetry and industry-leading DSMX® technology
- Easier to take off, fly and land with optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection
In The Box
- (1) E-flite® Cherokee 1.3m with:
- (6) Spektrum Sub-Micro Servos (installed)
- (1) Spektrum Brushless Outrunner Motor (installed)
- (1) Spektrum Avian 70-Amp Smart Lite Brushless ESC (installed)
- (1) Spektrum AR631 6-Channel Receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select (installed)
- (1) Product Manual
Needed to Complete
- (1) Full-range 5–6+ channel Spektrum DSMX®/DSM2® compatible transmitter
- (1) 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–4000mAh LiPo Battery with EC3 or IC3 Connector
- (1) Compatible LiPo Charger
Introduction
The iconic PA-28 Cherokee began rolling off the assembly 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, personal use, and beyond. The original E-flite Cherokee 1.3m was a popular tribute to this aviation classic that offered incredible handling every RC pilot could appreciate while featuring a variety of functional scale features including navigation and landing lights, a full-flying stabilator, flaps, and more. Now this updated and upgraded version includes a Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC as part of the optimized power system along with other improvements to make it Smarter and more fun to fly than ever before!
Features
- An updated and upgraded, Smarter and more modern scale replica of the civil aviation classic
- Incredibly smooth flight performance and handling make it the perfect choice for a first low-wing or scale model
- Optimized power system featuring a more efficient, smaller diameter prop 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 with many of the most popular E-flite and HobbyZone trainer airplane models
- Spektrum™ AR631 receiver with fly-by range telemetry and industry-leading DSMX® technology
- Easier to take off, fly and land with optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection
- The unmatched stability and locked-in feel of exclusive AS3X® technology
- Abundant scale detail including molded-in panel lines, rivets, corrugated control surfaces, and more
- Factory-installed LED navigation lights, strobes, beacon, and landing lights for added scale realism and visibility
- Extremely large top hatch featuring a pilot figure and plastic instrument panel cover for easy access to the battery mounting area and electronics
- Shock-absorbing nose strut featuring an improved design for easier maintenance and oversized wheels for operation from a variety of surfaces
- Full-flying horizontal stabilizer/elevator (stabilator) with an updated mounting system for improved precision and control
- Two-piece plug-in wing panels featuring a convenient hands-free servo connection system for the servos and lights
- Functional slotted flaps for shorter takeoffs/landings and improved slow-speed handling
- 5-channel control with six (6) factory-installed servos and linkages
- Factory-painted and finished in a classic yet modern trim scheme
- Lightweight and durable composite-reinforced EPO construction
- Fast and easy bolt-together assembly – no glue required
Overview
This updated and upgraded E-flite Cherokee 1.3m celebrates the classic design of the legendary full-scale PA-28 with an accurate outline, a long list of scale details, modern-day convenience features and technologies, plus fantastic power and flight performance that makes flying exciting and fun. An abundance of scale details including molded-in panel lines, rivets, corrugated control surfaces, factory-installed LED lights, and more highlight the authentic appearance. The shock-absorbing nose strut features an improved steering arm and mounting design for easier maintenance, while the oversized wheels make it possible to fly from a variety of paved, dirt, and even some grass surfaces. Plug-in wing panels are equipped with convenient hands-free servo connections and include operational slotted flaps for shorter takeoffs and landings plus improved slow-flight handling. An extremely large top hatch featuring a pilot figure – and now including a plastic instrument panel cover to eliminate “gatoring” – offers easy access to the electronics and the battery mounting area with plenty of space to fit a 3S or 4S 2200–4000mAh battery, while the high-power brushless motor and 70-amp Smart Lite ESC deliver better-than-scale power. The power system has also been optimized with a smaller diameter propeller that offers better ground clearance plus improved efficiency and performance. Best of all, no glue is required for assembly of the lightweight, composite-reinforced EPO airframe so you can be flying in less time than it takes to charge a battery! It all adds up to deliver a scale marvel that offers incredible handling and fantastic flight performance for shooting smooth touch and goes, rock-solid low and high-speed cruising, and even for performing aggressive aerobatics in a model that’s perfect for intermediate to experienced pilots.
Video Overview
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 to deliver a locked-in feel that makes it seem like you’re flying a much larger airplane. Optional-use SAFE Select offers pitch and bank angle limits and automatic self-leveling that can be turned on and off at the flip of a switch! If you don’t want to enable the SAFE Select features, bind the receiver normally, and only AS3X will be active.
Smart Technology
The Cherokee 1.3m is equipped with an exclusive Spektrum™ Avian™ Smart Lite ESC that can provide a variety of real-time power system related telemetry data including motor RPM, current, overall battery voltage and more – with Smart and non-Smart batteries – via compatible receivers (including the AR631) and Spektrum AirWare™ equipped transmitters (including the DX6e and 8e, DX6 G2/3 and 8 G2, the DX9, NX6 to 20, iX12 to 20 and others) while you fly.
Optimized Power
The factory-installed brushless power system now features a 70-amp Spektrum™ Avian™ Smart Lite ESC plus a specially-tuned motor that delivers an abundance 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’s been optimized with a smaller diameter propeller that offers better ground clearance plus improved flight times and more performance with popular 2200–4000mAh batteries.
Abundant Scale Detail
The Cherokee 1.3m is designed to intricately replicate the full-scale aircraft with a long list of scale details. Molded-in panel lines, rivets, corrugated control surfaces and other details will impress a wide range of sport and scale modelers. Clear cabin windows, seatbacks, a pilot figure, plus an instrument panel that now features a plastic cover to eliminate “gatoring” add to the scale appearance that’s complimented by a new classic yet modern trim scheme.
Functional Scale Features
An accurate scale outline captures the iconic shape of the Cherokee including the constant chord wing that’s equipped with operational slotted flaps to deliver improved slow-flight handling and shorter take offs and landings. The unique full-flying stabilator (stabilizer/elevator) offers authentic pitch control and features an updated mounting system to reduce play for improved precision and control. A shock-absorbing nose strut featuring an improved design for easier maintenance and oversized wheels make it possible to fly from a variety of paved, dirt and even some grass surfaces. Plus, factory-installed LED lighting, including navigation lights, strobes on the wing tips, a tail beacon and landing lights, add to the scale realism and authenticity.
Durable Design
Construction with composite-reinforced, molded EPO material makes it possible to replicate complex surface details and shapes in a lightweight yet durable airframe. The end result is an outstanding scale appearance that’s easy to maintain while delivering the best flight experience possible.
Easy Assembly
The Cherokee 1.3m is engineered so no glue is required to complete final assembly, and so you can have it flying in less time than it takes to charge a battery! And although it’s conveniently sized to fit fully assembled in just about any vehicle, it’s also designed for easier transport and storage with plug-in wing panels that feature a convenient hands-free servo and LED connection system so you don’t need to fumble with wires or connectors.
Skill Level 2 – Some Experience Required
Skill Level 2 aircraft, like this one, are suitable for RC pilots who already have some experience and the skills to assemble, set up and fly similar class models. And although this is one of the easiest to fly Cherokee models ever, it’s not a suitable first-ever RC aircraft for new pilots or “next step after a trainer” model for low-time RC pilots. You should have the experience and skills necessary to successfully fly a “next step” model like the E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.1m, Valiant 1.3m, Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m and other similar class models before attempting to fly the Cherokee 1.3m.
Are you new to flying RC (Radio Controlled) aircraft? If you are, the Cherokee is not a suitable first-ever RC model and we recommend learning to fly with one of our purpose-built trainer aircraft such as the HobbyZone® Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m. It's equipped with 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 for a compatible LiPo battery and charger that are sold separately) and is a perfect choice if you're a new RC pilot.
Already own a Spektrum™ transmitter? Bind-N-Fly (BNF) aircraft make getting into the air quickly and with the best control experience possible easier than ever. They come out of the box with the power system, servos and a Spektrum 2.4GHz receiver installed so all you need to do is bind the receiver to a compatible transmitter, finish any final assembly, and fly!
This Bind-N-Fly Basic model is equipped with a Spektrum 2.4GHz DSMX® receiver featuring AS3X (Artificial Stabilization–3-aXis) technology that works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence. The result is a heightened sense of stability and precision that makes you feel like you're flying a much larger, expertly tuned aircraft.
If this is your first model of its type, or you want an extra margin of safety while familiarizing yourself with the airplane, you can enable the optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection technology built into the receiver. No programming is required. Simply change up the binding sequence as directed in the manual.
With SAFE Select enabled, you get:
Pitch and Bank Angle Limits
- These envelope limits keep the airplane from rolling or pitching upside down. They also prevent excessive climb or dive angles.
Automatic Self-Leveling
- The airplane instantly returns to and holds level flight when the sticks are released and in the center position. It's also helpful for keeping the wings level during takeoffs/launches and landings.
Easy Switch Assignment—No Complex Programming Required
- The simple procedure for assigning a transmitter switch to turn SAFE Select features on and off doesn't require any complex programming and takes just a few seconds.
If you don't want to enable the SAFE Select features, just bind the receiver normally and it will function like a standard AS3X receiver.
Product Specifications
| LiPo Compatibility | 3S, 4S |
| Completion Level | Bind-N-Fly Basic |
| Battery | Sold Separately |
| Connector Type | IC3 |
| Approximate Flight Time | 5 Minutes |
| Flaps | Yes |
| Material | EPO |
| Radio | Sold Separately |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Speed Control | Included |
| Power Type | Electric |
| Servos | Included |
| Skill Level | Level 2 |
| Wingspan | 51.6' (1311 mm) |
| Charger | Sold Separately |
| Receiver | Included |
