Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is one of those airframes that stops a flying session cold. Twin fans screaming, straight wing, the unmistakable gun-barrel snout — no other RC subject commands the same attention on a club field. If you've landed on this guide, you already know which plane you want. What you need to know is which version to buy, what it really costs to get airborne, and whether a kit build is worth the time. That's what this guide covers, drawing on verified 2026 specs, real owner flight-time data, and the community failure modes that most RC articles quietly skip. For context on the broader EDF world, the RC EDF Jets guide is a solid companion read before you commit to twin fans.
The RC A-10 market in 2026 is unusually deep. There is a credible model at virtually every price point — from the $199 E-flite UMX micro you can fly in a park to the $699 Freewing 80mm Super Scale that needs a proper paved strip or firm grass. Most ranking articles online are outdated: they still list the discontinued Freewing 64mm V1/V2 and the old E-flite EFL01150 as current products, and none reflect the two newest releases — the Freewing 64mm V3 (October 2025) and the Freewing 80mm V2 (2025). This guide is built from the current lineup.
One expectation to set upfront: the A-10 is not a beginner jet. Even the stabilized options require you to have flown RC before. If you are still on trainers, the Best RC Trainer Planes guide is where to start. If you have flown low-wing sport planes and want your first EDF, the Best RC Jets guide covers the full class. The A-10 is for the intermediate-to-experienced pilot who specifically wants this airframe.
This guide covers every current A-10 model from the 30mm micro to the composite giant-scale tier, a dedicated kit-vs-RTF cost breakdown, the failure modes that wreck maiden flights, and a decision guide by profile and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Model | Wingspan | Format | Price | Battery | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-flite UMX A-10 30mm | 562 mm | BNF | $199.99 | 2S/3S 450–850mAh | Intermediate |
| XFly A-10 50mm | 1000 mm | PNP | ~$240–260 | 4S 2200–2600mAh | Intermediate/Adv |
| Dynam A-10 64mm V2 | 1080 mm | PNP/BNF/RTF | ~$193 | 4S 2200mAh | Intermediate |
| E-flite A-10 64mm Smart | 1149 mm | BNF | $459–480 | 6S 3200–4000mAh | Intermediate |
| Freewing A-10 V3 64mm | 1270 mm | PNP | $489 | 6S 4000–5000mAh | Intermediate |
| FMS A-10 70mm V2 | 1500 mm | PNP | $669.99 | 6S 5000mAh | Experienced |
| Freewing A-10 80mm V2 | 1700 mm | PNP | $699 | 2× 6S 5000–6000mAh | Intermediate/Exp |
| Flite Test FT A-10 MKR2 | 1537 mm | KIT | $99.99 | Builder-supplied 4S | Advanced build |
| T-One Models 1/7 A-10 | ~2500 mm | ARF | $2,395–5,895 | Turbine/large EDF | Expert |
H2: Which A-10 Models Are We Covering?
A quick note on versions before we dig in: the RC A-10 market has several layers of confusion worth clearing up.
Discontinued models still circulating: The Freewing A-10 64mm V1 (FJ10621P, ~$550) and V2 are superseded by the V3. The original E-flite EFL01150 (AR636 receiver, no Smart telemetry) still appears on Amazon with ASIN B085QL5BJN and may be discounted — it flies, but you lose the Smart telemetry and updated nose-steering servo of the current EFL011500. Neither is recommended as a new purchase unless heavily discounted secondhand.
Format clarity: The A-10 lineup spans BNF (bind-and-fly, needs a Spektrum radio), PNP (needs radio, receiver, and battery), RTF (everything included — Dynam only in this segment), and KIT (airframe only, you supply all electronics). The RC Plane ARF vs RTF vs PNP guide covers these distinctions in detail if you need a refresher.
Scale and size tiers:
- Micro (30mm): UMX class, backyard/small field capable
- Park/small field (50mm): 1m wingspan, transportable in a hatchback
- "First jet" sweet spot (64mm): 1.1–1.3m wingspan, 6S power, the most popular tier
- Scale flagships (70–80mm): 1.5–1.7m, experienced pilots, needs a proper field
- Kit/composite tier: Foam-board builder path (FT A-10) or composite giant-scale (T-One)
#1 E-flite UMX A-10 Thunderbolt II 30mm — The One That Fits in a Backpack
Wingspan: 562 mm | Format: BNF Basic | Battery: 2S/3S 450–850mAh IC2 | Price: $199.99
→ Check the current price on Amazon
The UMX A-10 is the entry point into the airframe and the only model in the lineup that a pilot can reasonably fly at a park or large schoolyard. Twin 30mm fans, 562mm wingspan, AS3X rate-damping with optional SAFE Select self-leveling — it is the easiest A-10 to fly by a significant margin.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 30mm EDF, brushless outrunner (upgraded from the older 28mm UMX generation)
- ESC: Twin brushless ESCs, integrated with Spektrum receiver
- Battery: 2S 7.4V or 3S 11.1V, 450–850mAh, IC2 connector
- Control: Full 4-channel, dual functional rudders
- Landing gear: Fixed tricycle with steerable nose wheel (removable for hand-launch)
- Stabilization: AS3X + optional SAFE Select
- Skill level: Intermediate
Pros:
- Genuine A-10 scale presence in a backpack-portable airframe
- SAFE Select makes it accessible to pilots who haven't flown EDF before
- Owners report ~6 minutes on an 800mAh pack — longer than most 64mm models
- Sub-$200 entry price; if it's your first EDF, the financial exposure is manageable
Cons:
- Needs a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 transmitter (add $150–400 if you don't own one — see RC Transmitter guide)
- No retracts; the fixed gear is scale-approximate at best
- On smooth pavement the fixed nose wheel is functional; grass takeoffs require hand-launching with gear removed
- Twin 30mm fans sound good but won't match the scream of a 64mm or 80mm
Perfect for: Pilots who already own a Spektrum radio, want to try the A-10 airframe at minimal cost, or have limited flying space. Also the correct choice if you're building toward a larger A-10 and want to learn the flight characteristics first.
#2 XFly A-10 Thunderbolt II Twin 50mm — Mid-Size, Polarizing Flight Times
Wingspan: 1000 mm | Format: PNP | Battery: 4S 2200–2600mAh | Price: ~$239–260
→ Check the current price on Amazon
The XFly 50mm fills the gap between the UMX micro and the 64mm "first jet" tier. At 1000mm wingspan and ~1190g, it is the largest A-10 that can reasonably fly on 4S, and it comes PNP at a price that looks attractive on paper.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 50mm 12-blade EDF; 2627-4600KV brushless inrunner motors
- ESC: Twin 40A with BEC
- Battery: 4S 14.8V 2200–2600mAh
- Servos: 4× 9g digital
- Landing gear: Fixed main gear, steerable nose gear (removable)
- Skill level: Intermediate/Advanced (XFly's own rating)
Pros:
- Solid build quality and accurate scale looks
- 1000mm wingspan is car-portable
- Landing gear is praised as robust by owners
Cons:
- Flight time is the single biggest issue in the segment: one detailed owner review reports only 2:30–3:00 minutes of usable flight on a fresh 4S 2200mAh, versus the 8–10 minutes claimed on the box. The plane is heavy for its power system. Upgrading to a larger, lighter 4S pack is the recommended fix, but that increases all-in cost
- PNP format adds radio + receiver cost on top
- Limited US availability; Banana Hobby lists a V2 but stock is inconsistent
Verdict: Worth considering if you specifically want a 4S model in this wingspan class and can verify stock. The flight-time complaint is serious enough that it warrants flagging: budget for a 4S 3000mAh+ pack and verify fit before purchase. For pilots who can stretch to 6S, the Dynam 64mm at a similar price point is a stronger all-round package.
Perfect for: Pilots already flying 4S sport planes who want an A-10 without stepping up to 6S.
#3 Dynam A-10 Thunderbolt II V2 Twin 64mm — The Budget RTF Path
Wingspan: 1080 mm | Format: PNP/BNF/RTF | Battery: 4S 2200mAh XT60 | Price: ~$193 (PNP)
The Dynam A-10 V2 is the only model in the 64mm class that comes as a true RTF with an included transmitter and iStone 6-axis gyro. It is also the cheapest entry into the 64mm tier and the only A-10 here running on 4S rather than 6S.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 64mm (blade count conflicted between sources — 6-blade per German spec sheet, 12-blade per dynamrc.co.uk; [SPEC CONFLICT — verify against physical unit])
- Motor: Detrum BM2815-3600KV
- ESC: 2× TomCat Skylord 40A, 3A BEC
- Battery: 4S 14.8V 2200mAh 25C, XT60
- Servos: 4× 9g micro
- Retracts: Yes — servoless e-retracts (V2 upgrade over V1)
- CG: 70–75mm from leading edge at root
- AUW: 1000g
- Skill level: Intermediate (spec sheets elsewhere call the platform "for experienced pilots" — the iStone gyro lowers the floor but does not eliminate the need for jet piloting skill)
- Colors: Green / Grey / Desert
Pros:
- Only true RTF in the 64mm class; lowers the barrier for pilots without existing radio gear
- Servoless retracts on V2 improve reliability over V1
- $193 PNP is roughly $270 cheaper than the E-flite equivalent
- 1000g AUW is the lightest 64mm A-10
Cons:
- 4S vs 6S means noticeably less vertical performance than the E-flite or Freewing 64mm
- Blade count conflict unresolved (flag before citing in flight performance claims)
- Flight time claim of "up to 10 min on 4S 2200" from one listing is suspect given segment norms; treat 5 minutes as a realistic expectation
- Limited US availability (dynamrc.com notes UK/CA stock; US buyers via Motion RC or Monkey Hobby)
- iStone gyro is not equivalent to AS3X + SAFE Select; it stabilizes but does not self-level or offer Panic Recovery
Verdict: The right choice for the budget-conscious intermediate pilot who wants a real RTF package and does not need maximum performance. If you already own a radio and are comfortable setting up a PNP, the E-flite 64mm Smart is worth the extra investment.
Perfect for: Pilots who want the cheapest RTF 64mm A-10 and understand the 4S performance ceiling.
#4 E-flite A-10 Thunderbolt II Twin 64mm EDF Smart — The Easiest Serious Hog
Wingspan: 1149 mm | Format: BNF Basic | Battery: 6S 3200–4000mAh EC5/IC5 | Price: $459–480
→ Check the current price on Amazon
Note: ASIN B09S3ZHT9Z for EFL011500 could not be live-verified at time of writing (Amazon blocks automated checks). Confirm this is the current Smart version, not the older EFL01150, before purchasing.
The E-flite 64mm Smart is the most polished plug-and-fly A-10 in the class and the one most pilots who research carefully end up choosing. "Easiest to fly Hog yet" is E-flite's own marketing line, and for once it is not overreach: AS3X + SAFE Select, 9 digital servos, Smart ESC telemetry, electric retracts with shock-absorbing struts, and 100+ mph GPS-verified speed combine into a package that rewards an intermediate pilot without punishing mistakes as harshly as the FMS 70mm or Freewing 80mm.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 11-blade 64mm fans; high-RPM brushless outrunner motors
- ESC: Spektrum Avian Dual 40A Smart ESC with telemetry; optional thrust reversing
- Battery: 6S 22.2V 3200–4000mAh 30+C, EC5/IC5
- AUW: 2324g (82 oz) with 4000mAh 6S battery; 1732g (61 oz) airframe
- Servos: 9 digital (installed)
- Retracts: Electric, shock-absorbing struts; metal-geared nose-steering servo
- CG: 55–70mm from wing leading edge at fuselage
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: BNF Basic (Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 transmitter required); PNP variant also available
Pros:
- GPS-verified 111 mph clean / 95 mph dirty — the fastest 64mm A-10
- SAFE Select + AS3X genuinely lowers the EDF skill floor
- Smart ESC telemetry surfaces real-time voltage and current to a compatible Spektrum transmitter — practical for managing 6S packs
- "Pillow soft" full-flap landings reported by multiple owners; functional flaps make approach management intuitive
- 100+ flights of documented abuse in community threads
- Shock-absorbing electric retracts are significantly more durable than the earlier AR636 version
Cons:
- Nose gear is the documented weak point. Multiple owners have ripped the nose gear out in grass; a dedicated YouTube video and HobbySquawk thread cover the fix (FMS/E-flite oleo strut swap). Pavement strongly preferred
- Rating conflict: Tower Hobbies shows 4.3/5; E-flite's own site shows 3.1/5. The gap is likely explained by different buyer demographics (Tower buyers tend to be more experienced), but it is worth noting
- BNF format: needs a Spektrum radio. If you don't own one, add $150–400 to the all-in cost
- Flight time: ~5 minutes on a 4000mAh 6S is normal. Box claims are not.
Verdict: The best-supported, best-documented 64mm A-10 on the market. If you own a Spektrum radio and want the safest path to flying a scale A-10, this is the pick.
Perfect for: Intermediate pilots with a Spektrum transmitter who want the easiest-to-fly serious A-10 with strong community support and manufacturer backing.
#5 Freewing A-10 Thunderbolt II V3 Twin 64mm — The Newest and Most Scale
Wingspan: 1270 mm | Format: PNP | Battery: 6S 4000–5000mAh | Price: $489
Primary retailer: motionrc.com — verify availability before ordering; Motion RC showed an out-of-stock indicator at time of research.
Released October 2025, the Freewing V3 is the most recent 64mm A-10 and the largest in the class at 1270mm wingspan. It is an entirely new design — not an update to the V1 or V2 — and community reception has been positive despite its recent arrival.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 12-blade 64mm EDF; 2840-2200KV outrunner motors
- ESC: Twin 50A, thrust-reversing capable (6S)
- Battery: 6S 22.2V 4000–5000mAh (Admiral 5000mAh 6S 50C recommended)
- Servos: Digital, ball-linked (installed)
- Retracts: CNC-machined shock-absorbing struts, scale gear doors
- Wingspan note: 1270mm figure from ChinaHobbyLine third-party review; confirm against Motion RC spec tab before citing in performance context
- Build time: 1–2 hours (quick-release auto-connect wings, glueless assembly)
- Skill level: Intermediate
Pros:
- 1270mm wingspan is the largest 64mm A-10 — more presence in the air
- CG points clearly marked on wings (something pilots of older Freewing models had to source from community posts)
- Quick-release auto-connect wings reduce field setup time significantly
- 4.8/5 from 39 reviews at Motion RC (early adopter sample, but positive)
- "Very, very scale flier" — HobbySquawk early-owner consensus is that it handles predictably
Cons:
- PNP format: needs radio, receiver, battery, and charger — higher all-in cost than the Dynam, comparable to the E-flite once you factor in electronics
- No AS3X or SAFE Select (Freewing PNPs don't include Spektrum stabilization); you can add an aftermarket stabilizer (FrSky S6R, Spektrum AR637T) but it adds cost and setup time
- Two early-owner issues flagged: (1) nose-gear door front hinge pops out of place on extension for some units — support tickets filed, worth watching for a firmware/hardware revision; (2) some pilots report the outrunner motors struggle to match 6S inrunner-equipped planes when flying full ordnance — one owner switched to inrunner motors as an upgrade
- Stock is limited; confirmed out-of-stock at Motion RC at time of research
Verdict: The best choice for the Freewing ecosystem buyer who wants the most current design and largest wingspan in the 64mm class. The lack of integrated stabilization is the main trade versus the E-flite; if you are comfortable with a PNP setup and don't need SAFE Select, the V3 is compelling. Just verify stock before committing.
Perfect for: Experienced intermediate pilots in the Freewing/Motion RC ecosystem who want the newest, largest 64mm A-10 and don't need manufacturer-integrated stabilization.
#6 FMS A-10 Thunderbolt II V2 Twin 70mm — Scale Step-Up for Experienced Pilots
Wingspan: 1500 mm | Format: PNP | Battery: 6S 5000mAh 45C (or 2× 3300mAh + Y-harness) | Price: $669.99
Primary retailer: fmshobby.com
The FMS A-10 70mm V2 is the scale flagship from FMS and the largest foam A-10 on 70mm fans. At 1500mm wingspan and ~4100g with a battery, this is not a forgiving platform: FMS markets it explicitly "for experienced modellers." But the V2 addressed the most commonly cited V1 failure point — the nose gear — with a redesigned system, which makes the current version meaningfully more reliable than the original.
Specs:
- Fan: Twin 70mm 12-blade EDF V2; 2860 1850Kv inrunner motors
- ESC: Twin Hobbywing 80A (V2 upgrade from 70A) with external 8A BEC
- AUW: ~4100g (9 lb) with battery
- Battery: 6S 5000mAh 45C; or 2× 3300mAh 6S with Y-harness for longer flight (community-recommended)
- Servos: 5× 13g + 4× 23g metal-gear (V2 upgraded elevator/rudder to 23g)
- Retracts: Locked-rotor e-retracts; CNC metal landing gear with bearings
- CG: 80–85mm from wing leading edge
- Wingspan: 1500mm / Length: 1368mm
- Skill level: Experienced (FMS own rating)
V2 changelog (10 changes from V1):
- Dual ESC upgrade: 70A → Hobbywing 80A + 8A BEC
- Elevator/rudder servo upgrade: 17g → 23g metal
- Redesigned nose gear with reduced play
- Soft wing connectors
- More elevator throw
- Tougher tires
- Robust canopy latch
- Enlarged battery bay
Pros:
- 1500mm wingspan is genuine scale presence — looks correct in the air at a proper flying field
- Inrunner motors are more efficient and capable at 6S than outrunner equivalents in the same nacelle
- V2 nose gear redesign addresses V1's most documented failure mode; replacement front gear systems are available (~$73.99) for the inevitable hard landing
- Dual 3300mAh Y-harness trick is widely documented and gives noticeably longer flights than a single 5000mAh
- Hobbywing ESCs are a step up in build quality from generic house-brand units
Cons:
- No stabilization whatsoever (PNP, no receiver included) — this is an experienced-pilot platform
- ~4100g AUW requires a smooth, firm surface or pavement; grass operations are harder on this airframe than the Freewing 80mm which was specifically designed for grass
- Gear is still the consumable wear item despite V2 improvements; stock up on replacement front gear before flying
- $669.99 is a significant price increase over 64mm models with comparable real-world performance on a typical club field
Verdict: The right step if you have flown 64mm EDF jets with confidence for a season and want true 70mm scale performance. Not the right first A-10.
Perfect for: Experienced intermediate-to-advanced pilots who specifically want 70mm power, inrunner motors, and FMS parts ecosystem support.
#7 Freewing A-10 Thunderbolt II Super Scale Twin 80mm V2 — The Definitive Foam Hog
Wingspan: 1700 mm | Format: PNP / PNP+gyro / ARF Plus | Battery: 2× 6S 5000–6000mAh | Price: $699
Primary retailer: motionrc.com — verify availability; showed out-of-stock at time of research.
The Freewing 80mm V2 is, without much debate, the best foam A-10 on the market. At 1700mm — the largest foam A-10 made — it was designed from the ground up to be "the most grass-capable PNP EDF on the market," with trailing-link main gear, foam rubber tires over 3 inches tall and 1 inch wide, and metal trunnions with 5mm hardened steel pins. It is the only A-10 in the lineup that has been explicitly tested for takeoff from 3-inch-tall grass.
Specs:
- Fan: Base V2 PNP: Twin 3530-1900Kv outrunner motors with 9-blade 80mm EDFs; also available as a gyro version: Twin 3658-2150Kv inrunner motors with 12-blade 80mm EDFs + pre-installed Freewing EG01 6-axis gyro; ARF Plus also available
- ESC: Twin 100A with reverse thrust, EC5
- Battery: Two 6S 22.2V 5000–6000mAh (2× Admiral 5000mAh 6S 50C recommended)
- Retracts: Metal trunnions, 5mm hardened steel pins, trailing-link mains, scale oleo nose, foam rubber 3"+ tires — grass-capable
- Servos: Digital metal-gear, ball-linked (installed on PNP)
- AUW: Not officially published in grams; large 6S scale class; two 6S packs required
- CG: Marked; community consensus is ~20mm aft of stock marking for best handling
- Wingspan: 1700mm
- Skill level: Intermediate-to-Experienced (Motion RC "intermediate"; not a beginner jet)
- 90mm bolt-on nacelle conversion available (upgrade path)
Pros:
- The most grass-capable PNP EDF built; trailing-link landing gear and 3"+ tires tested in 3-inch grass
- 1700mm wingspan is commanding in the air
- Reverse thrust makes paved-runway deceleration genuinely manageable — the wheel bearings are so smooth the plane barely rolls on its own
- SMC 5900/6700 HV packs + aft CG + outermost control rod holes = approximately 6 minutes mixed-throttle flight (owner-confirmed)
- "Lands amazing" — consistent community report; no porpoise bounce with correct CG
- Inrunner-with-gyro variant (3658-2150Kv + EG01) adds meaningful stabilization for pilots stepping up from 64mm
Cons:
- Two 6S packs required: double the battery cost and charge time
- V2 has slight negative ground incidence (a Freewing design trend to reduce landing bounce) — some owners add a ~1/4" nose-gear spacer to level the airframe for takeoff roll
- V1 owners documented RF interference issues (fix: add RF chokes); V2 design should address this but worth verifying
- Inrunner vs. outrunner debate is active: inrunners reportedly benefit more from high-C packs (community observed ~6% top speed / ~10% vertical improvement on high-C vs low-C packs)
- The PNP+gyro version adds cost; for pilots who want full AS3X-grade stabilization, a Spektrum AR637T add-on is still the more configurable option
Verdict: The best foam A-10 you can buy. If the price point and the "two 6S packs" requirement are not obstacles, this is the one to own. The V2 addresses every meaningful complaint from the V1 era and adds the grass-capability that makes it field-practical beyond club pavement.
Perfect for: Experienced intermediate-to-advanced pilots who want the definitive scale foam A-10, are comfortable with PNP setup, and have a proper flying field.
#8 Flite Test FT A-10 Warthog MKR2 — The Builder's Path
Wingspan: 1537 mm (60.5 in) | Format: KIT (airframe only) | Price: $99.99
Primary retailer: store.flitetest.com
The FT A-10 is the only foam-board kit in the lineup — 11 laser-cut sheets that fold and glue into a 60.5-inch A-10. It is the cheapest path to a large A-10, the most repairable airframe in the class, and the most customizable. It is also the most demanding build on this list.
Specs:
- Wingspan: 1537mm (60.5 in)
- CG: 2.5 inches from the leading edge
- Kit contents: 11 laser-cut foam board sheets, firewalls, pushrods, duct formers, landing gear, wheels — airframe only
- Electronics: NOT included (twin park-class motors/EDFs, 2 ESCs, 4+ servos, battery, radio all buyer-supplied)
- Power: Flies on 4S; 3S adequate for gentle flight, 4S for full aerobatics
- Build time: ~7 hours
- Skill level: Advanced build; "trainer-like tendencies" once flying
What the build actually requires:
- Hot glue gun
- Hobby knife and cutting mat
- Ruler and square
- Soldering iron (connectors, ESC wiring)
- Basic electronics sourcing: 2 EDFs (
$30–60 each), 2 ESCs ($20–35 each), 4 servos ($5–10 each), 4S LiPo ($30)
Pros:
- $100 for the airframe is the cheapest large A-10 by a factor of four
- If you crash it, you fold another panel — repairability is unmatched
- Fully customizable; the FT community has documented fixed-gear solutions, belly-land options, ESC cooling mods, and custom paint schemes
- "Trainer-like tendencies" in the air despite the twin-EDF layout — FT's own build coverage confirms this
- Built-to-order involvement: you understand every part of the plane before it flies
Cons:
- ~7-hour build is realistic only for pilots with some bench experience
- No scale finish possible (foam board aesthetic is not equivalent to molded EPO)
- All electronics must be sourced separately; the $100 airframe price doesn't tell the real all-in story
- Fixed-gear solutions exist but are not stock; retracts require significant additional work
- Less vertical performance than any 6S EPO model in the lineup (4S park-class motors)
Verdict: The correct choice for the builder who owns a box of spare electronics, values repairability above scale finish, and finds the build itself worthwhile. Not the right pick for a pilot who wants to be in the air in a weekend.
Perfect for: RC builders with existing electronics who want a cheap, repairable, customizable large A-10 and don't need scale fidelity.
#9 T-One Models 1/7-Scale A-10 — The Composite Ceiling
Wingspan: ~2500 mm | Format: ARF (composite) | Price: EDF ARF ~$2,395 / Turbine ARF ~$5,395–5,895
Primary retailer: pacificrcjets.com
The T-One is the ceiling of the market — a composite sandwich core A-10 with optional 15 HV metal servos pre-installed, designed for twin KingTech K85–K102 turbines or large EDF ducting. CG 120–130mm from the leading edge. Electric gear with brakes and a T-One gear controller. Operational canopy and scale cockpit.
At $2,395 EDF ARF or $5,895 turbine-ready, this is built-to-order expert territory. The AMA turbine waiver requirements apply (50 documented high-performance flights minimum, 20 buddy-box flights with an experienced turbine pilot, $35 waiver fee). It is included here because serious A-10 pilots researching the market should know it exists — and because knowing the ceiling helps calibrate the rest of the ladder.
Specs Comparison Table
| Model | Wingspan | AUW | Battery | Fan | ESC | CG | Retracts | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMX 30mm | 562 mm | ultra-micro | 2S/3S 450–850mAh | 2× 30mm | integrated | per manual | Fixed | AS3X + SAFE Select |
| XFly 50mm | 1000 mm | 1190g | 4S 2200–2600mAh | 2× 50mm 12-blade | 2× 40A | per manual | Fixed | None |
| Dynam 64mm V2 | 1080 mm | 1000g | 4S 2200mAh | 2× 64mm | 2× 40A | 70–75mm | Servoless e-retract | iStone 6-axis |
| E-flite 64mm Smart | 1149 mm | 2324g (w/batt) | 6S 3200–4000mAh | 2× 11-blade 64mm | Dual 40A Smart | 55–70mm | Electric shock-absorb | AS3X + SAFE Select |
| Freewing V3 64mm | 1270 mm | [unpublished] | 6S 4000–5000mAh | 2× 12-blade 64mm | 2× 50A | marked | CNC shock-absorb | None (optional add-on) |
| FMS 70mm V2 | 1500 mm | ~4100g | 6S 5000mAh | 2× 70mm 12-blade | 2× HW 80A | 80–85mm | CNC metal with bearings | None (PNP) |
| Freewing 80mm V2 | 1700 mm | [unpublished] | 2× 6S 5000–6000mAh | 2× 80mm 9/12-blade | 2× 100A | marked (+20mm aft) | Trailing-link, 3"+ tires | Optional (gyro variant) |
| FT A-10 MKR2 | 1537 mm | builder-dep. | 4S (builder-supplied) | 2× park-class | builder-supplied | 2.5 in from LE | Optional (builder) | None |
| T-One 1/7 | ~2500 mm | expert-class | turbine/large EDF | turbine/large EDF | expert-class | 120–130mm | Electric w/brakes | [SPEC MANQUANTE — vérifier] |
Kit vs RTF: The Real Cost Breakdown
"Kit vs RTF" is the most common anxiety question in A-10 searches, and most articles either skip it or treat it superficially. Here is the honest breakdown.
What "kit" actually means for an A-10 buyer
There are three distinct tiers, and they are not equivalent:
Tier 1 — PNP/ARF "kit" (the most common path): Freewing, FMS, or XFly PNP. The "build" is 1–2 hours of attaching wings and tail, plugging servo connectors, and applying scale details. You need hex drivers, foam-safe CA or epoxy for any touch-ups, and a soldering iron if you are making custom connector changes. There is no structural work and no covering. This is what the vast majority of buyers mean when they say "kit."
Tier 2 — Foam-board KIT (Flite Test FT A-10, $99.99): A genuine kit. ~7 hours of folding and gluing 11 laser-cut foam sheets, plus sourcing and installing twin EDFs, ESCs, servos, battery, and radio. Skill floor: a handy intermediate pilot with basic soldering experience. The finished plane flies trainer-like, but the build is real work.
Tier 3 — Composite/balsa giant-scale (T-One Models): Expert territory. Epoxy, fiberglass, retract and brake plumbing, turbine or large EDF installation, 13–15 servos. Not realistic for most pilots.
Total all-in cost (2026 USD estimates)
BNF path — E-flite 64mm Smart:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airframe (EFL011500 BNF) | $460–480 |
| 6S 4000mAh LiPo (×1 starter) | $60–90 |
| 6S balance charger | $60–120 |
| Spektrum radio (if you don't own one) | $150–400 |
| Total (with radio) | ~$730–1,090 |
| Total (radio already owned) | ~$580–690 |
PNP path — FMS 70mm V2:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airframe (PNP) | $670 |
| 6S 5000mAh packs (×2, Y-harness trick) | $120–180 |
| 6S balance charger | $60–120 |
| Radio + receiver | $150–400 |
| Total (with radio) | ~$1,000–1,370 |
Foam-board KIT path — Flite Test FT A-10:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airframe kit | $100 |
| 2× EDF/motor combos | $60–120 |
| 2× ESCs | $40–70 |
| 4× servos | $20–40 |
| 4S LiPo | $25–35 |
| Radio + receiver (if needed) | $150–400 |
| Total (with radio) | ~$395–765 |
| Total (electronics owned, radio owned) | ~$100–125 |
Does a kit outperform RTF?
No — and it is worth being direct about this. A foam-board FT A-10 does not out-fly a molded EPO PNP in scale fidelity, surface finish, or maximum performance. A composite T-One ARF decisively out-performs foam in all categories — durability, scale accuracy, turbine capability — at 5–25 times the price and expert-only skill.
For the large majority of buyers, the PNP/BNF path is the right answer. The FT kit is the correct choice for builders who want cost, repairability, and the satisfaction of building. Composite is for the dedicated scale jet pilot who has the skill and budget to match.
Battery selection matters for any path. The RC Plane LiPo Battery Guide covers 6S pack selection, C-rating reality versus marketing claims, and safe storage — worth reading before you spend $90 on packs.
What Kills A-10s on the Maiden
These are the four failure modes that appear across community threads regardless of which model you buy.
1. Nose gear into grass
The single most documented failure mode in the class. Every A-10 below the Freewing 80mm V2 has a nose gear that is not designed for uneven grass. It catches, folds, and either flips the plane or rips the gear out of the fuselage. The Freewing 80mm V2 is the only model specifically engineered for grass (trailing-link gear, 3"+ tires). For every other model: use pavement, or hand-launch with gear removed and belly-land.
The E-flite 64mm Smart has a documented nose-gear upgrade path (FMS/E-flite oleo strut swap; covered on YouTube and HobbySquawk). The FMS 70mm V2 redesigned its nose gear in V2, and replacement front gear sets are stocked at ~$73.99. Still: pavement first.
2. Stalling on approach
EDF jets have a meaningfully higher stall speed than prop-driven trainers. The A-10's straight, high-lift wing makes it more forgiving than a delta or swept design, but the wide nacelles add drag and the twin fans produce no prop wash over the control surfaces. Getting slow on final — especially combined with a bank — produces a tip stall that arrives without the warning a trainer gives you. The fix: carry more speed than feels necessary, use full flaps (E-flite only, in this lineup), and treat the throttle as an active part of the approach. The RC EDF Jets guide covers EDF approach technique in detail.
3. EDF throttle lag and chopping power early
Electric ducted fans have measurably more throttle lag than brushed or brushless prop motors. Pilots transitioning from trainers consistently chop throttle on short final, then find themselves below stall speed with no motor response to save the approach. The habit to build: manage energy from the downwind leg, not the base turn. Never chop to idle above the runway.
4. Mismatched ESC arming or single-fan failure on takeoff
Twin-EDF coordination is non-negotiable. If one fan spools and the other does not, the asymmetric thrust on a takeoff roll produces an uncontrollable yaw followed by a fast ground loop. Standard pre-flight: stand behind the plane at full throttle and visually confirm both fans spinning before every takeoff. Spektrum Smart ESC telemetry (E-flite 64mm) helps catch this in the air; for PNP models without telemetry, visual check is the only check.
CG and Battery Notes
Run aft CG. The near-universal community recommendation across the 64mm and 80mm classes is to run CG approximately 20mm aft of the neutral/stock marking. This improves pitch authority, makes the plane more responsive in turns, and — critically — reduces the "nose-heavy hard landing" failure mode where the main gear absorbs the landing correctly but the nose drops onto the runway immediately after. The official CG ranges are conservative; aft CG within the recommended envelope is not dangerous, it is better.
6S pack selection: For 64mm models, a 4000mAh 6S 45C is the standard starting point. The Freewing 80mm V2 owners who report the best results use SMC 5900–6700mAh HV packs — HV chemistry (4.35V/cell charge) gives meaningfully more capacity and the inrunner variant reportedly benefits from higher C-rating more than the outrunner. The LiPo Battery Guide has detailed 6S selection advice including the C-rating reality gap between honest brands (Gens Ace, Spektrum Smart) and budget packs.
FMS 70mm dual-pack trick: Running 2× 3300mAh 6S packs on a Y-harness instead of one 5000mAh pack is the community-documented way to get longer flights from the FMS 70mm. Both cells discharge simultaneously; combined capacity (6600mAh) exceeds the single-pack option, and the weight distribution is more balanced.
Which A-10 Should You Buy?
You're a beginner who really wants an A-10. Don't buy one yet. Fly a trainer until you can land consistently. Then fly a low-wing sport plane. Then consider the UMX 30mm as a bridge. There is no shortcut here.
You want the easiest serious A-10 and own a Spektrum radio. → E-flite 64mm Smart (EFL011500). Best community support, AS3X + SAFE Select, Smart telemetry, documented upgrade paths. Use pavement, run aft CG, carry a replacement nose gear.
You want the newest, largest 64mm A-10 and don't need integrated stabilization. → Freewing V3 64mm ($489). Better scale, bigger wingspan, quick-release wings. Confirm stock before ordering.
You're on a budget and want a true RTF with no additional purchases. → Dynam A-10 64mm V2 (~$193 RTF). Understand the 4S performance ceiling and the iStone gyro limitations. Not equivalent to SAFE Select.
You want the best grass-capable A-10 and have the field for it. → Freewing 80mm V2 ($699). The definitive foam Hog. Two 6S packs required. Verify stock.
You want 70mm scale power and FMS parts ecosystem support. → FMS 70mm V2 ($669.99). Use pavement. Stock spare nose gear. Run the Y-harness dual-pack trick.
You want to build your A-10 and own most of the electronics already. → Flite Test FT A-10 MKR2 ($99.99). Set aside a weekend. Fly it on 4S and enjoy the repairability.
You're an experienced turbine/large EDF pilot who wants the ultimate A-10. → T-One Models 1/7 composite ARF. You already know what this involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an RC A-10 a good first jet?
No. Even the most stabilized option — the E-flite UMX 30mm with SAFE Select — assumes you have already flown RC planes and understand basic throttle management. The flight characteristics of a twin-EDF jet (throttle lag, higher stall speed, no prop wash over control surfaces) are genuinely different from a trainer. If you want your first EDF experience, the E-flite Habu SS 70mm with SAFE stabilization is the most forgiving purpose-designed first jet. The UMX A-10 is the most accessible A-10, not the most accessible EDF.
Q: How long does an RC A-10 actually fly?
Plan for 5–6 minutes on a single 6S 4000–5000mAh pack on the 64mm class, and ~6 minutes on dual 6S 5900–6700mAh HV packs on the Freewing 80mm. Box claims of 8–10 minutes are consistently wrong across the segment. The XFly 50mm is the outlier in the other direction: one owner reported as little as 2.5–3 minutes on 4S 2200mAh. Buy at least two packs; budget for a proper 6S balance charger.
Q: Do I need pavement, or can I fly from grass?
Most models in the lineup strongly prefer pavement. The nose gear on 64mm and 70mm A-10s is the documented weak point, and uneven grass causes gear failures. The sole exception is the Freewing 80mm V2, which was specifically designed for grass with trailing-link gear and 3"+ tires — and has been tested in 3-inch-tall grass. For all other models, pavement is strongly recommended.
Q: What radio do I need for a BNF A-10?
The E-flite UMX 30mm and E-flite 64mm Smart are both BNF Basic, requiring a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 transmitter. Any Spektrum radio from the DXS (entry) through the NX/iX lines will bind. If you want to use the Smart telemetry on the 64mm, you need a telemetry-capable Spektrum transmitter (DX6 Gen2 or newer). The RC Transmitter and Receiver Guide covers the full Spektrum lineup and alternatives.
Q: What is the real all-in cost for a first A-10?
For the most common path — E-flite 64mm Smart BNF, single 6S pack, charger, no existing radio — budget $730–1,090. If you already own a Spektrum radio, the number drops to $580–690. For PNP models (FMS 70mm, Freewing V3), add a receiver, second battery, and radio costs as applicable.
Q: Is the Freewing 64mm V3 available to buy?
As of the research date for this guide (June 2026), Motion RC showed an out-of-stock indicator for the V3. It was released October 2025 and sold quickly. Check motionrc.com directly for current status before ordering.
Conclusion
The RC A-10 is one of the most rewarding subjects in EDF flying — the sound, the scale, the straight wing that actually gives you a few seconds of forgiveness when you mismanage a turn. But it is not a forgiving platform for unprepared pilots, and the market is full of outdated information about which models are current.
The short version: if you own a Spektrum radio and want the easiest path to a well-supported, well-documented A-10, buy the E-flite 64mm Smart. If you want the definitive large-scale foam Hog and have the field for it, the Freewing 80mm V2 is the one. If you want to build, the Flite Test FT A-10 MKR2 at $100 gives you the airframe and the satisfaction. Avoid the discontinued V1/V2 Freewing and the old EFL01150 — the current versions are meaningfully better.
Whatever you choose: land on pavement, run aft CG, carry a spare nose gear, and do a full-throttle twin-fan check before every takeoff.
Further reading:
- RC EDF Jets: How Ducted Fan Jets Work and Best Models — EDF fundamentals and the broader jet lineup
- Best RC Jets (2026) — cross-brand comparison including 90mm and turbine options
- RC Plane LiPo Battery Guide — 6S pack selection, C-rating truth, safe storage
- RC Plane ARF vs RTF vs PNP Guide — format breakdown before you buy
- RC Warbird Guide — if the A-10 leads you toward other scale military subjects
