The ultimate guide to E-flite Night Radian FT 2.0m PNP: A premium sailor for enthusiastic RC pilots

If you are looking for a high-quality RC sailplane that is suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots, the Night Radian FT from E-flite could be just the right thing for you. This model with an impressive span of 2.0 meters offers unique flight characteristics and innovative features that make it a coveted piece in the RC aircraft community. In this comprehensive article we will examine all aspects of this remarkable sailor - from technical data to customer reviews and practical tips for optimal operation.

Technical specifications and equipment

The electric sailor from E-flite convinces with its sophisticated design and high-quality components. Here are the most important technical data at a glance:

Particularly noteworthy is the integrated LED lighting, which sets the night-black sailor spectacularly in the dark and allows impressive night flights. The brushless external rotor motor ensures reliable climbing flights and offers enough power reserves to free the sailor from difficult situations.

Customer reviews and experiences

The electric night sailor of E-flite enjoys an excellent reputation in the RC community. Many pilots report exceptionally positive experiences with this model.

Flight behaviour and handling

Customers especially praise the balanced flight characteristics. The sailor shows himself from his best side both in quiet thermal flights and in more dynamic maneuvers. A hobbyist with 15 years of flight experience describes the flight behavior as "too perfectly balanced" and emphasizes the good response to Thermik.

Another enthusiastic pilot highlights the stability: "Even at medium wind speeds, the Night Radian is full of air and can be precisely controlled. This is an enormous advantage for beginners."

Construction and material quality

Material quality is consistently rated positively. The EPO foam used is robust and also keeps smaller crashes well. A customer reports: "After a hard landing on rocky background, only minimal scratches were to be seen. Structural integrity remained fully maintained."

The reinforced areas at the critical points such as wing connection and motor mounting are particularly appreciated. The preassembled structure saves time and minimizes construction risks.

LED lighting system

The integrated LED system receives enthusiastic reviews. "The night flights with the sailor are a true spectacle," a user swarms. "The LEDs are bright enough to make the model visible even at a greater distance without using excessive power."

Test results and performance data

Flight times

In various tests, the night glider reaches impressive flight times. With a recommended 3S 2200mAh LiPo battery, engine lifespans of 8-10 minutes are realistic. This allows total flight times of 20-30 minutes or more when using Thermik in a skillful manner.

An experienced test pilot could even reach flight times of more than 45 minutes in ideal conditions and thermal support. "The efficient aerodynamics and the low weight make the sailor a true continuous glider," he concluded.

Increased power

The climbing power convinces on the whole line. The built-in engine catapults the sailor in combination with the recommended battery at considerable heights in a short time. In tests, gradients of about 3-4 m/s were measured, which is above average for a sailor of this size class.

"From the hand-starting capability to the rapid reaching of the thermal zone - the engine performs excellent work," summarizes a tester. Particularly impressive: Even with partially unloaded battery, enough power remains for further climbing flights.

Wind suitability

In wind tests, the black night sailor showed good performance up to wind speeds of about 15-20 km/h. With stronger wind the handling becomes more demanding, but remains controllable for experienced pilots.

Practical aspects for owners and interested parties

Transport capacity

With its span of 2 meters, the glider is not the most compact but convinces with sophisticated transport solutions. The removable support surface, which can be divided into two halves, allows relatively simple transport even in smaller vehicles.

"With a suitable transport bag, the sailor is easy to transport", reports a satisfied owner. "The pluggable connections are sturdy and also often keep up and down without problems."

Spare parts supply

The spare part supply by E-flite is exemplary. Long wear parts such as propellers, servos and small parts are readily available. Structural spare parts can also be obtained easily via specialist trade or direct channels.

A customer reports: "After an unfortunate crash, I could obtain all required parts within a few days. The repair was uncomplicated thanks to the modular design."

Target group and application areas

The elegant night glider is aimed at a wide audience:

• Advanced beginnerswho appreciate a good-natured, forgiven flight behavior
• Experienced pilotslooking for a versatile sailor for different flight styles
• Night flight enthusiastswho want to enjoy the special experience of an illuminated sailor
• Thermikfliegerwho strive for long, relaxed sliding sessions

Thanks to its versatility, the model is suitable for both cozy evenings and more demanding thermal hunting. The LED lighting extends the range of applications to the twilight and night.

Construction and preparation

Installation time and complexity

Since it is a PNP model (plug-and-play), the assembly is minimal. Most components are already installed. Experienced users report assembly times between 1-2 hours for complete flight preparation.

A customer describes the process: "After unpacking, I only had to install the receiver, connect the servos and mount the support surfaces. The electronic components are already cleanly installed and wired."

Guidance and documentation

The accompanying guide is evaluated primarily positively. It contains detailed step instructions with meaningful illustrations. The recommendations on the setting of the center of gravity and the rudder deflections are highlighted as helpful.

"The guide is clearly structured and also leads newcomers safely through the construction," says a buyer. "I particularly liked the section on the flight phases with practical tips for different flight scenarios."

Community support and resources

An active community has formed around the E-flite Night Radian. In various forums and social media there are numerous discussions, tips and modifications.

Particular emphasis should be given to:

• Specialized Facebook groups with hundreds of active members
• YouTube channels with flight tutorials and maintenance instructions
• Regular meetings and events especially for night flights

A long-term owner reports: "The community has helped me with many questions and gave inspiration for modifications. The exchange with other owners is incredibly valuable."

Alternative models and competition comparison

Multiplex EasyGlider 4

The multiplex EasyGlider 4 is a popular alternative with similar size. Compared to Night Radian, he offers:

• A bit more robust design for harder landings
• Lower purchase costs
• No integrated lighting
• Less elegant design

"The EasyGlider is a really solid model, but the Night Radian is missing in terms of elegance and night flightability," summarizes a pilot who has both models.

Multiplex TwinStar BL

As a double-engine alternative, the Multiplex TwinStar BL offers interesting comparison points:

• Higher engine power by two engines
• More stability in wind influences
• More complex mechanics and higher weight
• Lower thermal capacity than the E-flite sailor

"For more dynamic flights, the TwinStar is worth considering, but as a pure sailor, he cannot keep up with the Night Radian," says an experienced RC pilot.

Multicolor

As a STOL alternative (Short Take-Off and Landing), FunCub XL offers a different flight experience:

• Better short-start and landing skills
• Less elegant flight image
• More all-round capabilities through STOL design
• Higher power consumption

"While the FunCub is more an all-rounder, the Night Radian remains the specialist for elegant sailing flights and impressive night flights," says a comparative test.

Value for money

With a price level of approximately 230 euros, the night glider is positioned in the middle price segment for RC sailors of this size. In relation to the quality offered, the pre-installed components and especially the LED system, the price-performance ratio of many customers is rated as excellent.

"In view of the construction quality, the built-in electronics and especially the sophisticated LED system, the price is more than justified," says a long-term RC enthusiast. "Comparable models without lighting cost similar, but offer fewer features."

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Battery optimisation

For optimal flight performance, experienced pilots recommend:

• 3S LiPo battery with 2500-3000 mAh for longer flight times
• Lighter 2200 mAh batteries for better climbing rates
• Use of batteries with at least 25C discharge rate
• Careful focus adjustment for different battery types

"With a high-quality 3S 2800mAh LiPo, I was able to significantly extend the flight time without compromising the climb rate," reports a satisfied owner.

Performance increase

For pilots who want more performance, there are proven modifications:

• Installation of a stronger motor (e.g. 1000-1200KV)
• Adjustment of propeller size for more thrust
• Upgrade to a 4S compatible controller and 4S LiPo for more power
• Lightweight construction by using carbon reinforcements

"With a motor upgrade and a 4S setup, the rate has almost doubled," a technology-enhancing pilot is fading. "The additional 200g thrust is clearly noticeable."

LED optimization

The following adaptations are recommended to improve the night flight characteristics:

• Addition of lighting at additional points for better visibility
• Installation of a separate battery only for the LED system
• Color adjustments for better orientation (e.g. different colors for left/right)
• Waterproof sealing of LEDs for flights with high humidity

"The additional LED strips at the wing tips have significantly improved orientation in the dark," says a night flight enthusiast.

Transport solutions

In order to optimize transport, the following approaches have proven:

• Special transport bags with reinforced compartments
• Self-built mounts for the trunk
• Protective tubes for sensitive surfaces
• Quick release systems for faster up and down

"With my self-built transport box, I can safely transport the sailor and at the same time have space for accessories and tools," explains a creative owner.

Frequent questions and problems of users

Recipient selection and compatibility

Question: Which receiver is best suited for the black night glider?

Answer: Most spectrum compatible receivers work smoothly. Particularly recommended are:

• AR631+ spectrum for AS3X support
• AR620 spectrum for a cost-effective alternative
• Other DSMX/DSM2-compatible receivers with at least 6 channels

During installation, attention should be paid to the correct alignment and secure attachment. A central position with good antenna alignment improves the range.

Flatter problems at higher speeds

Question: My model shows flatter tendencies at higher speeds. What can I do?

Answer: This problem can have several causes:

1. Check the rudder steering on game or loose connections
2. Make sure the servos are fixed
3. Check the tread profile on twists
4. Strengthen the rudder flaps with adhesive tape on the bottom
5. Reduce the rudder rudders in the fast flight phases

"After reinforcing the rudder deflections with thin carbon, fluttering was completely disappeared," reports a pilot who successfully solved the problem.

LED failures

Question: The LEDs do not work anymore. How can I fix that?

Answer: The following steps should be taken in LED problems:

1. Check all cable connections on fractures or torch contacts
2. Test the power supply of LEDs
3. Isolate defective LED segments and replace them if necessary
4. Seal all soldering points with shrinkable insulating tube

"In my model, a wobble contact at the wing connection was the cause. After repair and additional backup, everything works perfectly again," a user reports.

Problems with the battery fit

Question: My new LiPo battery does not fit properly into the battery shaft. How do I go?

Answer: The following solutions have proved successful:

1. Check if the battery actually corresponds to the recommended measurements
2. Expand the battery shaft carefully with abrasive paper
3. Use foam as padding for smaller batteries
4. Use Velcro for secure fixation

"A slight adjustment of the battery shaft with fine abrasive paper has solved the problem without weakening the structure," reports a findy owner.

Avoid land damage

Question: How can I minimize damage during landing?

Answer: In order to avoid land damage, the following techniques are recommended:

1. Choose as soft land areas as possible as high grass
2. Land against the wind to reduce landing speed
3. Use the Butterfly function (if set up) for steeper descents
4. Strengthen the hull bottom with adhesive tape or thin GRP
5. Install a small yard on the hull floor

"Since I've put a self-adhesive Kevlar layer on the hull floor, abrasions are no longer a topic," says an experienced Night Radian pilot.

Conclusion and recommendation for purchase

The E-flite Night Radian FT 2.0m PNP (EFL3675) proves to be an exceptionally versatile and high-quality RC sailor. With its impressive span of 2 meters, the elegant design and especially the innovative LED lighting, it offers a unique flying experience that enthuses both beginners and experienced pilots.

Outstanding strengths include good-natured flight behavior, high-quality processing and impressive night flight characteristics. The active community and good spare parts supply are further convincing arguments for this model.

For whom is the night glider particularly recommended? All RC pilots who are looking for a versatile sailor with unique night flight characteristics will have their pleasure with this model. With a fair price-performance ratio and numerous possibilities for customization, the black glider offers a flying experience that is looking for the same.

Whether relaxing dusk flights, impressive night shows or relaxed thermal hunting - this sailor makes an excellent figure in every scenario and will provide many unforgettable flight experiences.