BetaFPV Aquila16 RTF FPV Kit

BetaFPV Aquila16 FPV Kit (RTF – ready to fly) is a complete set for analog FPV flying. It includes an assembled Aquila16 drone, LiteRadio 2 SE RC transmitter and VR03 FPV goggles. Two batteries, a USB charger, spare propellers and a carry case are also included, so the set contains everything needed for an immediate start and is particularly suitable for beginner pilots. The key feature of the set is the assisted flight mode, in which the drone maintains altitude and position on its own. This allows beginners to focus on directional control and orientation in the FPV image. The transmitter with ELRS 2.4GHz protocol and goggles with 5.8GHz reception can later also be used with other drones featuring an ELRS receiver and analog video transmitter.

Aquila16 is a 1S Tinywhoop with an 86mm motor-to-motor diagonal distance, carrying a C0 class label. Thanks to its ducted propellers and low weight, it is relatively safe to fly even indoors or near people.

• Frame: the modular frame made of durable PA12 plastic has an inverted configuration with propeller guard rings.
• Battery: the battery slides into a slot on top of the drone and connects to a fixed connector.
• Control: control is handled by the Aquila16 V1.0 board with BetaFPV firmware, configured in the BETAFPV Configurator program. The included USB-C adapter and 4pin cable are used for connection.
• Sensors: the drone is equipped with a barometer for altitude measurement and an optical position sensor (“optical flow”, detecting movement of the surface below the drone) for position hold. It also has a laser rangefinder (TOF) for maintaining altitude above obstacles.
• Receiver: ELRS receiver at 2.4GHz. It enters binding mode by connecting the battery three times.
• Power system: 1102 18000Kv motors combined with Beta 45mm tri-blade propellers.
• Video transmission: C02 camera with integrated video transmitter rated at 25/350mW (manufacturer-rated range approx. 80/200m). The camera angle can be adjusted from 15-30° by loosening the screws on the sides. The transmitter channel is switched with the SD switch between 8 frequencies, while output power is selected in the OSD menu.

Flight modes are selected with the SB switch:

• N (Normal): when the sticks are released, the drone maintains altitude and position on its own, and its tilt angle is limited, making it suitable for first flights. The optical position sensor works best above a surface with distinct texture and in sufficient lighting. Laser altitude hold is disabled by default and can be enabled in the OSD menu. We recommend flying at an altitude of 0.3-3m in this mode.
• S (Sport): when the stick is released, the drone levels itself horizontally, but altitude is controlled by the pilot using throttle.
• M (Manual): fully manual (acro) mode without assistance.

The SC switch selects SLOW, MID or FAST speed mode (in N mode max. 1.25, 3.33 and 5m/s). After crashing upside down, the drone can flip back using turtle mode, without needing to walk over to it. According to the manufacturer, the drone will hover and perform an emergency landing in case of control loss or low battery. The OSD displays battery voltage, flight time, active mode and speed mode.

Recommended batteries are original Aquila16 1S LiHV batteries with 650-1100mAh capacity and a BT2.0 connector. The package includes two 1100mAh batteries, providing up to 8 minutes of flight time (depending on flying style and environment). For M mode, the lighter 650mAh version with 60C discharge rate (approx. 5 minutes of flight time), sold separately, is more suitable.

Batteries are charged with the included BT2.0 V2 charger powered via USB-C (5V). The charger can charge two batteries simultaneously and charges a fully discharged battery in approximately 60 minutes. It also serves as a tester: after inserting a battery into the TEST port, it displays its voltage. The battery may fit tightly into the slot during the first insertions, so we recommend watching the manufacturer's video. Important notice: The battery may fall out of the drone during a hard impact.

The VR03 FPV goggles feature a 4.3" LCD display with 800x480 resolution and a 5.8GHz receiver with 48 channels. 

• Antenna: replaceable 3dBi omnidirectional antenna with RP-SMA connector.
• Recording: DVR recording in 480p resolution to a microSD card up to 64GB (card not included). Recordings are automatically split every 10 minutes and can be played back directly in the goggles.
• Power: built-in 2000mAh battery with a runtime of approximately 2 hours (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes while recording), charged via USB-C.
• Compatibility and weight: the goggles weigh 300g and work with most analog video transmitters.

The LiteRadio 2 SE RC transmitter uses the ExpressLRS 2.4GHz protocol. ExpressLRS is an advanced open-source RC system with long range, low latency and a high refresh rate.

• Specifications: transmits at 100mW, offers 8 channels with four switches (SA–SD), and is factory set to Mode 2 (throttle on the left).
• Shape: resembles a game controller and has a rubberized surface.
• Power: integrated 1S 1000mAh battery with up to 8 hours of runtime, charged via USB-C (fast charging is not supported).
• Simulators: when connected to a computer, it functions as a USB joystick, allowing training before the first flight in Liftoff, VelociDrone, DRL or DCL simulators. Liftoff directly includes an Aquila16 model.
• Maintenance: stick calibration is performed directly on the transmitter.

Benefits of the C0 class label: UAs bearing a C0 class marking or privately built UAs weighing up to 250 g may fly in subcategory A1, which in practice means almost anywhere, except over assemblies of people or areas prohibited by the state through UAS flight restrictions (check the website of the relevant national aviation authority. See EASA). In the Czech Republic, a special web application of Air Traffic Control, s.p. is used for pre-flight UAS operation planning, familiarization with the airspace layout at a given location, and identification of potential conflicts including relevant procedures.

BETAFPV Configurator · Firmware · Guidelines for Safe Use of LiPo Batteries