Avios C-130 Hercules RC Plane: Specs, Setup and Tips
The Avios C-130 Hercules is a 1600 mm (63 in) EPO foam model of the Lockheed transport, sold by HobbyKing as PNF (plug-n-fly). It flies on four 2627 1000 kV brushless motors with 18 A ESCs and a single 4S 2200 mAh LiPo, weighs about 2.4 kg and has an opening cargo ramp, retracts and lights. It needs a 7-channel or bigger radio. Below: full specs, what you need to add, setup steps and how it flies.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Avios C-130 specs
| Spec | Avios C-130 (PNF) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 1600 mm (63 in) |
| Length | 1195 mm |
| Flying weight | about 2400 g with battery |
| Material | EPO foam |
| Motors | 4 × 2627 1000 kV brushless |
| ESCs | 4 × 18 A, BEC 5 V/3 A |
| Propellers | 4 × scale 6.5 × 5 in four-blade |
| Servos | 14 × 9 g |
| Battery | 1 × 4S 2200 mAh 40–60C LiPo |
| Radio | 7 channels or more |
| Features | Opening cargo door/ramp, retracts, navigation lights |
Manufacturer figures from HobbyKing, checked October 2026. It’s offered in several schemes (military grey, Blue Angels “Fat Albert”) and in a V2 version.
What do you need to add?
- A 7+ channel transmitter and receiver (aileron, elevator, throttle, rudder, gear, cargo door and any extras).
- 4S 2200 mAh LiPo packs (40C or more) and a balance charger.
- Foam-safe glue for assembly and small repairs.
- Optional: a receiver with stabilisation (gyro) for calmer landings in wind.
Setup steps
- Assemble wing and tail with the supplied screws; check all servo plugs are connected and labelled.
- Bind the receiver and check every control moves the right way: binding guide.
- Set control throws and centre of gravity from the manual. Balance with the battery in place; move the pack, don’t add weight if possible.
- Check all four motors spin in the directions shown and props are fitted the right way round.
- Set dual rates and some expo; the big model looks best flown smoothly.
- Range check and test retracts and ramp on the ground.
How does it fly?
Four motors and a big wing let the C-130 fly slow, scale-like circuits, and the high wing makes it stable. Take-off works from short grass or tarmac; the retracts and small wheels prefer smooth surfaces. Typical points to watch:
- Land with some power; it slows down quickly when throttle is cut.
- Check retract function and wheel alignment before every flight.
- Four ESCs on one BEC: keep the servo load down and watch for brownouts.
- Time flights conservatively at first and check pack voltage after landing.
It isn’t a first plane. Fly a trainer or a slow flyer first: best slow-flying RC planes.
What scale is the Avios C-130?
The real Lockheed C-130H has a wingspan of about 40.4 m and a length of about 29.8 m. With 1600 mm span and 1195 mm length, the Avios model works out at roughly 1:25 scale. That’s small enough to transport in one piece in many cars once the wing is off, and large enough to look convincing in the air.
| Check before each flight | Why |
|---|---|
| All four props tight and undamaged | One loose prop causes strong yaw and vibration |
| All four motors start together | Uneven ESC calibration makes it swing on take-off |
| Retracts lock up and down | Half-retracted gear collapses on landing |
| Cargo door closed and latched | An open ramp changes trim and drag |
| CG with the pack in place | Tail-heavy transports stall without warning |
Other Avios models
Avios is HobbyKing’s scale brand and also makes foam warbirds, jets and other transports. Many share the same approach: EPO, PNF, lots of scale features for the price. Larger multi-engine scale models from other makers are listed in RC airplane companies.
FAQ
Is the Avios C-130 good?
For a pilot who can fly a four-channel plane, it is a large, stable and very scale-looking model with many features for the money.
What battery does the Avios C-130 need?
One 4S 2200 mAh LiPo with 40–60C.
How many channels for the Avios C-130?
At least 7: four flight controls plus retracts and the cargo door.
Is there an Avios B-52?
Check HobbyKing’s current range; multi-engine bombers have been offered by several foam brands, but availability changes.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
