FMS Avanti V2 70mm EDF: Review and Rating

There are models that become legendary not because they are the fastest or the largest, but because they succeed in the most difficult task: being beautiful to fly. The FMS Avanti V2 in its 70mm impeller version is exactly that. For years, it has been one of the most recommended electric EDF jets for those who want to make the leap from the world of wings and warbirds to jets, and even today, many units are sold in the used market. Clean lines, inspired by real turbine sport jets, a spacious cockpit, and flight behavior that is forgiving but not boring: the Avanti is the kind of model aircraft that makes you want to go back to the field even when the battery pack is already dead.

In this review, we look at it honestly: what it truly offers, where it excels, and where it shows its weaknesses. The specifications you find below refer to the 70mm PNP version on a 6S pack; some values, where FMS documentation varies between model revisions, are indicated as approximate.

Technical Specifications

Wingspan: 900 mm (35.4 in)
Length: 1050 mm (41.3 in)
Flying Weight: approximately 1750 g with battery (approximate, depends on the pack)
Impeller: 70mm 12-blade EDF
Motor: brushless inrunner, 2860/3060 class, approximately 1850-1900 KV (approximate depending on revision)
Controller (ESC): 70-80 A with BEC
Recommended Battery: LiPo 6S 22.2V, 2600-3300 mAh
Flight Time: 3-6 minutes per charge, based on throttle management
Landing Gear: electric retractable, tricycle, with metal shock absorbers on the nose
Control Surfaces: ailerons, elevator, rudder, and functional flaps
Servos: 8 digital 9g servos with metal gears
Lighting: Navigation LEDs (red/green at wingtips, white on fuselage)
Radio Required: minimum 6 channels
Version: PNP (Plug-and-Play) — requires radio, receiver, battery, and charger
Approximate Price: approximately €230-290 depending on retailer and revision

In Flight

This is where the Avanti earns its reputation. With a short runway takeoff thanks to the flaps and damped landing gear, the model lifts off cleanly and climbs with authority without becoming nervous. The most striking thing on the first flight is the incredibly wide speed envelope: at full throttle, the 6S Avanti easily exceeds 150 km/h and has that clean, deep EDF whine that turns heads at the field, but with the throttle at 50% or less, it becomes almost silent and very docile.

Maneuverability is its true strong point. Rolls are axial and precise, loops are wide and round, and the model holds its trajectory even in fast low-altitude passes without any tendency to pitch. It's not a 3D jet, but for sport flying, fast circuits, and some aerobatic figures, it's simply delightful.

Landing is where the Avanti truly reassures: with full flaps and a bit of headwind, it slows down to a surprisingly low speed, and the stall is announced by a slight and gentle wing rock, not a sudden tip stall. It is precisely this nature that makes it, in our opinion, an excellent choice as a first EDF jet for those coming from 4S warbirds and wings, but also as a relaxing second jet for the experienced pilot who wants to enjoy flying without tension.

Pros

Excellent flight behavior: docile on landing, fun and precise at high speed
Very wide speed envelope, from slow flight to 150+ km/h on 6S
Very convincing, deep, and clean EDF sound
Retractable landing gear with metal shock absorbers that absorb imperfect runways well
Effective flaps that truly lower landing speed
Well-made PNP construction, multipin connectors at the wing root for quick assembly/disassembly
Spacious battery compartment, accommodates generous packs
Elegant lines and standard navigation LEDs
Hard-to-beat value for money in the 70mm category

Cons

Short flight time: 3-6 minutes per flight, physiological for EDFs but to be considered (more 6S packs are needed)
Speed that doesn't forgive distraction: despite being docile, it's not a trainer and must be respected
Battery connector not always consistent between revisions: worth checking before the first flight
Operating cost related to 6S packs and impeller consumption
Requires at least 6 channels and minimal centering experience: not a model to just turn on and launch

Who it's for

The FMS Avanti V2 70mm is the ideal jet for the intermediate level modeler who wants to enter the EDF world with a reliable and rewarding model. It's perfect for those who have already flown fast wings or electric warbirds and are looking for their first real jet without jumping into a turbine or an extreme EDF. It's also suitable for the experienced pilot who wants a relaxing second model, to take to the field for a couple of quick flights and go home with a smile. Not recommended for absolute beginners: the speeds involved and landing gear management require a solid piloting foundation.

Verdict

The FMS Avanti V2 70mm is one of those rare models that live up to their reputation. It flies beautifully, is great to look at and listen to, is well-built, and is priced right. The drawbacks — short flight time and some inconsistencies between revisions — are typical of the category and do not detract from the substance. If you're looking for an electric sport jet that will make you fall in love with jet flight without making your hands tremble, this is the purchase to make, new or used.

Rating: 9/10. An absolute benchmark in the 70mm category: hard to go wrong.