Volantex ASW28 Review: affordable RC glider

If there's one model that has brought dozens of beginners into the world of radio-controlled soaring in recent years, that model is the Volantex ASW28. A scaled-down reproduction of the famous German glider Schleicher ASW 28, this electric motor glider with a wingspan of about 2.5 meters has a precise merit: making an accessible, at a very contained price, a flying experience that until a few years ago required more expensive models and a good dose of experience. Brushless motor for climbing, folding propeller for silent soaring, robust construction, and little electronics to manage: on paper, it's the ideal affordable electric glider for those who want to learn to search for thermals without spending a fortune.

I've flown it enough to tell you what it's really like, beyond the dealer specifications. In this review, you'll find the real specifications, flight behavior, concrete advantages, and defects that are honest to know before purchasing.

Technical Specifications

The Volantex ASW28 (code 759-1, now in the V2 revision) is a hybrid of foam and plastic: wings and tailplanes in EPO, while the fuselage is made of molded plastic (unibody, ABS type), a solution that gives it a clean look and good impact resistance. Here are the main data, largely confirmed by official Volantex datasheets and major retailers:

Wingspan: approximately 2540 mm (some versions declared 2600 mm / 2.6 m)
Length: approximately 1132 mm
Flying weight: approximately 1050 g (indicative)
Motor: brushless outrunner 4018, from about 850 to 1050 kv depending on the series
Propeller: folding, to reduce drag during soaring
ESC: 30A 2~3S with integrated BEC
Servos: 6 x 9g servos
Recommended battery: LiPo 3S 11.1V, 1500-2200 mAh (3S is the maximum recommended)
Radio: a 6-channel transmitter is required
Materials: EPO wings and tail, molded plastic fuselage
Versions: KIT, PNP (plug-and-play, without radio/battery) and RTF (ready-to-fly)
Indicative price: approximately 130-180 € for the PNP version (variable by retailer and promotions)

Version 2 introduced a couple of useful improvements: two spars per wing half instead of one, for greater rigidity in turns and motorized dives, and a plastic attachment that makes wing assembly quicker and more secure. These are significant details on a model also designed for beginners.

In Flight

The climb is where the ASW28 surprises those coming from pure glider flying. The 4018, powered by 3S, has ample thrust for a glider of this size: at full throttle, it climbs steeply and quickly, bringing you to working altitude in a few seconds. It's almost never necessary to keep the throttle full for long; on the contrary, it's better to climb in bursts, gain altitude, and then cut the motor to start looking for rising air.

With the throttle cut, the propeller folds back and the glider shows its true nature. Soaring is the model's best quality: with a contained weight and a generous wingspan, the ASW28 glides cleanly, is very forgiving, and remains stable even with hands off the sticks. It's a calm glider, not a nervous sport model, and that's exactly what makes it an excellent testbed for learning.

In thermal searching, the model proves sensitive enough to signal good air: when it enters an updraft, it lifts a wing or hints at climbing, and with wide, coordinated turns, it manages to exploit the bubbles well. It doesn't have the extreme efficiency of a composite competition glider, but for light slope and flatland thermals, it does its job more than honestly. In favorable conditions, users report remarkable flight times: with a 2200 mAh 3S pack, some talk about 30-45 minutes in the air by exploiting updrafts, with the motor almost completely off.

Landing is easy and predictable. The stall speed is low, the model floats well on final approach, and lands gently on the grass. The plastic fuselage absorbs slightly long arrivals without drama, and this tolerance for errors is gold for a beginner. A tip: with sustained wind, it's advisable to add a little ballast or at least fly more decisively, because being light, it tends to be pushed around by gusts.

Pros

Price: one of the most affordable 2.5m electric gliders on the market, excellent value for money.
Easy to fly: stable, slow, forgiving of errors. Perfect for learning to soar.
Excellent glider: glides well and exploits thermals for long flight times.
Robust: EPO on the wings and plastic fuselage resist impacts and imperfect landings well.
Quick assembly: PNP version almost ready, quick-attach wings, little electronics to configure.
Folding propeller: clean and silent soaring with the motor off.

Cons

Economical components: servos and motor are entry-level; those who fly a lot will eventually consider an upgrade.
Sensitive to wind: light, suffers on windy days without ballast.
Plastic fuselage: robust but, in case of a strong impact, tends to crack rather than flex like foam.
Finishes and tolerances: glue joints and fittings are not always perfect, some touch-ups with cyanoacrylate may be needed.
3S limit: should not be powered beyond 3 cells, no extreme performance beyond what's intended.
No radio/battery in PNP: the cost of a transmitter, LiPo pack, and charger must be added to the price.

Who it's for

The Volantex ASW28 is designed for the beginner who wants to transition to soaring after their first flights with a trainer, and for the intermediate pilot looking for an affordable, indestructible, and fun glider to keep in the car ready for use. It's ideal for those who have a grassy field or a gentle slope nearby and want to learn to read the air without investing hundreds of euros. It's also perfect as a second