Introduction: Why the EC-135 Stands Apart
The Flywing EC-135 is not just another RC helicopter — it's a scale replica of one of the most iconic emergency and law enforcement helicopters in the world. Used by air ambulance services, police forces, and coast guards across Europe, the real Airbus EC-135 is renowned for its compact twin-engine design and exceptional maneuverability. Flywing's RC interpretation captures that spirit with a level of detail and flight performance that sets a new benchmark in the sub-$500 GPS helicopter segment.
In this review, we go beyond the spec sheet. We'll cover build quality, GPS flight behavior, controller options, real-world flight experience, and who this helicopter is actually built for.
1. Scale Accuracy & Build Quality
At first glance, the EC-135's fuselage immediately communicates premium intent. The ABS plastic shell features crisp panel lines, a realistic fenestron (shrouded tail rotor), and a multi-piece canopy that closely mirrors the real aircraft's silhouette. The color schemes — typically white/red or police livery — are applied with sharp masking and UV-resistant ink.
- Fuselage length: ~550mm
- Main rotor diameter: ~710mm
- All-up weight (RTF): ~560g
- Material: ABS + carbon fiber main shaft and tail boom
The carbon fiber reinforcement on the tail boom is a meaningful upgrade over all-plastic competitors — it significantly reduces flex during aggressive maneuvers and improves crash survivability.
One area worth noting: the landing skids feel slightly underbuilt relative to the fuselage. Pilots transitioning from fixed-pitch trainers should practice hover landings on grass before attempting hard surface operations.
2. Flight Controller: ACE vs H1 — Which Should You Choose?
The EC-135 is available with two flight controller options, and this choice fundamentally shapes the flying experience.
ACE Controller (Recommended for Most Pilots)
The ACE flight controller is Flywing's proprietary GPS-assisted system. It offers:
- GPS Hold: Locks position within ±0.5m in calm conditions
- Altitude Hold: Maintains height automatically, freeing the pilot to focus on lateral control
- Return to Home (RTH): One-button emergency return
- Rescue Mode: Instantly levels the helicopter if orientation is lost
- Headless Mode: Useful for beginners still learning orientation
The ACE system uses a barometric + GPS fusion algorithm that performs well in light wind (up to ~4m/s). In stronger gusts, expect some drift — this is normal for helicopters in this weight class.
H1 Controller (For Experienced Pilots)
The H1 controller is a more traditional flybarless (FBL) system without GPS assistance. It delivers:
- Faster, more direct cyclic response
- No GPS dependency — better for indoor or GPS-denied environments
- 3D-capable flight envelope (with appropriate skill level)
- Lower latency between stick input and rotor response
The H1 is the choice for pilots who want to feel every nuance of the helicopter's aerodynamics. It demands more active stick management but rewards with a more authentic flying experience.
Verdict: If you're buying the EC-135 for scale display flying, aerial photography, or as your first collective-pitch helicopter — choose ACE. If you're an experienced pilot looking for a scale shell around a capable FBL system — choose H1.
3. GPS Performance: Real-World Testing
We tested the EC-135 ACE across multiple sessions in varied conditions:
Calm Day (Wind <2m/s)
GPS hold was exceptional. The helicopter sat locked in position with minimal toilet-bowling. Altitude hold was smooth with less than 30cm of vertical variation over a 5-minute hover. This is the EC-135 at its best — a stable, confidence-inspiring platform that lets you focus entirely on composition and scale appearance.
Moderate Wind (3-5m/s)
Position hold degraded to approximately ±1.5m of drift. The helicopter required active correction to maintain a fixed point. Altitude hold remained solid. This is acceptable performance for the price point, though pilots expecting DJI-level GPS precision will need to adjust expectations.
Indoor Flying
Without GPS lock, the ACE controller falls back to attitude mode. Indoor flying is possible but requires significantly more pilot input. The EC-135's relatively large rotor disc creates noticeable ground effect in low ceilings — plan for at least 4m of ceiling height for comfortable indoor operation.
4. Battery & Flight Time
- Battery: 2S 2200mAh LiPo (included)
- Charge time: ~90 minutes with included charger
- Flight time: 8–11 minutes (GPS mode, calm conditions)
- Flight time (aggressive flying): 6–8 minutes
The flight time is competitive for a GPS helicopter of this size. We recommend purchasing a second battery pack to extend sessions — the EC-135's scale appearance makes it a crowd-pleaser at flying events, and you'll want more than one battery on hand.
Pro tip: Land when the battery indicator shows the first warning. The EC-135's motor system draws high current during the final approach if you're correcting position, and over-discharging a 2S pack will shorten its lifespan significantly.
5. Who Is the EC-135 For?
✅ Ideal For:
- Pilots with 10+ hours on a GPS trainer helicopter looking to step up to a scale model
- Scale helicopter collectors who want a flyable display piece
- Photographers and videographers wanting a stable, visually impressive platform
- RC clubs looking for a demonstration helicopter that draws public interest
⚠️ Not Ideal For:
- Complete beginners with zero helicopter experience (start with a fixed-pitch trainer first)
- Pilots wanting 3D aerobatics out of the box (choose H1 + upgrade servos)
- Indoor-only pilots (the rotor disc is large for confined spaces)
6. Comparison: EC-135 vs FW450L vs BO-105
| Model | Scale Accuracy | GPS System | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC-135 | ★★★★★ | ACE (optional) | Scale display, photography | Mid |
| FW450L V3 | ★★★☆☆ | Built-in GPS | Sport flying, beginners | Entry-Mid |
| BO-105 | ★★★★☆ | ACE (optional) | Scale display, aerobatics | Mid |
7. Verdict
The Flywing EC-135 is the most scale-accurate GPS helicopter Flywing has produced to date. It strikes a compelling balance between visual fidelity and accessible flight performance. The ACE controller makes it approachable for intermediate pilots, while the H1 option keeps experienced flyers engaged.
Its primary limitation is wind sensitivity — like all helicopters in this weight class, it's a fair-weather flyer. But on a calm day, hovering an EC-135 in police or air ambulance livery is a genuinely impressive sight that consistently draws attention at any flying field.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
If you're ready to move beyond trainer helicopters and want a scale model that performs as well as it looks, the EC-135 belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly the EC-135 indoors?
Yes, but you need at least 4m of ceiling height and will need to fly in attitude mode (no GPS indoors). It's manageable for experienced pilots but not recommended for beginners.
Is the EC-135 suitable for beginners?
Not as a first helicopter. We recommend starting with a fixed-pitch micro helicopter or a GPS trainer before stepping up to the EC-135.
What's the difference between the ACE and H1 versions?
ACE includes GPS position hold, altitude hold, and rescue mode — ideal for most pilots. H1 is a traditional flybarless controller without GPS, suited for experienced pilots who want more direct control.
Can I upgrade the EC-135 for 3D flying?
With the H1 controller and upgraded servos, limited 3D maneuvers are possible. However, the EC-135's scale fuselage is not optimized for aggressive 3D — consider the FW450L for that purpose.