The BetaFPV Aquila20 FPV Drone Package is a budget-friendly newbie FPV bundle that features all the things you have to begin flying. It’s designed to decrease the barrier to entry and scale back the educational curve—no have to analysis particular person elements or fear about compatibility. Simply purchase the package, cost the batteries, and fly straight out of the field. However is that this the package for you? Let’s discover out on this evaluate.
New to FPV? Begin with this newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
Get the Aquila20 FPV package from these distributors:
It comes with:
- Aquila20 Quadcopter
- LiteRadio 4 SE Radio
- VR04 FPV Goggles
- 2 × Batteries
- Battery Charger
- 1 Set of Spare Propellers (Gemfan 2218 3-Blade)
- USB-C Cable and Adapter
- Prop Elimination Device
- Screwdriver
Specs
- Goggles: VR04 FPV Goggles
- Radio Transmitter: LiteRadio 4 SE
- Video Transmission Energy & Vary: 350mW, vary above 200m
- Radio Protocol: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz V3
- Digicam Angle Adjustment: 10°–30°
- Flight Controller: Aquila20 V1.0
- Propellers: Gemfan 2218 3-Blade
- Motors: 1103 10500KV
- Battery: Aquila20 Unique 2S HV 1100mAh
- Charger: 2S HV Charger & Voltage Tester (BT3.0 Connector)
- Wheelbase: 100mm
- Body Materials: PA
- Flight Modes: N / S / M Mode
- Flight Time: ~10 minutes
- Drone Weight (with out battery): 67.6g
- Battery Weight: 52.8g
- Drone Takeoff Weight: 120.4g
- Goggles Weight: 430g
- Radio Weight: 217g
Design and Overview
In case you’ve seen the unique Aquila16 (evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-aquila16/), the Aquila20 is actually the larger, extra highly effective sibling. It makes use of bigger propellers, stronger motors, and a 2S battery, giving it noticeably extra punch and longer flight time. The trade-off? It’s significantly heavier, hits more durable in a crash and it’s undoubtedly louder.
Left: Air65 tiny whoop; Proper: Aquila20
Regardless of being referred to as the 20, it truly makes use of 2.2-inch propellers, so technically it ought to have been named Aquila22. The bigger measurement makes it significantly better suited to out of doors flying, even with a little bit of wind.
Constructed for Newbies with DJI-Impressed Components
The drone is clearly designed to be sturdy and crash-resistant, which is strictly what a newbie desires. Nonetheless, that sturdiness comes with a draw back: extra weight and fewer agility. It teaches the basics of flying, however it received’t provide the full, uncooked FPV expertise.
The design of the complete Aquila20 package feels closely influenced by the DJI Avata 2. You’ll be able to see DJI-style components in every single place:
- the aesthetics of the drone
- the slide-in battery
- the swap format on the radio
- the goggle menu buttons
- the N/S/M flight modes
It feels very very similar to BetaFPV’s interpretation of a mini Avata-style coach.
It’s necessary to notice that the Aquila20 does NOT run Betaflight. As a substitute, it makes use of BetaFPV’s personal simplified firmware.
This has professionals and cons:
Execs:
- Fewer settings to confuse novices
- Works out of the field with no tuning or setup required
- Helps LiDAR and optical circulate for place maintain out of the field
Cons:
- Very restricted customization
- Not appropriate with Betaflight tuning or instruments
- It’s important to study the software program once more while you transfer on to different fashions
One problem I encountered: once I tried connecting the Aquila20 drone to the BetaFPV Configurator, however I couldn’t get it to attach—my laptop didn’t acknowledge the FC though it powered on. Perhaps I simply have a nasty unit. Both method, the nice factor is you don’t actually need to alter something; it’s plug-and-play.
BetaFPV Configurator obtain: https://assist.betafpv.com/hc/en-us/articles/40712112687769-BETAFPV-Configurator-Consumer-Guide
VR04 Goggles – The Shock Spotlight
I already preferred the budget-friendly VR03 goggles, however the brand new VR04 goggles are even higher, and truthfully one of many highlights of the entire package.
They aren’t premium goggles, however they get the job completed:
- Bigger design, permitting you to put on glasses whereas utilizing the goggles
- DVR recording to micro SD card
- Detachable antenna (RP-SMA), so you may improve to a higher-gain antenna
- Easy interface and easy controls
One limitation: the VR04 receiver is just not variety and doesn’t assist exterior receiver modules both, so vary is proscribed. However for flying indoors, within the yard or small parks, they’re completely enough.
I’m round –4 diopters and was stunned that I may fly them with out corrective lenses; solely a number of the smaller OSD textual content wasn’t completely sharp. And if wanted, I can put on my glasses contained in the goggles.
Clearly, when you’ve got the funds, I’d undoubtedly get one thing higher. However for the reasonably priced value, the VR04 goggles provide actually good worth. Try my FPV goggles suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/
Proprietary Battery Packs
The battery packs have a built-in energy swap—you should flip the battery on earlier than powering the drone and earlier than charging it. Personally, I’m not a fan of proprietary batteries. They could combine neatly into the RTF design and assist the drone look extra streamlined, however they sacrifice versatility.
These batteries are primarily 2S 1100mAh LiHV packs (8.7V max, 4.35V per cell). Each the battery and the drone use BT3 connectors, which implies you can theoretically use different BT3 batteries on the Aquila20, the true problem could be mounting it securely because the inventory battery slides right into a customized compartment.
Nonetheless, BT3 is a proprietary connector created by BetaFPV, so BetaFPV will probably be your solely sensible supply of appropriate batteries. It’s extremely unlikely you’ll discover third-party choices that work with this drone with out modification.
Vital Observe About Leaving Batteries Plugged In
As a result of the battery has an influence swap, you may in principle depart it linked to the drone for brief durations. Nonetheless, I strongly suggest eradicating the battery while you’re not flying—particularly for those who received’t contact the drone for greater than every week.
Even when switched off, the battery doesn’t fully disconnect energy. I measured round 0.04V on the output, which means the drone nonetheless attracts a really small quantity of present. Over a protracted sufficient interval, this might ultimately over-discharge the pack. The present draw is tiny, so it might take a very long time to totally drain, however it’s nonetheless safer to unplug the battery at any time when doable.
LiteRadio 4 SE Radio Controller
The included radio is actually the LiteRadio 4 I not too long ago reviewed, however it’s referred to as “SE Model” due to the dearth of trim buttons (that’s the one distinction I discover). It’s a really primary, budget-friendly radio aimed toward novices. Configuration choices are restricted, and it lacks the flexibility of extra superior transmitters—however it works high-quality for studying.
The radio makes use of the ExpressLRS 2.4GHz hyperlink, so you should utilize it with most trendy BNF drones as effectively. Simply take into account that vary will probably be restricted because of the low output energy, and the inner, non-removable antenna.
For informal flying, whoops, and short-range park flights, it will get the job completed.
Consumer Expertise
This package is genuinely easy and beginner-friendly. Simply cost all the things, energy it on, and also you’re mainly able to fly.
Preparation
The included fast begin information is de facto useful and makes setup extraordinarily easy.
I actually like how easy battery charging is. You don’t want to consider charger settings or something technical—simply plug the battery into the included USB charger and also you’re good to go. The batteries arrived at about half charged, so the primary top-up took solely round 10 minutes (a completely depleted pack takes roughly 20 to half-hour to cost).
The draw back is that the USB charger solely handles one battery at a time, so anticipate a brief ready interval between flights whereas the opposite pack costs. It pulls about 12W, so it’s moderately quick for a USB charger.
The radio is already pre-bound to the drone, however the goggles have been set to the fallacious video channel out of the field. The video feed was flickering with “dangerous sign” warnings till I switched the goggles to R4—after that, all the things labored completely.
Arming and Flight Modes
You turn flight mode utilizing the left 3-position swap on the transmitter.
In case you’re new, depart it in N mode.
N Mode
N Mode is actually place maintain—for those who launch the sticks at heart, the drone maintains its place within the air. I’ve to say, it really works so significantly better on the Aquila20 than it did on the Aquila16. On the 16, the optical circulate and LiDAR have been inconsistent and drifted an excessive amount of. On the Aquila20, it’s shockingly secure. It might drift barely when it’s too near the bottom—however when you’re 1–2 meters up, it holds its spot extraordinarily effectively.
It additionally holds altitude when the throttle stick is centered, so novices have one much less factor to handle. You’ll be able to nonetheless get some drifting whereas yawing, however total stability is superb.
Touchdown can also be beginner-friendly. Even for those who drop the throttle to 0 mid-air, it descends slowly and gently—good for youths or anybody who desires a secure, stress-free flying expertise.
S Mode
S Mode is mainly Angle mode in Betaflight. It self stabilizes utilizing the accelerometer solely so the drone will drift a little bit and would require consumer enter. It additionally removes assistive altitude maintain. You’ll have to consistently handle top your self utilizing the throttle stick, making it stepping stone earlier than studying full handbook FPV.
M Mode
M Mode is full handbook mode, the flight mode each FPV pilot ultimately makes use of. There’s no stabilization—simply pure, direct management by the pilot. It’s the toughest mode to study however presents probably the most freedom and efficiency.
Stick Sensitivity
The fitting 3-position swap controls stick sensitivity.
- Larger sensitivity = quicker, extra responsive flight
- Decrease sensitivity = simpler management for novices
Flight Efficiency
You’ll be able to comfortably fly the Aquila20 each indoors and outdoor, however it undoubtedly shines extra outdoor.
As a result of it runs on a 2S battery, the additional voltage provides it noticeably extra punch. It’s quicker, extra highly effective, and handles wind much better than the Aquila16 or any typical 1S whoop. The trade-off is noise—this drone is loud. Indoors, it’s loud sufficient to harass anybody in the identical room (truthfully, it sounds as loud as a vacuum cleaner, if not louder.
Indoor vs Outside Flying
Whilst you can fly it indoors, I usually discovered myself slowing down so much. In case you crash right into a wall, it can depart some scratch mark due to how heavy it’s. The Aquila20 additionally carries quantity of momentum when turning, so you must decelerate to be exact. Fast turns require more room and extra braking time, so you must fly cautiously. It nearly seems like coaching within the fitness center with a weight vest on, however when you grasp controlling this heavy drone, I think about flying a lighter tiny whoop would really feel easy.
That stated, it’s completely flyable for a yard or small park. The ability is sufficient for enjoyable beginner-level acro strikes—flips, rolls, split-S, inverted yaw spins, and many others. It received’t really feel as agile as any typical freestyle quad, however it’s undoubtedly succesful.
Digicam Efficiency
The Aquila20 makes use of the brand new C04 digicam, an improve from the C02 used within the Aquila16. Clearly, it’s nowhere close to the readability of HD techniques like DJI or Walksnail, however for an analog cam, it’s fairly strong. Dynamic vary is first rate — I may fly from a brilliant room right into a darkish room and nonetheless see effectively sufficient. I don’t have any complaints relating to picture high quality, completely acceptable for each indoor and out of doors flying.
Vary and Sign Penetration
That is the place I used to be most dissatisfied.
BetaFPV claims a 200m vary, however in my testing, the video began getting noticeably glitchy round 100m, and penetration via obstacles (like timber) was poor. In some instances, the video grew to become nearly unflyable with simply a few timber in between.
That is shocking as a result of the VTX is supposedly 350mW, which ought to carry out method higher. I think the primary problem is antenna placement—it’s buried deep contained in the drone body, surrounded by digital elements, which probably blocks loads of the RF sign. An externally mounted antenna would have made a distinction.
Anyway, for flying round the home or yard, the vary is ample. However for those who’re hoping to discover bigger areas, you may end up hitting the bounds before you’d anticipate.
Tear Down
Some photos displaying how I disassemble the drone and what it appears like inside.
It’s utilizing a specifically made AIO FC board with built-in 4in1 ESC. The optical circulate sensor and LiDAR sensor are additionally built-in on the identical board.
The VTX is mounted above the digicam. You may as well see the VTX antenna is tucked behind the digicam and underneath the VTX, not a perfect spot for an antenna TBH.
Conclusion – Ought to You Purchase This Package?
For absolute FPV novices, my advice stay the identical: begin with a simulator. You’ll keep away from numerous real-world crashes, lower your expenses, and construct strong muscle reminiscence earlier than you ever contact an actual drone. With that strategy, you may skip RTF (Prepared-To-Fly) kits altogether and leap straight right into a “actual” FPV drone while you’re prepared.
RTF drone kits just like the Aquila20 primarily make sense for individuals who can’t apply in sims—perhaps you don’t have entry to a pc, otherwise you’re getting this for a kid who simply desires one thing enjoyable and secure to fly. The Aquila20 is powerful and crash-resistant sufficient for coaching, however its efficiency ceiling is low, and most of the people will outgrow it pretty rapidly.
BetaFPV deserves credit score for simplifying the complete system with their very own software program and {hardware}. It lowers the educational curve, reduces the setup complexity, and makes the package way more approachable for true novices. Nonetheless, a part of me feels they need to have used normal FPV software program (like Betaflight and EdgeTX) in order that novices don’t need to study all the things once more later once they improve.
What I Advocate if You’re New to FPV
In case you’re getting began and desire a path that grows with you:
When you’re prepared, select a drone primarily based on the place you may fly:
- Restricted indoor area? Get the Air65 tiny whoop and funds goggles just like the VR04.
- Small out of doors areas however need one thing quicker? A 3-inch or 3.5-inch freestyle drone is ideal.
- If you’re actually courageous, 5inch is the last word beast! They will go as much as 150MPH whereas carrying a GoPro!
Who Ought to Get the Aquila20 Package?
- Children studying FPV
- Anybody with out entry to a pc or simulator
- Somebody who desires a “simply works” package with no configuration
- Newbies who need to fly safely and hassle-free
The Aquila20 is just not a efficiency drone. It’s a beginner-focused FPV coach—best for studying and constructing confidence, however not meant for freestyle ripping, racing, or long-range flight. It shines in simplicity: it really works straight out of the field, no constructing or soldering, and the flight modes are genuinely newbie pleasant. The drone is sturdy, the system is straightforward to cost and function, and all the things within the package is designed to cut back frustration.
Simply bear in mind: you’ll probably outgrow the drone, the goggles and the radio pretty rapidly. This can be a stepping-stone package—nice for the primary chapter of your FPV journey, however not the entire e book.