The BetaFPV Aquila20 FPV Drone Package is a budget-friendly newbie FPV package deal that features all the things you want to begin flying. It’s designed to decrease the barrier to entry and cut back the training curve—no have to analysis particular person parts or fear about compatibility. Simply purchase the equipment, cost the batteries, and fly straight out of the field. However is that this the equipment for you? Let’s discover out on this evaluation.
New to FPV? Begin with this newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
Get the Aquila20 FPV equipment 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 Removing Software
- 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
If you happen to’ve seen the unique Aquila16 (evaluation right here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-aquila16/), the Aquila20 is basically 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 positively louder.
Left: Air65 tiny whoop; Proper: Aquila20
Regardless of being known as the 20, it really makes use of 2.2-inch propellers, so technically it ought to have been named Aquila22. The bigger dimension makes it significantly better fitted to outside flying, even with a little bit of wind.
Constructed for Newbies with DJI-Impressed Parts
The drone is clearly designed to be strong and crash-resistant, which is precisely what a newbie desires. Nevertheless, 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 your complete Aquila20 equipment feels closely influenced by the DJI Avata 2. You may see DJI-style parts in all places:
- the aesthetics of the drone
- the slide-in battery
- the change format on the radio
- the goggle menu buttons
- the N/S/M flight modes
It feels very very like BetaFPV’s interpretation of a mini Avata-style coach.
It’s necessary to notice that the Aquila20 does NOT run Betaflight. As an alternative, it makes use of BetaFPV’s personal simplified firmware.
This has execs and cons:
Professionals:
- Fewer settings to confuse learners
- Works out of the field with no tuning or setup required
- Helps LiDAR and optical stream for place maintain out of the field
Cons:
- Very restricted customization
- Not appropriate with Betaflight tuning or instruments
- You must be taught the software program once more once you transfer on to different fashions
One difficulty I encountered: after 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. Possibly I simply have a nasty unit. Both manner, 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 appreciated the budget-friendly VR03 goggles, however the brand new VR04 goggles are even higher, and truthfully one of many highlights of the entire equipment.
They aren’t premium goggles, however they get the job carried out:
- 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 simple controls
One limitation: the VR04 receiver just isn’t range 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 sufficient.
I’m round –4 diopters and was stunned that I might fly them with out corrective lenses; solely among 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 positively get one thing higher. However for the reasonably priced worth, 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 change—you will need to 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 possibly can theoretically use different BT3 batteries on the Aquila20, the actual problem could be mounting it securely because the inventory battery slides right into a customized compartment.
Nevertheless, BT3 is a proprietary connector created by BetaFPV, so BetaFPV can 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 Be aware About Leaving Batteries Plugged In
As a result of the battery has an influence change, you may in principle go away it linked to the drone for brief intervals. Nevertheless, I strongly advocate eradicating the battery once you’re not flying—particularly if you happen to 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 will take a very long time to completely drain, however it’s nonetheless safer to unplug the battery at any time when attainable.
LiteRadio 4 SE Radio Controller
The included radio is basically the LiteRadio 4 I lately reviewed, however it’s known 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 learners. Configuration choices are restricted, and it lacks the flexibility of extra superior transmitters—however it works fantastic for studying.
The radio makes use of the ExpressLRS 2.4GHz hyperlink, so you need to use it with most fashionable BNF drones as properly. Simply remember that vary can be restricted because of the low output energy, and the interior, non-removable antenna.
For informal flying, whoops, and short-range park flights, it will get the job carried out.
Consumer Expertise
This equipment is genuinely easy and beginner-friendly. Simply cost all the things, energy it on, and also you’re principally able to fly.
Preparation
The included fast begin information is absolutely 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 count on 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 mistaken video channel out of the field. The video feed was flickering with “unhealthy 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 change on the transmitter.
If you happen to’re new, go away it in N mode.
N Mode
N Mode is basically place maintain—if you happen to 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 stream 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 properly.
It additionally holds altitude when the throttle stick is centered, so learners have one much less factor to handle. You may nonetheless get some drifting whereas yawing, however total stability is great.
Touchdown can be beginner-friendly. Even if you happen to drop the throttle to 0 mid-air, it descends slowly and gently—excellent for youths or anybody who desires a secure, stress-free flying expertise.
S Mode
S Mode is principally Angle mode in Betaflight. It self stabilizes utilizing the accelerometer solely so the drone will drift slightly and would require consumer enter. It additionally removes assistive altitude maintain. You’ll have to always handle peak your self utilizing the throttle stick, making it a great stepping stone earlier than studying full guide FPV.
M Mode
M Mode is full guide 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 be taught however provides probably the most freedom and efficiency.
Stick Sensitivity
The fitting 3-position change controls stick sensitivity.
- Greater sensitivity = sooner, extra responsive flight
- Decrease sensitivity = simpler management for learners
Flight Efficiency
You may comfortably fly the Aquila20 each indoors and open air, however it positively shines extra open air.
As a result of it runs on a 2S battery, the additional voltage provides it noticeably extra punch. It’s sooner, 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 bother anybody in the identical room (truthfully, it sounds as loud as a vacuum cleaner, if not louder.
Indoor vs Out of doors Flying
When you can fly it indoors, I usually discovered myself slowing down quite a bit. If you happen to crash right into a wall, it would go away some scratch mark due to how heavy it’s. The Aquila20 additionally carries a great quantity of momentum when turning, so you must decelerate to be exact. Fast turns require extra space and extra braking time, so you must fly cautiously. It virtually looks like coaching within the gymnasium 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 facility is sufficient for enjoyable beginner-level acro strikes—flips, rolls, split-S, inverted yaw spins, and so forth. It received’t really feel as agile as any typical freestyle quad, however it’s positively succesful.
Digicam Efficiency
The Aquila20 makes use of the brand new C04 digital camera, 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 might fly from a brilliant room right into a darkish room and nonetheless see properly sufficient. I don’t have any complaints concerning picture high quality, completely acceptable for each indoor and outside 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 turned virtually 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 manner higher. I think the principle difficulty is antenna placement—it’s buried deep contained in the drone body, surrounded by digital parts, which seemingly 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 if you happen to’re hoping to discover bigger areas, you would possibly end up hitting the bounds before you’d count on.
Tear Down
Some footage exhibiting 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 stream sensor and LiDAR sensor are additionally built-in on the identical board.
The VTX is mounted above the digital camera. It’s also possible to see the VTX antenna is tucked behind the digital camera and below the VTX, not a really perfect spot for an antenna TBH.
Conclusion – Ought to You Purchase This Package?
For absolute FPV learners, my advice stay the identical: begin with a simulator. You’ll keep away from numerous real-world crashes, get monetary savings, 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 bounce straight right into a “actual” FPV drone once you’re prepared.
RTF drone kits just like the Aquila20 primarily make sense for individuals who can’t observe 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 shortly.
BetaFPV deserves credit score for simplifying your complete system with their very own software program and {hardware}. It lowers the training curve, reduces the setup complexity, and makes the equipment way more approachable for true learners. Nonetheless, a part of me feels they need to have used normal FPV software program (like Betaflight and EdgeTX) in order that learners don’t need to be taught all the things once more later after they improve.
What I Advocate if You’re New to FPV
If you happen to’re getting began and desire a path that grows with you:
When you’re prepared, select a drone based mostly on the place you may fly:
- Restricted indoor area? Get the Air65 tiny whoop and funds goggles just like the VR04.
- Small outside areas however need one thing sooner? A 3-inch or 3.5-inch freestyle drone is ideal.
- In case you are actually courageous, 5inch is the final word beast! They’ll 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” equipment with no configuration
- Newbies who wish to fly safely and hassle-free
The Aquila20 just isn’t a efficiency drone. It’s a beginner-focused FPV coach—splendid 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 equipment is designed to scale back frustration.
Simply bear in mind: you’ll seemingly outgrow the drone, the goggles and the radio pretty shortly. It is a stepping-stone equipment—nice for the primary chapter of your FPV journey, however not the entire guide.
