SBD-5 Dauntless 1540mm (60.6") Wingspan - ARF from Nexa - NXA1076-001
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was the U.S. Navy's primary carrier-based dive bomber through the first half of World War II, playing a decisive role at the Battle of Midway. Slower than the fighters it flew alongside, the Dauntless earned a reputation for accuracy and toughness that outlasted its unassuming nickname, "Slow But Deadly."
The Nexa SBD-5 Dauntless 1540mm (60.6") wingspan ARF brings this dive bomber to the flying field in an authentic Navy USS Midway livery. Dark blue upper surfaces fade to light gray-blue sides and white undersides, with factory-printed panel lines, weathering, and rivet detail finishing the covering. Balsa and lite-ply construction pairs with a fiberglass cowling for a durable, scale airframe, while pre-hinged control surfaces and a three-piece wing speed up final assembly.
Scale detail carries through the cockpit and beyond. A hand-painted pilot figure sits up front, a twin flexible machine gun mount covers the rear gunner's position, and a dummy radial engine and scale antenna mast complete the detail. The model comes with fixed main gear and a steerable tail wheel out of the box, with Nexa's electric retractable landing gear available as a bolt-on upgrade.
Where this model stands apart is power system flexibility. The same airframe accepts a .46–.50 2-stroke or .60–.70 4-stroke gas engine for pilots who prefer traditional internal-combustion power, or a brushless electric power system for a simpler, fuel-free setup. Either way, the Dauntless delivers honest warbird flying character, backed by a working dive-flap system that sets it apart from the rest of the Nexa lineup.
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Authentic Scale Covering in a Striking Scheme Factory-applied covering reproduces the classic three-tone Navy camouflage, with dark blue upper surfaces fading to light gray-blue sides and white undersides. The "5" side number, national star-and-bar insignia, USS Midway tail markings all carry through in crisp, factory-printed detail. |
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Fine Scale Touches, Inside and Out A hand-painted pilot figure, a twin machine gun mount, and a wooden dummy radial engine bring fine scale character to the cockpit and airframe alike. |
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Molded Cowl & Dummy Radial Engine Included A fiberglass cowling and dummy radial engine are included and shaped to match the Dauntless's iconic nose profile, ready to complete the airframe right out of the box. |
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Classic WWII Performance You Can Feel Whether you power it with a gas engine or a brushless electric power system, the Dauntless delivers honest warbird flying character along with a working dive-flap system that's unique to this airframe. |
- Distinctive SBD Dauntless design stands out from typical warbirds on any flightline
- Bold Navy 3-tone camouflage paint scheme with authentic markings delivers strong presence in the air and on the ground
- EP/GP compatibility lets you choose electric simplicity or gas-powered performance
- Scale-inspired design delivers smooth, stable, and predictable flight characteristics
- Designed for .46–.50 2-stroke or .60–.70 4-stroke gas power or a brushless electric power system for flexible performance
- Functional scale flaps and dive flaps improve low-speed control and echo the SBD's signature dive-bombing role
- Nexa electric retractable landing gear upgrades the standard fixed gear for a cleaner in-flight profile
- Hand-painted pilot figure adds realism and scale presence in the cockpit
- Twin machine gun mount and dummy radial engine detail round out the scale character
- Balsa and lite-ply construction delivers a rigid, durable airframe
- Factory-applied covering provides a clean, professional finish right out of the box
- Pre-hinged control surfaces reduce build time and simplify setup
- Three-piece wing with dihedral brace speeds up final assembly
- Fuel tank, engine mount hardware, and servo trays included for gas builds; motor mount plate included with electric power system sets
- Complete hardware and decal package with a photo-illustrated instruction manual
- Nexa SBD-5 Dauntless 1540mm (60.6") Wingspan ARF with factory-applied scale covering
- Hand-painted pilot figure and cockpit details
- Wheels, struts, and fixed landing gear hardware
- Fuel tank, engine mount hardware, and servo trays
- Comprehensive control linkages, hardware, and assembly accessories
- Instruction manual
- 7+ Channel radio - select a minimum 7 channel radio from our Radio Collection
- 7+ Channel receiver - select a minimum 7 channel receiver from our Receiver Collection
- Brushless electric motor - we recommend the Admiral GP7.5 5020-670Kv Brushless Motor
- 80 Amp brushless ESC - we recommend the Admiral RVS 80A ESC with 8A SBEC
- 6x standard servos for ailerons, elevator, rudder, and flaps - we recommend Hitec HS-485HB 45g Deluxe Ball Bearing Karbonite Gear Standard Servo Airplane 6-Pack
- 4S 14.8V 4500-5000mAh LiPo battery - we recommend Admiral Pro 5000mAh 4S 14.8V 60C LiPo Battery with EC5 Connector
- Electric propeller - we recommend the APC 13x10 Thin Electric Propeller
- 4 Cell compatible battery charger - select a minimum 4 cell (4S) charger from our Charger Collection
- Electric retracts with struts (optional) — we recommend the Nexa Electronic Retract Set - Type F
- 7+ Channel radio - select a minimum 7 channel radio from our Radio Collection
- 7+ Channel receiver - select a minimum 7 channel receiver from our Receiver Collection
- 2 stroke engine - we recommend the NGH-GT9 Pro 9cc Two-Stroke Engine
- 6x standard servos for ailerons, elevator, rudder, and flaps - we recommend Hitec HS-485HB 45g Deluxe Ball Bearing Karbonite Gear Standard Servo Airplane 6-Pack
- 1 servo (throttle) Hitec HS-485HB 45g Deluxe Ball Bearing Karbonite Gear Standard Servo
- Receiver battery: 2S 2000mAh LiFe Battery - we recommend Admiral 2100mAh 2S 6.6V LiFe Battery with XT60/JR/Futaba Connectors
- Gas Propeller: 11x7 - we recommend APC 11x7 Gas Propeller
- Electric retracts with struts (optional) — we recommend the Nexa Electronic Retract Set - Type F
Nexa ARF models are constructed out of balsa wood and plywood. These are not foam models. The assembly of balsa wood ARF aircraft requires basic model building skills including the installation of servos, ESC, and motor (or gas engine). Product Specifications:
AGE LEVEL : 14 and Up
SKILL LEVEL : Intermediate
BUILD TIME : 8+ Hours | Model Scale | 1/8 |
| Wingspan | 1540mm (60.6in) |
| Length | 1060mm (41.7in) |
| Empty Weight | Approx. 3200g (112.9oz) |
| CG (Center of Gravity) | 92–96mm (3.6–3.8 in) aft of the leading edge, measured at the wing center section |
| Power System | 670Kv or equivalent brushless outrunner motor for electric, or NGH GT9 Pro 9cc (equivalent to .46–.50 2-stroke / .60–.70 4-stroke) for gas (required) |
| Electronic Speed Control | 80A Brushless (electric power only, required) |
| Propeller / EDF | 13x10 for electric or 11x7 for gas (required) |
| Servos | Electric: 6 x servos (required) — 6x Hitec HS-485HB standard servos (ailerons, elevator, rudder, flaps) Gas: 7 x servos (required) — 6x Hitec HS-485HB standard servos (ailerons, elevator, rudder, outer flaps) + 1x Hitec HS-85BB micro servo (throttle) |
| Landing Gear | Fixed main gear with steerable tail wheel (included); Nexa Electronic Retract Set – Type F (NXA6015-018) available as optional upgrade |
| Required Battery | 4 Cell 14.8V 4500 - 5000mAh LiPo Battery (required) |
| Required Radio | 7+ Channel (required) |
| Ailerons | Yes |
| Elevator | Yes |
| Rudder | Yes |
| Flaps | Yes |
| Lights | No |
| Hinge Type | Pre-hinged, CA-glued slot hinges |
| Material | Balsa and lite-ply with fiberglass cowling and spinner |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Build Time | 8+ Hours |
| Recommended Environment | Outdoors |
| Recommended Runway Surface | Well manicured short grass and hard surfaces |