PickGuideAtomRC Swordfish Review: 1200mm Fixed-Wing FPV Plane at $85–$168
The AtomRC Swordfish is a 1200mm fixed-wing aircraft built for FPV pilots who want autonomous flight capabilities without the price premium of purpose-built platforms. It runs INAV and Arduplane — giving access to auto-launch, return-to-home, waypoint navigation, and circle mode — in an EPP airframe that survives rough landings. At $85 for the KIT version and $168 fully built with receiver, it's a capable long-range wing for pilots ready to move beyond manual-only flying.
The AtomRC Swordfish is a 1200mm wingspan fixed-wing FPV aircraft built on an EPP (expanded polypropylene) airframe. Wingspan is 1200mm, length 810mm, wing area 15.35dm². Motor compatibility covers 2004 through 2306 frames; recommended propeller is 7042-2 (folding). Battery is 4S 5000mAh. Four 9g servos control flight surfaces. Empty weight (without battery) is approximately 1.4kg. The Swordfish is compatible with INAV and Arduplane open-source flight controllers, enabling autonomous flight modes: auto-launch, return-to-home (RTH), circle mode, and waypoint navigation. Available in three configurations: KIT at $85 (airframe only), PNP+S at $128 (motor, servos, ESC, receiver included), and RTH at $168 (fully assembled and ready to fly with receiver). Sold through atomrc.com.
Pros
- 1200mm wingspan provides stable flight and efficient long-distance cruising
- INAV and Arduplane compatible — access to auto-launch, RTH, circle mode, and full waypoint navigation
- EPP construction handles rough landings and field repairs better than foam alternatives
- 7042-2 folding prop and 4S setup balance efficiency with available power
- Three build configurations — KIT / PNP+S / RTH — match different builder skill levels
- 15.35dm² wing area gives good lift-to-weight ratio for the 1.4kg platform
- KIT entry at $85 makes it accessible for builders who source their own electronics
Cons
- 1.4kg AUW and 1200mm wingspan require open space — not a small-field aircraft
- INAV/Arduplane setup requires flight controller configuration knowledge — not plug-and-play
- 4S 5000mAh battery not included in any configuration — additional cost to fly
- No DJI digital FPV integration out of the box — analog or third-party digital required
- KIT and PNP require assembly and electronics sourcing — not beginner-ready
Who It's For
Good For
- FPV pilots who want autonomous navigation (RTH, waypoints, auto-launch) in a fixed-wing
- Long-range cruising where the 1200mm wingspan and 4S efficiency deliver extended flight time
- INAV/Arduplane users who want an airframe built around flight controller integration
- Builders upgrading from smaller wings who need more wing area and carry capacity
Skip If
- You want a ready-to-fly setup with minimal configuration — the Dolphin Pro covers that use case
- You need digital FPV integration (DJI O3) without additional modifications
- You fly in small parks or limited spaces — the 1200mm format needs room to operate
How It Compares: AtomRC Swordfish Fixed-Wing FPV Plane vs AtomRC Dolphin Pro FPV Plane
| Spec | AtomRC Swordfish Fixed-Wing FPV Plane | AtomRC Dolphin Pro FPV Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $85–$168 | $99–$189 |
| Wingspan | 1200mm | 800mm |
| Weight | ~1.4kg | ~TBD |
| Battery | 4S 5000mAh | 6S1P 21700 |
| Firmware | INAV / Arduplane | INAV compatible |
| Digital FPV | No (analog or 3rd party) | DJI O3/O4 Pro compatible |
| Best for | Long-range cruising, autonomous nav, INAV builds | Digital FPV, compact build, movable V-tail |
The Swordfish is the long-range autonomous navigation wing at $85–$168; the Dolphin Pro is the digital FPV compact platform at $99–$189 with DJI O3/O4 Pro support.
See AtomRC Dolphin Pro FPV Plane →
Verified Ratings
Key Specs
| Wingspan | 1200mm |
| Length | 810mm |
| Wing Area | 15.35dm² |
| Motor | 2004~2306 |
| Propeller | 7042-2 (Folding) |
| Battery | 4S 5000mAh |
| Servos | 4× 9g |
| AUW | ~1.4kg |
| Firmware | INAV / Arduplane |
| Flight Modes | Auto-Launch, RTH, Circle Mode, Waypoint |
| Construction | EPP |
In The Box
- Swordfish airframe (EPP)
- User manual
- KIT variant: airframe only; PNP+S: motor, ESC, servos, receiver; RTH: fully assembled
Frequently Asked Questions
What flight controller does the Swordfish use?
The Swordfish is compatible with INAV and Arduplane flight controllers. It does not include a specific flight controller — the PNP+S and RTH versions include electronics, but pilots typically pair it with a dedicated fixed-wing flight controller like an INAV-supported board. The INAV compatibility is what enables RTH, auto-launch, circle mode, and waypoint navigation.
What does the RTH configuration include?
The RTH (Ready to Hover) configuration at $168 includes the fully assembled Swordfish airframe with motor, ESC, servos, and receiver pre-installed. Battery and transmitter are not included. Despite the 'RTH' label referring to the build state, it also supports Return-to-Home autopilot when paired with an INAV-configured flight controller.
What battery does the Swordfish use?
The Swordfish is designed for a 4S 5000mAh LiPo battery. This format provides the right balance of voltage and capacity for the 1200mm wingspan at reasonable cruising speeds. The battery is not included in any configuration and must be purchased separately.
Can the Swordfish fly long range?
Yes — the 1200mm wingspan, EPP airframe, and 4S 5000mAh setup are configured for efficient cruising at extended range. INAV waypoint support allows pre-planned long-range routes with automatic navigation. Actual range depends on transmitter and video system selection.
How does the Swordfish compare to the Dolphin Pro?
The Swordfish is a larger 1200mm wing optimized for long-range cruising and INAV autonomous navigation at $85–$168. The Dolphin Pro is an 800mm tailsitter-style design optimized for DJI O3/O4 Pro digital FPV integration and VTOL-adjacent flight characteristics at $99–$189. Choose the Swordfish for long range; choose the Dolphin Pro for digital FPV and compact agility.
Verdict
The Swordfish earns its place in the AtomRC lineup as the platform for pilots who want autonomous capability in a durable fixed-wing. INAV and Arduplane support isn't a checkbox — it's the point of the aircraft. At $85 for the KIT and $168 for the RTH build, the Swordfish gives serious functionality to pilots ready to configure and fly it properly.