BJ Craft Anthem EPI 2M F3A RC Airplane ARF – Elliptical Wing (Non-Contra and Contra)
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The BJ Craft Anthem EPI is a refined 2-meter F3A pattern aircraft featuring an elliptical wing design for smoother handling, improved lift, and precision flight performance. Designed for serious pattern pilots.
BJ Craft Anthem EPI 2M F3A RC Airplane
The Anthem EPI is a precision-engineered 2-meter F3A pattern aircraft from BJCraft, designed for pilots who want smooth, predictable handling and consistent performance. This version features an elliptical wing design, offering a refined flying experience compared to traditional swept wing configurations.
Elliptical Wing Design – Smooth & Predictable
Unlike swept wing F3A aircraft, the Anthem EPI uses an elliptical leading edge design that provides a more even lift distribution across the wing. This results in smoother flight characteristics, improved low-speed handling, and a more forgiving feel in precision maneuvers.
Flight Characteristics
- Smoother tracking with reduced corrections
- Improved lift and control at lower speeds
- More forgiving handling for consistent performance
- Clean, axial rolls and stable lines
Airframe Specifications
- Wingspan: 1900mm
- Length: 2000mm
- Wing Area: 60.3 dm²
- Stabilizer Area: 17 dm²
- Weight: 2000–2200g
- CG: 210mm from leading edge
Recommended Servos
- Aileron: MKS HV737 (x2)
- Elevator: MKS HV69 (x2)
- Rudder: MKS HV747 (x1)
Who Is This Plane For?
- Pilots transitioning into F3A competition
- Pattern pilots seeking smoother, more forgiving handling
- Pilots who prefer precision over aggressive response
Elliptical vs Swept Wing – What’s the Difference?
- Elliptical Wing (EPI): smoother, more forgiving, better lift distribution
- Swept Wing: more locked-in, higher stability in wind, more aggressive feel
Why Choose the Anthem EPI?
The Anthem EPI delivers a refined flying experience with improved smoothness and control, making it an excellent choice for pilots who want precision without the aggressive feel of a swept wing design.
In the world of F3A pattern competition and high-performance RC flight, the choice between Non-Contra (Single Prop) and Contra-Rotating systems significantly changes how the airplane handles and how you manage motor alignment (thrust angles).
1. Non-Contra (Single Propeller)
This is the traditional setup using one motor and one propeller. Because the propeller spins in one direction, it creates several aerodynamic forces that try to pull the airplane off its flight path.
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P-Factor: At high angles of attack, the descending blade produces more thrust than the ascending blade, pulling the plane to the left.
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Slipstream Effect: The "corkscrew" air from the prop hits the left side of the vertical tail, pushing the tail right and the nose left.
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Torque: The motor spinning the prop one way tries to roll the entire airframe the opposite way.
The Role of Right Thrust
To counter these "left-pulling" forces, pilots build Right Thrust into the motor mount.
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The Angle: Usually between 2.0° and 3.5° of right thrust is required.
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The Goal: You want the airplane to climb perfectly straight at full throttle without you having to hold right rudder manually.
2. Contra-Rotating Systems
A Contra system (like those often used on the BJCraft Anthem EPI) uses two propellers spinning in opposite directions on the same axis.
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Neutralized Torque: Since the props spin in opposite directions, the rotational forces cancel each other out. There is virtually no torque-roll.
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Straight Slipstream: The second prop "straightens" the air coming off the first one. This results in a symmetrical airflow over the fuselage and tail.
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Braking Effect: Contra systems provide massive aerodynamic braking during downlines, allowing for very constant speed throughout a flight sequence.
Right Thrust in Contra Systems
Unlike single prop setups, Contra systems typically require 0° (Neutral) Right Thrust. * Because the aerodynamic forces are balanced, the plane doesn't naturally pull to the left.
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Building in right thrust on a Contra system would actually cause the plane to pull to the right under power.
Comparison Summary
| Feature | Non-Contra (Single Prop) | Contra-Rotating |
| Right Thrust | Required (2.5° – 3.0° typically) | 0° (Neutral) |
| Torque Effect | Noticeable; requires pilot compensation | Almost non-existent |
| Downline Braking | Minimal (depends on prop pitch) | Excellent (constant speed) |
| Complexity/Cost | Lower; simpler maintenance | Higher; requires specialized gearboxes |
| Flight Feel | More "organic" and traditional | Very "locked-in" and robotic |
Which is right for the Anthem EPI?
The Anthem EPI is "Contra Ready," meaning the nose is designed to accommodate the extra length and weight of a contra drive.
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If you choose the Non-Contra variant, ensure you shim your motor mount for the necessary right thrust.
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If you go Contra, keep the motor axis perfectly aligned with the fuselage centerline.
Why Buy From Gator RC?
- Fast U.S. shipping
- Expert RC support
- Carefully packed for safe delivery
- Trusted source for premium RC aircraft
Shipping & Handling
- Carefully packed to protect your airframe
- Shipped from the USA
- Calculated shipping ensures accurate rates
- Building Services
- Are you too busy or in need of building services?
If so let us know we can fully assemble this model for you for a nominal fee.