BetaFPV has rolled out updated frames for its Air65 and Air75 whoop drones, shaving grams and squeezing more juice from the same electronics. Alongside, a revamped ExpressLRS Lite receiver promises a stronger signal in a tiny package. Here’s why these tweaks matter to anyone who’s ever snapped a whoop frame or craved more punch from their micro brushless.
Lighter, Stiffer Frames: The Air65 2 & Air75 2
The Air65 and Air75 got a frame facelift, dubbed Air65 2 and Air75 2. BetaFPV has reworked the bracing shape to reduce material and trim weight—because every gram counts when you’re buzzing around tight spaces. The Air75 2 now weighs just 4 grams, down 10% from the original 4.45 grams. The Air65 2 frame weighs a mere 2.65 grams.
But it’s not just about weight. The duct shapes have been improved to better suit the props, and the frames boast increased rigidity to suppress vibration. BetaFPV also tweaked the frame material: it’s slightly firmer but still tough enough to survive inevitable crashes.
Design Details Matter: Motor Slots, Flight Controller Mounts, and Battery Slots
The motor slot design remains unchanged—a smart move, given it worked well. However, the flight controller mounting holes got larger. This addresses a common complaint: the original frame’s small mounting posts sometimes broke when fitting flight controllers. Now, fewer broken posts means fewer mid-flight disasters.
Lower-profile ducts accommodate shorter motors, so if you’re running compact builds, these frames fit better. The Air65 sports a 65mm wheelbase; the Air75 stretches to 75mm. Flight controller mounts on both measure 25.5 x 25.5 mm, while battery slots are sized 11.4 x 6.2 mm for the Air65 and 16.3 x 6.3 mm for the Air75.
Power Gains Without New Electronics
BetaFPV claims these frame tweaks deliver noticeable power improvements without swapping motors or ESCs. Testing showed about a 5% power boost for the Air65 and an 11% jump for the Air75 when compared to their original versions with identical electronics. Not bad for a lighter, stiffer frame.
Made from polypropylene (PP), these frames balance durability and flexibility—important for whoops that inevitably meet walls, furniture, and the odd ceiling fan.
ExpressLRS Lite Receiver Gets a Signal Boost
Alongside the frame updates, BetaFPV tweaked the ExpressLRS Lite receiver, the one with the flat antenna favoured for whoops and park flyers. It’s tiny—11 x 10 x 3 mm—and featherweight at just 0.46 grams. The telemetry power sits at 17 milliwatts, meaning range isn’t massive, but that’s fine for close-in flying.
The new version cranks up signal transmission, promising better link stability without adding bulk. Input voltage remains 5V, and it features an integrated SMD ceramic antenna for compactness.
Why BetaFPV Keeps Changing Things
Some grumble about BetaFPV’s frequent product revisions, but this iterative approach benefits whoop flyers hunting for lighter frames and better performance. The updates fix real pain points—like broken flight controller posts—and squeeze out extra power without forcing new electronics purchases.
If you’ve snapped a frame or want a bit more zip for your Air65 or Air75, these new versions are worth considering.
Further Reading and Resources
- How to build a mini FPV quadcopter
- Meet the motors: Choosing the right motor for your drone
- New stuff: Charge your toolbox
FAQ
Are the Air65 2 and Air75 2 frames compatible with previous kits?
Yes, they maintain the same motor slot design and flight controller mounting hole spacing (25.5 x 25.5 mm), so upgrading is straightforward.
Will the lighter frames improve flight time?
Reducing frame weight by about 10% helps overall thrust-to-weight ratio, potentially improving flight agility and efficiency, but battery capacity and motor efficiency remain the main flight time factors.
Is the new ExpressLRS Lite receiver suitable for long-range flying?
No. At 17 mW telemetry power and a flat antenna, it’s designed for short-range whoop or park flyer use, not long-range FPV flights.
Where can I buy these updated parts?
Check BetaFPV’s official store or the links in the video description for direct purchases.
Takeaway Box
- BetaFPV trims 10% off Air75 frame weight, improving power by 11% with the same electronics.
- Flight controller mounting holes enlarged to prevent broken posts—a common hassle fixed.
- Lower-profile ducts now support shorter motors for sleeker builds.
- ExpressLRS Lite receiver tweaks boost signal strength without adding bulk or weight.
- Frequent revisions from BetaFPV mean better parts but can frustrate upgrade laggards.
This article was based from the video NEW Improved BetaFPV Air65 and Air75 Whoop Frames and an Updated ELRS Rx too..
