Best 4S LiPo Batteries for the Avios Albatross V2
The standard battery direction for the Avios Albatross V2 is a 4S LiPo in roughly the 3000–4000mAh range. Both CNHL 4S options below use XT60 connectors and stay within that practical capacity window.
| CNHL Battery | Voltage | Capacity | C Rating | Connector | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNHL 3700mAh 14.8V 4S 40C LiPo | 14.8V / 4S | 3700mAh | 40C | XT60 | Best Overall |
| CNHL 3300mAh 14.8V 4S 40C LiPo | 14.8V / 4S | 3300mAh | 40C | XT60 | Closest to the proven 3300mAh V2 setup |
CNHL 3700mAh 4S 40C – Best Overall
The CNHL 3700mAh 4S battery sits comfortably inside the normal Avios Albatross battery range. It offers a useful middle ground between the frequently demonstrated 3300mAh setup and the upper end of the standard 4000mAh recommendation, making it our preferred all-around option from the compatible CNHL packs in this collection.
CNHL 3300mAh 4S 40C – Closest to the Proven V2 Setup
A 3300mAh 4S battery is particularly relevant because HobbyKing repeatedly demonstrated the Albatross V2 with this capacity. Pilots who want to stay close to that established V2 battery size can choose the CNHL 3300mAh 4S 40C XT60 option.
4S 3700mAh vs 3300mAh for the Avios Albatross RC Plane
| Battery | Capacity | C Rating | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNHL 3700mAh 4S | 3700mAh | 40C | Best all-around choice within the normal V2 capacity range. |
| CNHL 3300mAh 4S | 3300mAh | 40C | Closest to the capacity repeatedly used in V2 flight demonstrations. |
The difference is mainly capacity rather than a different power requirement. Battery weight can also affect the final mounting position, so do not assume that the 3300mAh and 3700mAh packs should sit in exactly the same place in the battery bay.
Can the Avios Albatross V2 Fly on a 3S LiPo Battery?
Yes. Although 4S is the primary power setup, the Avios Albatross V2 can also fly on 3S for a slower, more relaxed scale-flying style. HobbyKing has demonstrated the V2 on 3S, including a 5000mAh setup for scale-oriented flying.
2 Packs CNHL 4200mAh 3S 30C XT60 – Scale Flying Option
The CNHL 4200mAh 11.1V 3S 30C Shorty LiPo with XT60 provides a suitable lower-voltage option for pilots who prefer scale cruising over the stronger power available from 4S.
One battery at a time: The CNHL 4200mAh product is sold as a two-pack, but the twin-motor Albatross uses one main flight battery. The second pack is a spare for another flight.
4S vs 3S Battery for the Avios Albatross V2
| Battery Setup | Flying Character | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4S 3300–3700mAh | Stronger power available while remaining within the normal V2 battery range. | General flying, water takeoffs and sport-scale flying. |
| 3S 4200mAh | More relaxed power delivery. | Scale cruising and a slower flying style. |
For most Avios Albatross owners, 4S is the natural starting point. Independent V2 flying experience also shows that the aircraft has plenty of power available on 4S and normally does not require full throttle for scale flying. Choose 3S when a calmer, more scale-oriented power delivery is the goal.
What Battery Connector Does the Avios Albatross V2 Use?
The Avios Albatross V2 uses an XT60 battery connector. All three CNHL batteries selected for this collection use XT60, matching the stock connector format without requiring a connector conversion.
| Aircraft | Avios Albatross V2 / Avios Albatross HU-16 V2 |
| Primary Battery | 4S LiPo |
| Standard Capacity | 3000–4000mAh |
| CNHL 4S Choices | 3300mAh 40C and 3700mAh 40C |
| 3S Scale Option | 4200mAh 30C |
| Connector | XT60 |
| Recommended V2 CG | 65–70mm behind the wing leading edge at the center section |
Battery Position and CG on the Avios Albatross HU 16 V2
Choosing an Avios Albatross battery is not only about voltage and capacity. Battery weight and fore-aft position affect the aircraft's balance, so different packs may need to sit in different positions inside the battery compartment.
The recommended V2 center of gravity is 65–70mm behind the wing leading edge at the center of the wing. HobbyKing demonstrations have shown a 3300mAh 4S pack positioned relatively far forward, while other battery weights can require a different position to reach the same CG.
When changing battery packs:
- Secure the battery firmly in the bay.
- Recheck the 65–70mm CG.
- Do not automatically copy another pack's mounting position.
- Make sure the XT60 connection is fully seated.
- Complete a normal control and range check before the first flight.
Is the New USAF Avios Albatross a V2 or V3?
The newer grey-and-yellow USAF Search & Rescue Avios Albatross remains part of the established V2 platform. HobbyKing's launch presentation stated that it retains the same basic specification, motors, ESCs and setup as the US Coast Guard V2.
Some third-party videos and online references call the USAF aircraft an Avios Albatross V3, which explains why that wording may appear in searches. For battery selection, however, the USAF Search & Rescue release uses the same V2 battery direction covered by this collection.
Why the Avios Albatross V2 Uses V2-Specific Battery and CG Guidance
The Avios Albatross V2 was more than a new paint scheme. Compared with the original aircraft, Avios reduced airframe weight, cleaned up excess internal wiring, introduced a clear cockpit and changed the water rudder to a less visually intrusive clear design. The familiar twin-motor power-system concept remained, but the V2's weight distribution and balance guidance changed.
For that reason, owners of either the US Coast Guard or USAF Search & Rescue V2 should follow V2-specific CG and battery-position information rather than automatically copying older V1 setup notes.
Avios Albatross V2 Battery FAQ
What battery does the Avios Albatross V2 use?
The normal setup is a 4S LiPo in roughly the 3000–4000mAh range with an XT60 connector. CNHL's 3300mAh and 3700mAh 4S 40C batteries are the primary recommendations in this collection.
Is a 3300mAh 4S battery good for the Avios Albatross?
Yes. A 3300mAh 4S battery is especially relevant because this capacity has repeatedly been used in official V2 flight demonstrations.
Can the Avios Albatross V2 use a 3700mAh 4S battery?
Yes. The CNHL 3700mAh 4S 40C XT60 remains inside the normal V2 capacity range and is our best all-around recommendation among the compatible CNHL batteries selected for this page.
Can the Avios Albatross fly on 3S?
Yes. The V2 can fly on 3S for a more relaxed scale-flying style. The CNHL 4200mAh 3S 30C XT60 option is included for that purpose.
Does the twin-motor Avios Albatross need two batteries?
No. The aircraft uses one main flight battery to feed its twin-motor power system. The CNHL 4200mAh 3S product is sold as a two-pack, but only one pack is installed at a time.
What battery connector does the Avios Albatross V2 use?
The stock Avios Albatross V2 battery connector is XT60. All three CNHL options selected for this collection use XT60.
Do the US Coast Guard and USAF Albatross use the same battery setup?
Yes. The newer USAF Search & Rescue scheme carries over the established Avios Albatross V2 power system and basic setup, so the same battery recommendations apply to both V2 schemes.
More LiPo Batteries for Scale and Multi-engine RC Planes
The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a distinctive twin-engine scale flying boat. For batteries suited to similar scale and multi-engine aircraft, browse our LiPo Batteries for Scale & Multi-engine Planes.
You can also explore the full CNHL Airplane Batteries collection for more RC airplane battery options across different aircraft types and power systems.
