NewBeeDrone LionBee 3inch long range ELRS 2.4G AIO drone assembly kit

Always check the battery polarity before connecting USB power. Incorrect polarity may cause irreversible damage to the equipment.

When using the VTX in maximum power mode, make sure the VTX antenna is firmly connected before turning on the power. Operating at high power without a properly connected antenna may cause irreversible damage to the equipment or burnout of the VTX.

„The NewBeeDrone LionBee Long Range Developer Kit is a completely new approach to building 1S long range FPV drones. The LionBee is designed with an innovative flight controller integrated directly into the 18650 battery housing. This solution reduces vibrations, simplifies the design, and improves electrical efficiency - a solution that is practically unprecedented in the FPV world.

To achieve true 1S long-range performance, LionBee uses a special 0.5mm brass high-current transmission system. It eliminates the main drawback of traditional 18650 battery holders - limited current throughput. As a result, modern high-discharge 18650 cells such as the JP30 can reach their full potential and provide enough power even for freestyle flights using a single cell.

„LionBee also features the world's first 1S ESC based on a 32-bit microcontroller, developed in collaboration with the AM32 team. The system is based on a powerful AT32F435 288 MHz processor, which provides fast flight control, video transmission and operation of the integrated receiver.

Despite the single-sided PCB design, the system has an integrated 800mW Smart-Max VTX transmitter that automatically adjusts power based on temperature, ensuring stable and secure video transmission over long distances.

Full reverse polarity protection protects the electronics in case the 18650 battery is accidentally inserted backwards. In this case, neither the FC, nor the ESC, nor other components will be damaged - this is extremely important when using the drone in outdoor conditions. However, it is important to note that this protection does not work while the USB cable is connected.

The updated modular battery housing has factory-soldered brass contacts and can be quickly replaced after impact or damage.

„LionBee is presented as a Developer Kit – a platform for pilots, engineers and enthusiasts who want to experiment and contribute to the development of the next generation of micro long-range FPV drones. It is not only a product, but also an open experimental platform for further development and ideas from the community.

Assembly video instruction:

Specification:

• MCU: AT32F435;
• Gyroscope: BMI270 (from March 2026);
• Barometer: SPL06;
• OSD: integrated;
• VTX: 25-800 mW Smart-Max with automatic temperature control;
• Receiver: integrated SPI ELRS;
• ESC: 4-in-1 AM32 32-bit, 5A;
• Power supply: 1S Li-ion / LiPo;
• Protection: full protection against incorrect polarity;
• Mounting dimensions: 25.5 × 82 mm;
• GPS support: M10Q series;
• Weight: 62.3 g.
• Hanging time: about 20 minutes.
• Flight time: about 15 minutes.
* Tested using a 18650 JP30 3000mAh battery with a discharge current of 10C-12C or more and an internal resistance of 5 mΩ or less.

Files and links for developers:

• AM32 firmware: Download
• Betaflight software:
Betaflight_2025.12 SPI ELRS 3.X
Betaflight_2025.12 SPI ELRS 4.X
• LionBee electronics scheme (Hardware Schematic): Link
• 3D printing files: Download
• 3D model of the LionBee flight controller: Download
• AT32 MCU Drivers: Download

Features:

• Integrated flight controller and 18650 battery housing design;
• Special 0.5 mm brass high current transmission system;
• The world's first 1S ESC with a 32-bit microcontroller;
• Powerful AT32F435 288 MHz flight controller processor;
• 800mW Smart-Max VTX with intelligent temperature control;
• Integrated SPI ExpressLRS receiver with support for modified software;
• Full protection against incorrect polarity (a battery inserted backwards will not cause damage);
• Modular and easily replaceable 18650 battery housing with factory-soldered brass contacts;
• Developer Kit platform for experimentation and innovation;
• Perfect for long-range flights, testing, and custom R&D projects.

Package:

1 x LionBee AIO Flight Controller
1 x LionBee 3 inch carbon fiber frame kit
4 x 1202 11420KV motors
8 x Gemfan 3020 propellers (4× CW + 4× CCW)
1 x BeeEye camera
1 x NewBeeDrone Honey Dipper 5.8G UFL Antenna (IPEX1)
2 x modular interchangeable 18650 battery housings
1 x M10Q GPS module + 3D printed GPS mount
1 x BeeT-Antenna for ExpressLRS (ELRS) 2.4 GHz receiver (MHF3)
1 x JST1.0 6-pin → JST1.25 6-pin GPS cable
2 x Velcro battery straps
2 x Zip Ties
4 x adhesive mounting pads
M2 x 12 hex screws, black nickel, with blue thread lock – 3 pcs.
M2 x 10 hex screws, black nickel, with blue thread lock – 3 pcs.
M2 x 6 hex screws, black nickel, with blue thread lock – 3 pcs.
M2 x 4 hex screws, black nickel, with blue thread lock – 5 pcs.
„LionBee Developer Kit Manual