SAB Goblin RAW 700 Technical Dossier
1. Overview
The SAB Goblin RAW 700 is a high-performance 700-class competition radio-control helicopter engineered for extreme 3D flight and high-energy aerobatics. It utilizes SAB's signature belt-driven modular architecture, an ultra-lightweight aluminum-housed power train, an advanced adjustable rotor head, and a 12S electric propulsion layout.
SAB Heli Division positions the RAW 700 as an avant-garde competition machine, emphasizing rigidity, minimal aerodynamic drag, optimized center-of-gravity placement, and a permanent open canopy structural design that maximizes cooling efficiency for high-draw electronics.
This technical dossier synthesizes official factory specifications, manual data, and verified engineering calculations for the Goblin RAW 700 platform.
2. Contents
- Core specifications
- Airframe dimensions
- Main rotor system
- Main drivetrain
- Tail-drive system
- Power system
- Battery system
- Structural design
- Rotor head and swashplate
- Bearing and shaft information
- Servo installation
- FBL / gyro installation
- Canopy and aerodynamics
- Landing gear
- Headspeed analysis
- Gearing calculations
- Tail-speed calculations
- Rotor loading
- Battery energy calculations
- Real-world configurations
- Vibration and blackbox data
- Low-RPM operation
- Blade selection
- Motor/KV analysis
- Assembly information
- Known hardware
- Kit contents
- Important undocumented parameters
- Technical assessment
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | SAB Goblin RAW 700 |
| Class | 700-class electric 3D competition helicopter |
| Main rotor diameter | 1,548 - 1,558 mm (depending on blade length) |
| Overall length | 1,435 mm / 56.5 in |
| Overall height | 345 mm / 13.6 in |
| Overall width | 190 mm / 7.5 in |
| Published airframe weight | 2,620 g / 5.78 lb (with blades, excluding electronics and battery) |
| Main blade length | 650 mm to 720 mm (690 mm included in standard kit) |
| Tail blade length | 105 mm to 115 mm (105 mm included in standard kit) |
| Tail rotor diameter | 284 mm (with 105 mm tail blades) |
| Battery compartment | 56 × 70 × 320 mm |
The core mechanical specifications are documented in the official SAB Goblin RAW 700 assembly manuals and technical datasheets.
4. Airframe Dimensions
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Main rotor diameter (690mm blades) | 1,558 mm | 61.3 in |
| Overall length | 1,435 mm | 56.5 in |
| Overall height | 345 mm | 13.6 in |
| Overall width | 190 mm | 7.5 in |
| Tail rotor diameter (105mm blades) | 284 mm | 11.2 in |
| Battery compartment dimensions | 56 × 70 × 320 mm | 2.2 × 2.8 × 12.6 in |
The optimized fuselage layout combines a compact 1,435 mm overall length with a wide 1558 mm rotor circle, maximizing disk loading efficiency and agility.
5. Main Rotor System
The standard kit includes high-performance 690 mm carbon fiber main blades. The rotor head is engineered from high-grade 7075 aluminum alloy with extensive tuning adjustability.
Primary rotor dimensions
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main blade length range | 650 mm to 720 mm |
| Included main blades | 690 mm carbon fiber |
| Main rotor diameter | 1,558 mm (with 690 mm blades) |
| Main shaft diameter | 12 mm |
| Spindle (feathering shaft) diameter | 10 mm |
The head design incorporates a dampening system composed of 3 O-rings (defining rigidity) and a techno-polymer damper (defining maximum spindle travel range), allowing pilots to tailor flight response.
6. Main Drivetrain
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission enclosure | Fully enclosed aluminum case with helical gears |
| Standard motor pulley | 21T (included in kit) |
| Standard main reduction ratio | 10.1:1 (with 21T pulley) |
| Available pulley range | 18T to 26T (ratios from 12.1:1 to 8.8:1) |
The enclosed modular power train utilizes heavy-duty helical gears and a Delrin swashplate guide. By swapping motor pulleys from 18T to 26T, the main reduction ratio can be tuned across a broad 12.1:1 to 8.8:1 window.
7. Tail-Drive System
The RAW 700 utilizes an ultra-lightweight aluminum tail case with a 35 mm diameter 6082 aluminum tail boom. Large-diameter pulleys ensure high transmission efficiency.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Tail boom diameter | 35 mm (6082 aluminum alloy) |
| Tail rotor diameter | 284 mm (with 105 mm tail blades) |
| Tail blade length range | 105 mm to 115 mm |
| Standard tail ratio | 4.9:1 (with 26T tail pulley included) |
| Tail ratio range | 5.0:1 to 4.8:1 |
Tail design features
- Quick and easy tail fin replacement system.
- Included tail belt tensioning tool that clips onto the boom for precise setup.
- Integrated belt tensioner indicator showing correct operational tension.
- High-efficiency large-diameter drive pulleys.
8. Power System
The airframe is designed to house high-torque 12S brushless propulsion systems capable of sustaining extreme collective transients.
| Component | Recommended specification |
|---|---|
| Battery configuration | 12S LiPo (Two 6S packs in series) |
| Battery capacity | 4,200 – 5,500 mAh |
| Motor class | 4525 – 4530 series (500 – 560 KV, max diameter 62 mm, max height 70 mm) |
| Electronic Speed Controller | 12S, 160A – 200A high-output ESC |
| Cyclic Servos | Standard size 40mm digital high-voltage servos |
| Tail Servo | Standard size 40mm high-speed tail servo |
9. Battery System & Hatch
Battery access is achieved through an innovative front-loading hatch system that slides locking trays directly into the core frame structure.
Nominal battery energy
Operating on a nominal 12S LiPo array (44.4 V):
A standard 5,000 mAh 12S pack delivers approximately:
The kit includes two dedicated quick-release battery trays equipped with secure strap mounting points.
10. Structural Design
The RAW 700 frame architecture emphasizes ultra-low dry weight combined with high torsional rigidity for competition performance.
Principal structural features
- Minimalist permanently-mounted structural canopy frame layout.
- Precision CNC-machined aluminum motor mount and bearing blocks.
- High-strength carbon fiber side frames and reinforcement plates.
- Isolated electronics mounting decks to mitigate high-frequency harmonics.
- Included tail belt tension verification tool.
11. Rotor Head and Swashplate
The rotor head uses an ultra-lightweight 7075 aluminum hub and 10 mm spindle. The blade grip arms are fabricated from 6061 aluminum with a sacrificial design intended to protect primary grips during a crash.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Feathering spindle | 10 mm diameter hardened steel |
| Main shaft | 12 mm precision ground steel |
| Blade grip arm mounting | Single M4 shear screw for crash protection |
| Swashplate guide | Low-friction techno-polymer / Delrin insert |
12. Bearing and Shaft Reference
The assembly manual details a robust bearing complement across all rotating assemblies to maintain zero slop under heavy aerodynamic loads.
| Location | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main shaft blocks | Dual-supported high-load radial and angular contact bearings |
| Blade grips | Matched radial and high-capacity thrust bearings |
| Tail shaft assembly | High-speed shielded radial bearings |
| Idler pulleys | Flanged micro-bearings |
13. Servo Installation
The airframe accommodates standard 40mm full-size servos across all four control channels. Servo geometry is aligned for direct-to-swash pushrod linkage without intermediate bellcranks.
- Three standard 40mm digital cyclic servos.
- One standard 40mm high-speed digital tail servo.
- Direct linkage layout minimizing mechanical backlash.
14. Flybarless / Gyro Installation
The Goblin RAW 700 accepts all major commercial flybarless control units (e.g., V-Bar, Spirit, Brain/BD3SX, Rotorflight controllers). A dedicated flat gyro mounting platform is positioned on the upper rear frame deck, isolating the sensor package from primary powertrain vibrations.
15. Canopy and Aerodynamics
Unlike traditional helicopters with removable full fuselages, the RAW utilizes a structural front-access aerodynamic cowling combined with an exposed carbon tail boom and frame spine.
Design advantages
- Substantially reduced side-profile aerodynamic drag during high-speed stall turns.
- Unrestricted airflow directly cooling the motor windings and ESC cooling fins.
- Instant battery access via the front sliding hatch without removing structural cowlings.
16. Landing Gear
The landing gear features wide-stance composite skids attached via high-impact nylon struts designed to absorb landing shock and protect the lower frame plate during autorotation touchdowns.
17. Headspeed and Operating Envelope
The recommended operational headspeed range for the Goblin RAW 700 spans from 1,800 RPM to 2,300 RPM depending on flying style and dampener configuration.
| Flight Regime | Target Headspeed | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Normal / Big Air | 1,800 – 1,950 RPM | Extended flight times, smooth aerobatics |
| Standard 3D (IU1) | 2,050 – 2,150 RPM | General 3D maneuvers and precise response |
| Extreme 3D / Hard Smack (IU2) | 2,200 – 2,350 RPM | Maximum collective pop and tail authority |
18. Main Gearing Calculations
Using the standard 10.1:1 reduction ratio (21T motor pulley):
| Motor RPM (12S ~44.4V) | 21T / 10.1:1 Ratio Rotor RPM |
|---|---|
| 18,000 | ~1,782 RPM |
| 19,000 | ~1,881 RPM |
| 20,000 | ~1,980 RPM |
| 21,000 | ~2,079 RPM |
| 22,000 | ~2,178 RPM |
| 23,000 | ~2,277 RPM |
| 24,000 | ~2,376 RPM |
19. Tail-Speed Calculations
With the standard 4.9:1 tail reduction ratio:
| Main Rotor RPM | Tail Rotor RPM (4.9:1) |
|---|---|
| 1,800 | 8,820 RPM |
| 1,900 | 9,310 RPM |
| 2,000 | 9,800 RPM |
| 2,100 | 10,290 RPM |
| 2,200 | 10,780 RPM |
| 2,300 | 11,270 RPM |
20. Rotor Disc Area and Loading
Using the standard 1,558 mm main rotor diameter (with 690 mm blades):
At the published dry airframe weight of 2,620 g (2.62 kg):
With a fully loaded competition setup (approx. 5.1 kg ready-to-fly weight with 12S 5000mAh batteries and electronics):
21. Battery Energy Calculations
| Battery Pack Configuration | Nominal Stored Energy |
|---|---|
| 12S 4,200 mAh | ~186.5 Wh |
| 12S 4,500 mAh | ~199.8 Wh |
| 12S 5,000 mAh | ~222.0 Wh |
| 12S 5,500 mAh | ~244.2 Wh |
22. Real-World Build Configurations
Typical competition setups for the SAB Goblin RAW 700 feature premium electronics tailored for instantaneous power delivery and thermal headroom.
| Category | Common Competition Component Choice |
|---|---|
| Motor | Scorpion HKIV-4525 520KV / XNova 4530 500KV |
| ESC | Castle Creations Edge HV 160 / Hobbywing Platinum 200A HV V4 |
| Cyclic Servos | BK DS-7001HV / Torq BL 9180 |
| Tail Servo | BK DS-7005HV / Torq BL 9188 |
| FBL Unit | Spirit Pro / MicroBeast Plus / VBar Neo |
| Main Blades | SAB Goblin 690mm / SAB Thunderbolt |
23. Vibration Management & Tuning
The enclosed aluminum gearbox and stiff carbon frame maintain exceptionally clean mechanical transfer paths. When configuring high-performance FBL units, proper gain tuning and notch filtering eliminate structural resonance, ensuring crisp tail lock and precise cyclic tracking during high-G maneuvers.
24. Technical Assessment
The SAB Goblin RAW 700 represents a pinnacle in modern 700-class helicopter engineering. By marrying an ultra-lightweight dry airframe (2,620g) with an enclosed modular drivetrain, adjustable dampening geometry, and superior component cooling, SAB has created a competition platform that excels across both smooth precision aerobatics and aggressive 3D smack flying.