DolphinRC Shadow X5 5-Inch FPV Racing Frame Kit

The DolphinRC Shadow X5 is a lightweight FPV racing frame kit for 5–5.1-inch propellers. Its T700 carbon-fiber structure, 7075-T6 aluminum components and quick-swap arms suit pilots who want a compact race build that is easier to service between flights. The specified frame weight is 51 ± 0.1 g, excluding 3D-printed parts; this is not the weight of a complete drone.

Key Features

• T700 carbon-fiber plates: a lightweight structural foundation for a dedicated racing build.
• 7075-T6 aluminum center structure and standoffs: compact support around the flight electronics.
• Quick-swap arms: an accessible arm-retention arrangement simplifies replacement and maintenance.
• Extended arm contact: the embedded joint increases the contact area between the arms and center structure.
• Grade 12.9 YFS hardware: the supplied structural screw set includes motor mounting screws; separate lightweight aluminum fasteners are used for the flight stack.
• Race-focused accessories: camera mounts, a shark fin, battery pads and a custom Kevlar battery strap support a compact assembly.

The removable Stack Saver protective strap is designed to help shield the electronics from grass and loose debris while retaining access for maintenance. It is not a waterproof enclosure and cannot prevent all impact damage.

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Version Guide

This is a kit, not a ready-to-fly drone. Do not assume electronics, a battery, propellers or radio equipment are included unless explicitly listed for the selected option. Photos of an assembled build illustrate installation.

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Specifications & Compatibility

Check the actual board outline, component height, wiring clearance and mounting hardware before selecting a flight stack or VTX. A 40 × 40 mm maximum board footprint does not mean a 30.5 × 30.5 mm mounting pattern is supported. The 6S recommendation applies to the intended build; every electrical component must separately support the chosen battery.

The supplied materials use both “Wide X” and “Squashed X” for the layout. Because those labels conflict, use the dimensions and assembly drawing below when planning fitment.

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Package Includes

The supplied standard frame-kit list contains:

• Shadow frame × 1
• 55° printed camera mount × 1
• 58° printed camera mount × 1
• Battery anti-slip pad × 2
• Screw pack × 1
• Custom Kevlar strap, listed as M15 × 270 mm × 1
• Black dust-proof strap × 1
• Printed dust-proof strap × 1
• Keychain × 1, shown in the package image

Additional arms or motors depend on the selected option. The standard list does not specify the extra-arm quantity or bundled motor model/KV.

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Installation Instructions

Preview the Shadow Frame Assembly Manual V1.0 below. Open the full-size image to inspect the exploded arrangement and screw callouts before assembly.

Open full-size installation drawing →

1. Identify the plates, arms, standoffs and screw lengths using the exploded drawing before tightening the assembly.
2. Dry-fit the center structure and arms, checking that contact surfaces seat correctly without forcing the joint.
3. Check the camera mount, flight stack and VTX clearances before routing wires and closing the top plate.
4. Keep wiring away from sharp carbon edges and moving parts. Check motor-screw length against your motors so screws cannot contact windings.
5. Perform electrical checks and configuration with propellers removed. Before flight, check fasteners, arm retention, camera security and propeller clearance.

The drawing is the supplied assembly reference, not a torque specification. No tightening torque or universal motor-screw length is provided here. A frame and shark fin cannot guarantee safe turtle-mode recovery or protection from a crash.

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3D Printed Parts

The supplier describes open-source TPU camera mounts covering 50–60° in 1° steps. These printable options are separate from the physical 55° and 58° mounts listed in the standard kit. Do not assume every available angle is included as a printed part.

View Shadow camera-mount files on MakerWorld →

The external MakerWorld page is the source for model previews, downloadable files and any supplied print-profile instructions. Check the chosen model, material and fit before printing; no unverified STL download, license terms or slicer settings are reproduced here.

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Before You Order & FAQ

Is this a complete drone?
No. It is a frame kit with option-dependent extras. Choose the remaining components separately and check the selected bundle.

Does the 51 g figure include printed parts?
No. The stated 51 ± 0.1 g excludes 3D-printed parts and is not a finished aircraft weight.

Will any HDZero system fit?
No universal fit is promised. Check the specific camera against the 14 mm camera mounting size and the VTX against the stated footprint, 20 × 20 mm hole pattern and available clearance.

Are all camera angles supplied?
The standard list specifies one 55° mount and one 58° mount. Other angles described in the print resources are not automatically physical kit inclusions.

Which motor bundle should I choose?
The listed options distinguish purple and red motors, but the supplied materials do not establish their exact model or KV. Confirm those details before finalizing the power system.

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FPV Reading Guides

These general SoarSky guides help with build planning; they are not Shadow X5-specific reviews or installation manuals.

• FPV frame guide: frame types and how to choose
• Motor KV and propeller matching: efficiency and current safety
• Choosing an FPV flight controller for beginners

Choose your Shadow X5 option after checking the assembly drawing and component dimensions. If you need the exact motor-bundle specifications or additional-arm quantity, contact SoarSky before ordering.

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