COX Sky cruisers, Sky Cruisers 5854 Instruction Manual

Page 1
COX 5854
Your SKY CRUISERS® R/C JET is easy to assemble and fly . But remember… this is a very technically advanced product. It’s important you read these instructions thoroughly and pay close attention to the SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND HELPFUL HINTS.
Power Charger with Auto Adapter
If you do run into something difficult and need some help, just call COX® Customer Service at 800-451-0339.
Instruction and Flight Manual
Before you get started, make sure you have 6 'AAA' Alkaline Batteries.
7.2 Volt Rechargeable Flight Battery Pack
Transmitter
Antenna
Fuselage
PRINTED IN CHINA © 2003 Estes-Cox Corp. All rights reserved. #5854
Sky Cruisers® R/C Jet
Instructions
Radio Control Electric
Jet Plane
INSTRUCTION MANU AL
KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Wing Attachment Tape
Here’s everything that comes in the package. Use this picture to identify the parts you will be using.
www.coxmodels.com 1295 H Street Penrose, CO 81240
Right Wing
Left Wing
Horizontal Stabilizer
Vertical Fin & Rudder
®
Fin Retainer
Page 2
1.DO NOT ALTER, MODIFY OR CUSTOMIZE THE DUCTED FAN UNIT.
Spinning Ducted Fan rotor can inflict injury to you and others if handled carelessly.
2.KEEP YOUR FACE, FINGERS, CLOTHING AND ALL OTHER OBJECTS AWAY FROM INLET OF DUCTED FAN.
A Ducted Fan Rotor which has been damaged with nicks, chips or cracks, or altered in any way can break apart during operation and cause serious injury to you and others.
3. INSPECT DUCTED FAN ROTOR BEFORE EACH FLIGHT.
4.DISCARD AND REPLACE NICKED, CHIPPED, CRACKED OR ALTERED DUCTED FAN ROTOR.
Each Ducted Fan unit sold by
COX
®
is carefully engineered and tested for maximum reliable performance for only the plane and motor it was designed for. If a Ducted Fan unit is altered or damaged in the slightest degree, its aerodynamics and balance are jeopardized and you have created a serious risk of the Ducted Fan unit flying apart and causing injury to you and others.
5. PLAY IT SAFE — Replace Ducted Fan unit if you suspect any damage.
WARNING
Improper use of this product may result in personal injury or damage
to the product.
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
You are responsible for the safe operation of this product.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT: USER INFORMATION
Changes or modifications of any kind to your Sky Cruisers® transmitter not expressly approved by Estes-Cox Corp. will void the user's authority to operate the Sky Cruisers® transmitter.
Transmitter frequencies can only be changed and the associated electronic circuitry tuned by the Estes-Cox Service Center. Changing frequencies by the consumer will void the warranty and is a violation of F.C.C. regulations.
Do not cut or shorten the length of the transmitter or receiver antenna. Doing so will greatly reduce the operational range of the Sky Cruisers® radio system.
Please refer to the label on the transmitter for operation frequency. Do not fly more than one aircraft on the same frequency at a time. Operational interference may occur.
DUCTED FAN SAFETY
2
BATTERY SAFETY
This product uses a sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery. To prevent possible damage to the battery or injury to you read and follow these precautions.
• Do not charge batteries longer than specified in Instruction Manual.
• Use only the recommended charger to charge battery.
• Completely discharge battery before charging.
• Remove battery from plane before charging.
• Do not short circuit battery or battery charger.
• Do not open battery - may burst and release toxic liquids.
• Never store or transport battery in plane.
• If battery gets hot, makes a ‘popping’ sound, or leaks liquid during a charge, disconnect from charger immediately.
• Dispose of battery properly - do not incinerate or burn.
MEDICAL WARNING
Keep away from small children. If swallowed, promptly seek medical attention.
Call National Battery Ingestion Hotline (202) 625-3333.
If battery ruptures, avoid inhalation - may cause respiratory irritation. If any battery liquid contacts skin, wash skin immediately with soap and water. If skin irritation develops, seek medical attention. In case of eye contact, flush eye with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention at once.
Keep face, hands and clothing away from Ducted Fan Inlet. Have all spectators stand behind you when launching.
Fly in open area. Never fly near power lines or trees. We recommend not to fly in wind over 5 mph.
Page 3
SAFETY GUIDELINES:
• Never operate charger with car engine running.
• Never operate charger or charge battery inyour vehicle.
• Always remove flight battery pack from airplane before charging.
• Always discharge the flight battery pack before charging.
1 CHARGING THE FLIGHT B ATTER Y PACK
CHARGING THE FLIGHT BATTERY PACK
• Do not hold charger or flight battery pack while charging.
• Do not discharge/recharge the flight battery pack if hot. Allow to cool.
• Unplug charger from cigarette lighter after each use.
OPERATING THE POWER CHARGER
The
PowerCharger™
operates from your car’s battery. Follow the SAFETY GUIDELINES when using this charger.
Timer Knob
This adapter plugs into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle.
You will need to have the Flight Battery Pack charged and the Sky Cruisers®transmitter radio operating to complete the final assembly of the
R/C Jet
. Follow the steps below to charge the Flight Battery P ack and put the transmitter into
operation. While the battery is being charged, you can begin assembly of your
R/C Jet™
When charging, it is possible for the Flight Battery Pack and Charger to get very warm. To prevent any damage to the model, yourself or your vehicle follow these safety guidelines.
CAUTION:
When charging is complete, unplug charger cable from the cigarette lighter. Unplug the Flight Battery Pack from the Charger.
Plug the Flight Battery connector into the short lead connector of the Charger. If Flight Battery is in plane, unplug and remove before charging.
Lay the Charger and Flight Battery Pack on a smooth surface alongside your vehicle. Plug the other end of the charger cord into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle.
3
LED indicator light (Lights when charging)
HELPFUL HINT:
Before the first flight, charge and discharge the flight battery pack 3 times for optimal battery performance.
• If a day or more goes by without charging the battery, or you are not sure of how much charge is left, discharge the battery pack, then recharge before flying.
This end plugs into the Flight Battery Pack.
NOTE: To discharge the Flight Battery ,
run Ducted Fan until it stops.
Turn the timer to the and note that the LED is illuminated. When the timer runs down to "0" your Flight Battery Pack is charged.
Page 4
Requires 6 "AAA" Alkaline batteries - Sold separately.
HELPFUL HINT:
When operating the Transmitter, always have the antenna extended. Be careful when the antenna is extended. DO NOT bend or break. Keep away from faces and eyes. When not in use, fully collapse the antenna.
Battery
Compartment
Cover
CAUTION: Do not mix
old, new, or other battery types. Use only ALKALINE batteries in the Sky Rangers®Transmitter.
This LED light (indicating power is 'on') will illuminate when the Control Stick is moved left or right. If it fails to light, DO NOT attempt to fly your R/C Jet. Check the batteries for correct polarity, replacing the batteries if required. If the LED fails to light after checking or replacing the batteries call Cox® Customer Service at 1-800-451-0339.
Screw the antenna into the top of the Tr ansmitter . Tighten finger tight
- DO NOT over tighten.
Insert six new 'AAA' alkaline batteries into the battery case as shown. Match the ' + ' and ' – ' symbols in the case with each battery. Insert the battery case back into the battery compartment. Replace the battery compartment cover and reinstall the screw.
Battery Case
4
+
+
2 THE SKY RANGERS® TRANSMITTER
Remove the screw and battery compartment cover from the back of the transmitter case. Pull out the battery case from the battery compartment.
This Control Stick moves only left or right. You will be using it to control the flight path of the R/C Jet while flying. We will show you how this control works later in this manual.
NOTE: The Sky Rangers
®
Transmitter does not have an `on / off´ switch. The Transmitter turns `on´ automatically when the Control Stick is moved left or right and is always `off ´ when the Control Stick is centered.
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5
4 ATTACHING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER
Carefully remove the protective paper from the double side tape located on the tail surface of the jet.
Fuselage
Carefully align and mount the Horizontal Stabilizer over the tail surface of the jet as shown. Lightly press the Horizontal Stabilizer in place.
3 A TTACHING THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
NOTE: The Vertical Fin comes with the Rudder already hinged and the control horn mounted. DO NOT CUT THE
RUDDER FREE FROM THE VERTICAL FIN.
Be very careful not to bend the Torque Rod when inserting it up through the Control Horn. Bending will cause the control
system to not operate properly. Torque Rod
Control Horn
Vertical Fin Mount
Secure the Vertical Fin to the Fin Mount by inserting the Fin Retainer through the mount and fin until it 'Clicks' in place on the opposite side.
Align Vertical Fin 90˚ with Horizontal Stabilizer.
Vertical Fin
Horizontal Stabilizer
90˚
Vertical Fin
Rudder
Fin Retainer
Insert the Vertical Fin into the Vertical Fin Mount while at the same time inserting the T orque Rod up through the Control Horn.
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6
5 ATTA CHING THE WINGS
HELPFUL HINT:
Determining the left and right side of an airplane is always done as if you were sitting in the pilot seat flying the airplane.
NOTE:
Plane color and graphics may vary.
Wrap around Front
TOP TAPE
FUSELAGE
RIGHT WING
WING TABS
Align the Right Wing tabs with the right Fuselage tabs and fully insert tabs together as shown. Secure the joint with one of the 'Top' attachment tapes.
WING ATTACHMENT TAPE
Bottom Right Wing Top Right Wing Bottom Left Wing Top Left Wing
Align the Left Wing tabs with the left Fuselage tabs and fully insert tabs together as shown. Don't tape yet.
AA
Wrap around Front
LEFT WING
Secure the Left Wing joint with the other 'Top' attachment tape .
Eyeball the angle of the wings to the fuselage. If necessary, adjust the Left Wing so it has the same angle as the Right Wing as shown. (A equals A).
BOTTOM VIEW
TAPE
Balance Points (for use on step 6).
Locate the two 'Bottom' tape strips and apply them to the bottom of wings as shown.
LEFT WING
Page 7
BOTTOM VIEW
LEFT RUDDER
6 INST ALLING THE FLIGHT BA TTER Y PACK
7 CHECK OPERATION OF CONTROLS
7
First plug the Flight Battery Pack into the connector extending from the bottom of the fuselage.
Flight Battery
Battery Pocket
Insert the Flight Battery Pack into the middle of the Battery Pocket molded into the fuselage. Tuck the wire lead and connector into the Pocket.
NOTE:
To turn the Ducted Fan "OFF" unplug the battery pack.
NOTES:
1. Check Radio Operation with a newly charged Flight Battery.
2. Do Not press the Ducted Fan Start Button to check radio.
3. The rudder will operate without the Ducted Fan running.
Move the Control Stick to the left. The LED will light and the rudder will move to the left.
LED Light
IMPORTANT:
1. Prior to any flight, check the operation of the radio system. If anything does not work correctly, DO NOT FLY!
2. The radio system has a Ducted Fan cutoff feature. When the Flight Battery drops to a pre­set voltage, the Ducted Fan will automatically turn off. Control of the rudder will still be possible to land the plane.
Slide the Flight Battery forward or backward in the pocket to get your jet to balance level.
LEVELLEVEL
With the Flight Battery installed, balance the jet on your fingertips at the Balance Points under the wing noted step 5.
You want to have your jet balance
LEVEL
as shown for
the best flight performance.
RIGHT RUDDER
Ducted Fan Start Button
With the Flight Battery Pack installed in your plane, move the Control Stick to the right. The LED will light and (looking from behind the plane) the rudder will move to the right.
Page 8
8
100 YARDS (91 m)
100 Y ARDS
(91 m)
Find an area as large as a football field. You don’t want to fly near people, streets, houses, trees or power lines.
NEVER FLY IN WINDS
OVER 5 MPH (8 KPH)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
• Fly in open areas. Never fly near power lines, trees, houses or buildings.
• Do not fly in winds over 5 mph (8 kph).
• Keep hands, face and clothing away from Ducted Fan inlet.
• Have all spectators stand behind and away from Ducted Fan inlet.
For greater success in flying your Sky Cruisers
®
R/C Jet, READ, FOLLOW, and STUDY these flying instructions. You can access our web site to practice flying a Plane like the Sky Cruisers
®
R/C Jet using our On-line Flight Simulator shown at
right.
ALWAYS FLY OVER
SOFT GRASSY FIELDS!
DO NOT FLY IN PARKING LO TS OR STREETS.
!!! Read Before Attempting to Fly !!!
NOTE:
Soft grassy areas are best.
2. PRACTICE launching as shown BEFORE attempting to fly:
Throw an empty soda can straight and level. Throw it hard enough so the can lands 10-12 feet (3-3.7 m) from you. This is exactly how hard you need to throw your Sky Cruisers
®
R/C Jet.
10’-12’ (3-3.7m)
NEVER FLY NEAR OBSTACLES
FLYING INSTRUCTIONS
Practice flying a Sky Cruisers® R/C Plane on our On-line Sky Rangers
®
Flight Simulator.
Log onto www.estesrockets.com. Go to Level 2. Clic k on Flight School then type the password:
FLYRC (Use all caps)
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9
3.CYCLE MOTOR (First time out only)
For peak motor performance, cycle batteries in plane three times before flying. Do this by charging the plane as per instructions. Turn motor ‘ON’ and run until it stops. Wait two minutes for the plane’s batteries to cool. Repeat 2 more times. NOTE: Hold plane securely and keep hands, fingers, and face away from ducted fan inlet.
4. PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST:
A. Extend Transmitter antenna. B. Check Left & Right Rudder Control. C. Face into the wind.
5.LAUNCHING PLANE:
C. Throw plane
STRAIGHT
OUT from you.
D. Do not operate controls - let the plane fly
straight out for 3-5 seconds. Then make your first turn.
A. Hold plane
under wing as shown.
B. Press "START
BUTTON". Hold above shoulder and level with ground.
6. DO NOT OVER CONTROL –
'PULSE'
(PUSH &
RELEASE) TO MAKE TURNS.
To turn, push stick left or right and let it spring back to the center. The faster you "PULSE" the controls the more your plane turns.
CONTROL TIP:
Faster the "PULSE" - tighter the turn. Slower the "PULSE" - wider the turn. Wide turns are better and more controllable.
CORRECT!
WRONG
WRONG
AUTO SHUT-OFF FEATURE
T o hav e control of plane throughout its flight, the ducted fan is designed to cut off (stop) when the Flight Battery drops to a pre-set voltage. Don't panic. When the ducted fan stops, simply turn the plane into the wind, level the wings, and land. (See page 12 on 'Landing').
PULSE
PULSE
Hold here.
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10
TRIMMING Y OUR R/C JET
If properly trimmed, your R/C Jet should fl y straight out in a slight climb (#1).
If your R/C Jet:
1
2
3
4
VEERS LEFT . . .
2
VEERS RIGHT . . .
3
DOES NOT CLIMB . . .
4
UP
FLEX THIS AREA
"UP"
VERY LITTLE.
FLEX THIS AREA
"UP"
VERY LITTLE.
UP
FLEX BOTH AREAS
"UP"
VER Y LITTLE AND
IN EQUAL AMOUNTS.
UP
HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
UP
HORIZONTAL STABILIZER
Page 11
'PULSE' the control stick LEFT to begin turn. Remember... slow pulses for wide turns, fast pulses for tight turns. Make wide turns at first, and 'pulse' the control stick only when needed to continue turning.
11
FL YING TIME:
Typical flying time is 3 to 5 minutes. As your flying skill improves, you'll be able to tak e advantage of 'thermals' (warm air rising from the ground) to extend your flight time. Should you catch a thermal, circle in it to gain altitude. If the ducted fan stops, you can continue to fly within the thermal for as long as you can. Once out of it, set up to land (See page 12 on 'Landing').
FL YING TIP:
To fly straight, wings must
be level. When wings are banked as in a turn, they stay banked and the plane will continue to turn until you bring the wings back to level.
BEGINNERS!
Only fly on days when there is no wind. Always fly over fields with tall soft gr ass! Do not fly when wind is more than 5 mph (8 kph).
1. Extend transmitter antenna.
2. Check Rudder by 'PULSING' Control Stic k left and right.
3. Get ready to fly.
4. Turn Motor Switch 'ON'
5. Hand launch your plane straight out into
the wind.
START
LET PLANE FLY BY ITSELF 3-5 SECONDS TO GAIN ALTITUDE BEFORE MAKING THE 1ST TURN. USE JUST ENOUGH CONTROL TO KEEP THE WINGS LEVEL DURING THIS TIME.
DO NOT let the wing bank too steep. Mov e the Control Stick as necessary to maintain a wide left turn flight path.
DOWNWIND FLIGHT P ATH
Concentrate on flying this type of course back and forth across your flying area several times. Always remember to keep turning yourself in the direction your plane is traveling.
BEGIN TURN
• 'PULSE' Left Rudder
END OF TURN
• 'PULSE' Right Rudder
STRAIGHT FLIGHT PA TH
Stick Centered • Wings Level
LEFT TURN PATH
• 'PULSE' Left Rudder
END OF TURN
• 'PULSE' Right Rudder
UPWIND FLIGHT PATH
2ND TURN
1ST TURN
'PULSE'
Start a LEFT turn again by 'PULSING' the control stick LEFT. Remember... slow pulses for wide turns, fast pulses for tight turns. Make wide turns at first and 'pulse' the control stick only when needed to continue the turn.
'PULSE'
Finish the turn by 'PULSING' the control stick to the RIGHT just enough to level the wings. Make any corrections to the flight path as necessary, letting the plane do the flying.
'PULSE'
FLIGHT PA TTERN
Finish the turn by 'PULSING' the control stick to the RIGHT just enough to level the wings. Make any corrections to the flight path as necessary, letting the plane do the flying.
'PULSE'
Page 12
12
Always fly an R/C Jet as if you were the pilot sitting in the plane. When you fly the plane towards you and command it to turn right or left, it will turn to its right or left... but it will appear to you to be turning in the opposite direction. Follow the steps below when a plane is flying toward you.
As you make a left turn and the plane is flying toward you, it will appear to be flying to your
right
.
T o stop the turn (le vel the wings), 'PULSE' the control stick to the
right
to
level the wings.
Wings level, plane flies straight.
Begin to set up for landing when you see the plane begin to lose altitude due to the batteries losing their charge. Always try to land into the wind. If you cannot set up for a landing in time, level the wings and let the plane land by itself.
2 Ft. (.6 m)
'PULSE' the Control Stick RIGHT to level the wings and continue to fly straight on the Final Approach into the wind until the plane touches down.
5 Ft. (1.5 m)
'PULSE'
'PULSE'
'PULSE'
DOWNWIND LEG
BASE LEG
FINAL APPROACH
LANDING SPOT
'PULSE'
'PULSE' the Control Stick LEFT to start the Base Leg turn into the wind.
FL YING TO WARD Y OU (VERY TRICKY!)
FL YING TIP:
Whenever the plane is flying toward you 'PULSE' the control stick toward the lower wing to level the wings.
LANDING
Page 13
LAUNCH AND LANDING SPOT
13
This more advanced preliminary flight path requires a 270° left turn at one end and 270° right turn at the other end, with crossing straight flight paths between the ends.
THE FIGURE EIGHT
ONCE YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR SKY CRUISERS® R/C JET IN THE AIR, TRY FLYING THESE BASIC PATTERNS.
ADDITIONAL FLIGHT PATTERNS
This preliminary pattern requires a 360° turn at each end with a straight flight path between the two ends.
THE DOG BONE
LAUNCH AND LANDING SPOT
Page 14
Carefully hold in place until glue sets.
Wipe excess glue off of the external surfaces.
The high density EPP foam wings are very durable and can withstand rough landings. If damaged, the foam is easy to repair and you can have your SKY CRUISERS® R/C JET air worthy again in a short time. To glue foam, 5 Minute Epoxy (sold separately) works best. NEVER USE INSTANT (SUPER) GLUE... IT WILL DESTROY THE FOAM.
FOR MORE HELP!
If you ever have any questions or problems,
call
COX
®
Customer Service. We know all
about your airplane and can help you.
Call Toll-Free 1-800-451-0339
Weekdays except Holidays.
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Time.
Use cellophane tape to repair dents and tears.
WING
14
Apply epoxy to broken area, then put the pieces together.
Motor switch not turned 'ON'. Turn switch 'ON'. Flight Battery not charged. Completely discharge, then recharge batteries. Fan Rotor jammed against fan housing. Pull rotor away from housing. Debris stuck in fan rotor. Check and clean.
Transmitter batteries worn out. Replace batteries. Control wire not engaged in rudder. Carefully slip control wire in place. Flight Battery not charged. Charge battery. Movement obstructed. Make sure actuator and rudder move freely.
Flight Battery not fully charged. Completely discharge, then recharge batteries. Flight Battery damaged from over charging. Replace Flight Battery.
Others operating on same frequency near by. Move to new location or wait your turn.
Transmitter battery low. Replace batteries.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you still have problems call and talk with Sky Cruisers® Flying Instructors, Toll Free 1-800-451-0339 Monday - Friday. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Mountain Time.
SHORT FLYING TIME
ERRATIC, LITTLE OR NO RADIO CONTROL
RUDDER DOES NOT MOVE WHEN TRANSMITTER PULSED.
DUCTED FAN DOES NOT RUN OR LOW POWER.
SERVICE YOU CAN DO YOURSELF
EPOXY
VERTICAL FIN
EPOXY
Page 15
FOR 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, COX WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY FACTORY DEFECTS WITHOUT CHARGE. IF YOU FIND A DEFECT OR NEED REPLACEMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE COX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. If you wish to return a defective part, send only the affected part along with proof of purchase to: Cox Customer Service, 1295 H Street, Penrose CO 81240. Please do not send the entire model. There may be an additional handling charge if you send the entire model kit. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY IF THE PRODUCT IS OPERATED IN ACCORD ANCE WITH THE ENCLOSED ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITH EACH
MODEL. COX ASSUMES NO LIABILITY EXCEPT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF P ARTS AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. COX SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion of consequential or incidental damages so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. THE ABOVE WARRANTY EXCLUDES ALL GLO W HEADS USED ON FUEL POWERED MODELS.
READ ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
COX LIMITED NINETY DAY WARRANTY
REF NO. DESCRIPTION
1 Right Wing 2 Left Wing 3 Fuselage 4 Vertical Fin & Rudder 5 Horizontal Stabilizer 6 Antenna 7 Transmitter 8 Flight Battery Pack 9 Die Cut Wing Attachment Tape 10 Instructions 11 15 Minute Charger
15
SKY CRUISERS R/C JE
T
®
SPARE PARTS
2.
10.
11.
6.
8.
3.
9.
1.
4.
7.
5.
Page 16
AWARDED TO:
R
A
D
I
O
C
O
N
T
R
O
L
J
E
T
P
I
L
O
T
C
E
R
T
I
F
I
C
A
T
E
CERTIFIED R/C PILOT
COX® FLIGHT SCHOOL PENROSE, COLORADO USA (800) 451-0339
www.coxmodels.com
Estes-Cox Corp. 1295 H Street Penrose, CO 81240 1-800-525-7561
FOR COMPLETING 3SUCCESSFUL FLIGHTS WITH HIS/HER
SKY CRUISERS®R/CJET PLANE.
®
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