E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF User Manual
Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF
Assembly Manual
Notice
All instructions, warranties and other collateral
documents are subject to change at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date
product literature, visit http://www.horizonhobby.
com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product
literature to indicate various levels of potential harm
when operating this product:
This is a sophisticated hobby product and NOT a
toy. It must be operated with caution and common
sense and requires some basic mechanical
ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or
damage to the product or other property. This
product is not intended for use by children without
direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly,
use with incompatible components or augment
product in any way without the approval of Horizon
Hobby, Inc. This manual contains instructions for
safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to
read and follow all the instructions and warnings
in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in
order to operate correctly and avoid damage or
serious injury.
PROPELLER
Keep loose items that can get entangled in the
propeller away from the prop, including loose clothing,
or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers.
Especially keep your hands away from the propeller as
injury can occur.
BATTERIES
Notes on Lithium Polymer Batteries
When misused, lithium polymer batteries are
significantly more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using and
disposing of any batteries. Mishandling of Li-Po batteries
can result in fire causing serious injury and damage.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create a possibility of physical property damage
AND a little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of physical property damage
AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed,
create the probability of property damage, collateral
damage, and serious injury OR create a high
probability of superficial injury.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction
manual to become familiar with the features of the
product before operating. Failure to operate the
product correctly can result in damage to the
product, personal property and cause serious injury.
Warnings
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions
before use. Improper use can result in fire, serious
injury and damage to property.
Age Recommendation: Not for children under
14 years. This is not a toy.
COMPONENTS
Use only with compatible components. Should any
compatibility questions exist, please refer to the
product instructions, the component instructions or
contact Horizon Hobby, Inc.
FLIGHT
Fly only in open areas to ensure safety. It is
recommended flying be done at AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites. Consult local
laws and ordinances before choosing a location to fly
your aircraft.
SMALL PARTS
This kit includes small parts and should not be left
unattended near children as choking and serious injury
could result.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Checkallcontrolsurfacespriortoeachtakeoff.
• Donotflyyourmodelnearspectators,parkingareas
or any other area that could result in injury to people
or damage of property.
• Donotflyduringadverseweatherconditions.Poor
visibility or strong winds can cause disorientation and
loss of control of your aircraft.
• Donottakechances.Ifatanytimeduringflightyou
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause
of the problem has been ascertained and corrected.
Safety can never be taken lightly.
• Donotflynearpowerlines.
2 E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
Table of Contents
Notice ......................................................................2
Meaning of Special Language ...................................2
Warnings ................................................................. 2
Introduction .............................................................. 3
Important Information Regarding
Warranty Information ....................................... 3
Specifications ...........................................................3
Using the Manual .....................................................3
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout ......................................4
Hardware/Accessory Sizes .......................................4
Recommended Radio Equipment ................................ 4
Park 480 Motor Setup ...............................................4
Optional Accessories ................................................4
Optional Retracts ...................................................... 4
Required Tools and Adhesives ...................................4
Binding the Radio System ..........................................4
Before Starting Assembly ..........................................5
Aileron Servo Installation ..........................................5
Flap Servo Installation ...............................................6
Fixed Landing Gear Installation ................................. 7
Retract Landing Gear Installation (Optional) ............... 9
Horizontal Stabilizer Installation .............................. 12
Rudder Preparation ................................................. 13
Vertical Fin and Tail Wheel Installation ..................... 14
Elevator and Rudder Servo Installation .....................16
Motor and Speed Control Installation .......................18
Receiver and Motor Battery Installation ....................20
Retract Air Tank Installation (Optional) ..................... 20
Final Assembly .......................................................21
Center of Gravity .................................................... 23
Control Throws .......................................................24
Preflight ..................................................................25
Range Test Your Radio .............................................25
Flying Your Model ...................................................25
Daily Flight Checks ................................................. 26
Limited Warranty .................................................... 26
Warranty Services ..................................................27
Academy of Model Aeronautics
National Model Aircraft Safety Code ..............28
Building and Flying Notes ................................. 30–31
Introduction
The Beechcraft Staggerwing was the realization of
Walter Beech’s bold vision for an executive transport
that could fly farther and faster than anything else at
the time. That he realized his vision in 1932, in the
midst of the Great Depression, is as remarkable as
the revolutionary design born from it. With a speed
of over 200 mph and range of over 800 miles, the
Staggerwing eclipsed the performance of everything
else in its class and was an instant success. Many
Staggerwings still fly today, their graceful lines turning
as many heads now as they did back then.
E-flite is pleased to bring you this exciting Staggerwing
ARF that is sure to be as big a hit as its full-scale
inspiration. Modeled after an aircraft used by the
U.S. Navy as a V.I.P. transport, the E-flite Beechcraft
Staggerwing 480 comes constructed of Z-Foam
carbon rod spars in the upper and lower wings. Most
of its scale features, such as the detailed cockpit, clear
windows, functioning flaps and authentic paint scheme,
are already installed or applied.
Best of all, assembly is about as simple as it gets
for an ARF with this level of detail. Only four submicro servos are required for all control surfaces
and the horizontal stab comes in one piece for easy
installation. The model even has a small chamber in
the fuselage for housing an air tank should you want
to add the optional pneumatic retracts.
™
with
Important Information
Regarding Warranty Information
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations
section before building this product. If you as the
Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of this Product, you are
advised to return this Product immediately in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase.
Specifications
Wingspan: 35.0 in (890mm)
Length: 30.7 in (780mm)
Wing Area: 354 sq in (22.9 sq dm)
Weight with battery: 22.0–25.7 oz
(625–730 g)
Weight w/o battery: 28.6–32.3 oz
(740–915 g)
Using the Manual
This manual is divided into sections to help make
assembly easier to understand and to provide breaks
between each major section. In addition, check boxes
have been placed next to each step to keep track
of its completion. Steps with a single circle () are
performed once, while steps with two or more circles
() indicate the step will require repeating, such as
for a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
3E-flite Beechcraft 480 Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Recommended Radio Equipment
Optional Retracts
Replacement Parts
EFL612501 Fuselage
EFL612502 Upper Wing
EFL612503 Lower Wing
EFL612504 Tail Set
EFL612505 Cowling
EFL612506 Canopy Hatch
EFL612507 Landing Gear Set
EFL612508 Spinner
EFL612509 Plastic Mounts
EFL612510 Interplane Struts
EFL612511 Scale Details
EFL612512 Pushrod Set
Hardware/Accessory Sizes
Wheel diameter 2-inch (52mm)
Wing bolts 3mm x 25mm machine screw
You will need a minimum 5-channel transmitter,
receiver and four servos.
Recommended Complete Radio System
SPM6625 DX6i DSMX 6CH system
Or Purchase Separately
SPMAR6115 AR6115 6CH DSMX
EFLRDS76 DS76 Digital Sub-Micro
Servo (4)
EFLREX6L 6-inch (152mm) Lightweight
Servo Extension (for ailerons)
®
Receiver
Park 480 Motor Setup
EFLM1505 Park 480 1020Kv
EFLA1040L 40-Amp Lite Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC
EFLB21003S 2100mAh 3S 14.8V 20C Li-Po,
12AWG EC3
EFLP1080E 10 x 8 Propeller (included)
EFLM1924L Prop Adapter with
Collet Long, 4mm (optional)
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC3020 Celectra 200W DC Multi-
Chemistry Battery Charger
EFLAEC312 Charge Lead with 12-inch
Wire and Jacks, 16AWG
EFLGP0150 90 Degree Main Micro
Pneumatic Retract Set
EFLRDS76 DS76 Digital Sub-Micro Servo
ROB164G 100 PSI Hand Air Pump
with Gauge
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
Felt-tipped pen Flat file
Pencil Pin vise
Pliers Ruler
Sandpaper Side cutters
Hobby scissors
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Hex wrench: 1.5mm, 3/32-inch
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Phillips screwdriver: #0, #1, #2
Optional Tools & Equipment
Balancing stand (optional)
Adhesives
Medium CA PAAPT02
Thin CA PAAPT08
Silicone adhesive PAAPT12
Threadlock PAAPT42
Binding the Radio System
Before starting the assembly of your model, we
recommend preparing your radio system for
installation. This includes charging the transmitter and
receiver batteries, as well as centering the trims and
sticks on your transmitter. If using a computer radio,
make sure to reset a model memory and name it for
this particular model. We also recommend binding
the transmitter and receiver at this time, following the
instructions provided with your radio system.
We highly recommend re-binding
the radio system once all the control
throws are set. This will keep the servos
from moving to their endpoints until the
transmitter and receiver connect.
4 E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
Before Starting Assembly
Before beginning the assembly of your model, remove
each part from its bag for inspection. Closely inspect
the fuselage, wing panels, rudder and stabilizer for
damage. If you find any damaged or missing parts,
contact the place of purchase.
During the course of building your model, we
suggest you use a soft base for the building surface.
Such things as a foam stand, large piece of
bedding foam or a thick bath towel will work well
and help protect the model from damage during
assembly. This is not shown in the instructions in
order to provide the greatest detail in the photos.
When referencing directions (up, down, left,
right, top and bottom), these directions are in
relationship to the pilot sitting in the cockpit
of the aircraft, unless noted otherwise.
NOTICE: Do not use a CA accelerator during
the assembly of your model. A CA accelerator will
damage the finish of your model and can damage
the foam as well. Even foam-safe accelerators will
damage the finish of your model. Allow the CA to
cure without the use of an accelerant.
Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
Top wing Transmitter
Receiver Receiver battery
40mm pushrod with clevis (2)
Servo with hardware
Required Tools and Adhesives
Phillips screwdriver: #0
Hobby knife with #11 blade
1. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to remove the
material below the aileron servo tray. The servo lead
will pass through this opening.
2. Install the aileron servo using the screws provided
with the servo and a #0 Phillips screwdriver. Make
sure the output shaft of the servo faces to the
leading edge of the wing.
Due to the molding process, foam may
cover one of the mounting holes in the
plastic aileron mount. There are two screw
holes; if one of them is obscured, you can
locate it with something like a T-pin.
3. Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to remove the
stock servo horn from the servo. Center the aileron
servo using the radio system. Install the two-sided
horn so it is perpendicular to the servo centerline.
Install the screw to secure the horn using a #0
Phillips screwdriver.
4. Insert the Z-bend of the 40mm pushrods in the
outer holes of the servo horn as shown.
5E-flite Beechcraft 480 Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
5. With the servo centered, adjust the length of the
pushrod so the ailerons are centered as shown.
Once set, slide the silicone tubing over the forks of
the clevises to prevent them from opening in flight.
Flap Servo Installation
Required Parts
Bottom wing Servo with hardware
Transmitter Receiver
Receiver battery 25mm pushrod with clevis
Required Tools and Adhesives
Medium CA
1. Test fit the flap servo in the pocket in the bottom
wing. The output shaft of the servo will face to the
trailing edge of the wing.
3. Use a small drop of medium CA to glue the flap
servo to the exposed spar in the wing. Don’t overglue the servo in case it requires removal in the
future. Connect the flap linkage to the hole on the
servo horn that is one away from the center of the
horn as shown.
4. Adjust the linkage so the flaps are up when the
servo is in the UP position. Slide the silicone tubing
over the forks of the clevis once the flap linkage is
adjusted.
2. Use the radio system to set the flap servo to the
UP flap position. Remove the stock servo horn using
a #0 Phillips screwdriver and install the single-sided
servo arm perpendicular to the servo center line as
shown. Check that the servo moves the direction
shown for DOWN flap.
6 E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
5. Check the position of the flaps for the MID-FLAP
setting. It should match the throw listed in the back
of the manual. Adjust this if necessary.
6. Check the position of the flaps for the DOWN
setting. It should match the throw listed in the back
of the manual. If not, adjust the end-point on the
radio to match the throw listed for DOWN flap.
Fixed Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Bottom wing
Landing gear mount (2)
Landing gear assembly (right and left)
2mm x 5mm self-tapping countersunk screw (8)
Hex landing gear collet with setscrew (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Flat file
Felt-tipped pen
Phillips screwdriver: #1
Hex wrench: 1.5mm
The landing gear can be left off of your model,
allowing you to hand-launch and belly-land the
airplane. If you choose to do so, skip the landing
gear installation and continue the assembly of your
model at the Horizontal Stabilizer Installation section.
1. Locate the landing gear mount. Test fit the mount in
the wing, aligning the holes in the mount with those
in the wing. If the holes do not align, rotate the mount
90 degrees. Use a felt-tipped pen to make a small
mark to indicate the front of the mount.
7E-flite Beechcraft 480 Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
2. Use a flat file to remove any flashing from
the landing gear wire so it will slide into the hex
landing gear collet.
Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners
to prevent them from vibrating loose.
Align wheels to centerline of the
fuselage so that they neither angle in nor
out. This will allow the airplane to track
straight and will result in a much easier
to handle airplane on the ground.
5. The hex collet can now be fitted into the
mount. The collet will be exposed as shown.
Make sure the wheel aligns with the mark made
in step 1 on the mount.
6. Use four 2mm x 5mm self-tapping countersunk
screws to secure the mount in the wing as shown.
4. Remove the landing gear assembly and mount
from the wing. Slide the gear through the mount,
then attach the hex landing gear collet on the wire.
With the wire flush with the top of the collet, use a
1.5mm hex wrench to tighten the setscrew on the
3. Check the landing gear assembly to make sure
flat area of the wire.
the correct assembly is placed on the correct side of
the wing. The wheel faces to the center of the wing
with the spring toward the trailing edge as shown.
Because of the molding process, the
holes for the gear mount brackets may shift
slightly. The screws will still thread into the
brackets, however extra care must be taken to
ensure that the screws do not cross thread or
thread into another portion of the bracket.
7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 to install the remaining
landing gear and mount.
8 E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
Retract Landing
Gear Installation (Optional)
Required Parts
Bottom wing Transmitter
Receiver Receiver battery
Servo with hardware
Retract set
2-56 x 1/2-inch machine screw (2)
Landing gear assembly (right and left)
Landing gear door (right and left)
2mm x 5mm self-tapping countersunk screw (8)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Medium CA Phillips screwdriver: #1
Pliers Hobby knife with #11 blade
Ruler Side cutters
Hobby scissors Sandpaper
Hex wrench: 1.5mm Silicone adhesive
The landing gear can be left off of your model,
allowing you to hand-launch and belly-land the
airplane. If you choose to do so, skip the landing
gear installation and continue the assembly of your
model at the Horizontal Stabilizer Installation section.
2. Use pliers to bend the pushrod included with the
retracts so it measures 11/8-inch (28mm) in length.
Use side cutters to trim the linkage so 1/4-inch (6mm)
extends past the bend.
3. Insert the Z-bend in the servo horn. The retract
servo is then installed in the wing with the output shaft
oriented towards the leading edge as shown using
a drop of medium CA. Don’t over-glue the servo in
case it requires removal in the future.
4. The nipples on the retract valve are offset slightly.
Below, it is visible that the stopper end of the valve
plunger orients TOWARDS the side where the nipple
is the closest. Cut a 3-inch section of red airline and
another of blue. These will be trimmed if required
later. Connect the blue air line to the left nipple and
the red airline to the right one as shown below.
5. Insert the end of the linkage in the hole of the
retract valve actuator. The valve is then secured
in the wing using two 2-56 x 1/2-inch machine
screws included with the retracts and a #1 Phillips
screwdriver.
1. Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to remove the stock
servo horn from the servo. Center the aileron servo
using the radio system. Install the single-sided horn
so it is perpendicular to the servo centerline. Install
the screw to secure the horn using a #0 Phillips
screwdriver
9E-flite Beechcraft 480 Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
6. Use the radio system to set the throw necessary
to actuate the retract valve. Work slowly, increasing
the throw of the servo to avoid stalling the servo,
which could damage the servo or retract valve.
7. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to trim a
11/2-inch (38mm) piece of red airline. Attach the
air line to the retract fill valve. The fill valve is the
longer valve of the two and has a brass nipple on
the portion that will orient towards the inside of
the wing. Do not confuse this valve with the quickdisconnect valve that is also included.
8. Press the fill valve into the wing from the bottom.
The hex on the fill valve will key into the hex in the
plastic. The top of the fill valve will be flush with the
plastic on the inside of the wing. Connect a T fitting
to the end of the red air line connected to the fill
valve. Connect the red air line from the retract valve
to the this T-fitting as well. This may need to be
trimmed slightly.
Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners
to prevent them from vibrating loose.
9. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to trim a
2-inch (52mm) piece of red airline. Connect the
airline to the quick disconnect valve. Connect the
opposite end of the air line to a t-fitting.
10 E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
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