E-flite F-16 User Manual
F-16 ARF
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan: 28 in (709mm)
Length: 35.5 in (900mm)
Wing Area: 195 sq in (12.6 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 18–20 oz (510–567 g)
Weight w/Battery: 23.5–25.5 oz (667–723 g)
LOCKHEED MARTIN, F-16, associated emblems and logos, and
body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or
other jurisdictions, used under license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Introduction ........................................................... 2
Using the Manual ................................................... 2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout .................................... 2
Recommended Radio Equipment ............................. 3
Optional Accessories .............................................. 3
Required Tools and Adhesives ................................. 3
Required Speed Control and Battery ........................ 3
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC ........................... 3
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ........................... 3
Warning ................................................................ 3
Wing and Stabilizer Installation .............................. 4
Elevator and Aileron Servo Installation .................... 6
Landing Gear Installation ........................................ 9
Speed Control and Receiver Installation ................. 13
Vertical and Ventral Fin Installation ........................ 15
Motor Battery Installation ...................................... 16
Missile Installation (Optional) ................................ 17
Removing Fan and Motor for
Servicing or Replacement ................................ 17
Radio Programming ............................................. 18
Control Throws..................................................... 19
Center of Gravity ................................................. 20
Preflight ............................................................... 20
Range Test Your Radio .......................................... 20
Flying Your F-16 .................................................. 21
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ........................ 21
Warranty Information ........................................... 21
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by
Users in the European Union ............................ 22
2008 OfficialAcademy of Model
Aeronautics Safety Code ................................. 23
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was originally designed
in 1971 to be a multi-role fighter in both air-to-air
combat and air-to-surface attacks. Today the F-16 is
known for its amazing maneuverability, precision strike
and attack capabilities and speed. The F-16’s versatility
allows it to be equipped with a variety of weapons,
including missiles or bombs. The Fighting Falcon
is still in use today and is currently serving many
countries. The USAF uses F-16s in their Thunderbird
demonstrations.
E-flite’s F-16 400 DF (ducted fan) is designed to
replicate the full-scale F-16 as a performance sport
scale model. Constructed of lightweight, durable
injection molded foam, the F-16 is beautifully finished
with a highly visible USAF Thunderbirds trim scheme.
The F-16 400 DF also includes molded panel lines and
custom applied decals for added scale appearance.
It is highly prefabricated with molded servo pockets,
prehinged flight surfaces, a magnetic battery hatch
and the included and installed motor and fan unit to
get you in the air faster.
The F-16 is capable of smooth, aerobatic maneuvers
sure to please any crowd and the USAF Thunderbirds
trim scheme will make all of your friends jealous. The
E-flite F-16 400 DF will offer the ambitious sport scale
modeler just the thrill he’s been looking for.
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 circles ( )
indicate that the step will require repeating, such as for
a right or left wing panel, two servos, etc.
Replacement Parts
EFL7076 Fan Unit w/Motor
EFL7077 Canopy/Hatch
EFL7078 Stabilizer Set
EFL7079 Exhaust Nozzle and Nose Cone
EFL7080 Missiles and Launch Rails
EFL7081 Landing Gear Set w/Hardware
EFL7082 Gear Doors and Ventral Fins
EFL7083 Pushrod Kit
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission
of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
2 E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
Recommended Radio Equipment
Optional Accessories
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter,
receiver, and four or five servos (if using nose gear
steering). You can choose to purchase a complete
radio system. If you are using an existing transmitter,
just purchase the other required equipment separately.
We recommend the crystal-free, interference-free
Spektrum™ DX6i 2.4GHz DSM® 6-channel system. If
using your own transmitter, we recommend the E-flite
S60 Super Sub-Micro servos .
If you own the Spektrum DX6i radio, just add
the AR6200 DSM2
or five (nose gear steering) E-flite S60 Super
Sub-Micro servos.
Complete Radio System
SPM6600 DX6i DSM2 6CH system
Or Purchase Separately
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel Full-
And
EFLRS60 S60 Super Sub-Micro Servo (4,
EFLREX3L 3-inch Extension, Lightweight (2)
EFLREX9L 9-inch Extension, Lightweight (2)
Note: If you are not using a computer radio,
you will be required to purchase the following
items:
EFLRYH3 3-inch Y-Harness, Lightweight
EXRA320 Y-Harness 6-inch/Reverser
™
6-channel receiver and four
Range Receiver (for DX6i or
DX7)
5 if using nose gear steering)
Standard
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC3005 Celectra™ 1- to 3-Cell
Li-Po Charger
EFLC505 Intelligent 1- to 5-Cell
Balancing Charger
Required Tools and Adhesives
Tools & Equipment
Mixing sticks Paper towels
Rubbing alcohol Mixing cups
Dental floss Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Pin drill Drill bit: 5/64-inch (2mm)
Sandpaper Epoxy brushes
Phillips screwdriver: #00, #1
Adhesives
Threadlock 6-Minute Epoxy (HAN8000)
Medium CA (optional for missile installation)
Required Speed Control and Battery
EFLA1025 25-Amp Pro Brushless ESC
THP21003SPL 2100mAh 3-Cell 11.1V LiPo,
16GA
Notes Regarding Servos and ESC
WARNING: Use of servos other than those we suggest
may overload the BEC of the recommended Electronic
Speed Control (ESC). Please use only the servos listed
when utilizing the recommended ESC’s BEC, or the use
of a separate BEC (like the UBEC) or receiver battery
pack when using other servos.
Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly
more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications.
All manufacturer’s instructions and warnings
must be followed closely. Mishandling of
Li-Po batteries can result in fire. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when
disposing of Lithium Polymer batteries.
Warning
An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause
serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly
only in open areas, preferably at AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites, following all
instructions included with your radio.
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.
During the course of building your F-16 we suggest
that 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.
We recommend the use of our E-flite 25-Amp Pro
Brushless ESC (EFLA1025). You will notice that the
manual for the ESC recommends the use of only 4
servos while using the BEC. The F-16 uses 5 servos
with the optional nose gear steering. We have tested
this setup and due to the low usage and current draw
of this nose gear steering servo, the ESC is capable of
operating with the BEC under this condition.
3E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
Wing and Stabilizer Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage Wing panel (right and left)
Stabilizer (right and left)
2mm x 12mm self-tapping screw (4)
Required Tools and Adhesives
6-minute epoxy Mixing cup
Mixing stick Epoxy brush
Paper towel Rubbing alcohol
Sandpaper Phillips screwdriver: #1
During the manufacturing process it is possible that a
slight amount of glue may seep in to the inner side of
the wing joiner socket. If you are having trouble with
the wing fitting flush against the fuselage check the
inside of the joiner socket. If some glue has seeped
into the socket use a small hand file to remove it.
1. Test fit the wing panel to the fuselage by sliding
the joiners into the joiner sockets of the fuselage.
The panel must fit tightly against fuselage when
installed. If it does not, you may be required to
sand the end of the joiner slightly so the wing will
have a flush fit against the fuselage.
Important: You will be required to quickly
perform the next few steps before the epoxy
begins to cure. Read through the following
steps to prepare yourself for the gluing process.
2. After checking the fit, remove the wing panel
from the fuselage. Prepare 1/4-ounce (10cc) of
6-minute epoxy and brush a very light coating of
epoxy on the wing and fuselage where they
contact each other. Also brush some glue into the
inside of the joiner socket.
Note: You can use a paper towel that has had
rubbing alcohol applied to it to remove any
excess epoxy from your airframe. Use care
not to get the alcohol on the decals as it could
damage them.
3. Slide the wing panel back into position on
the fuselage, pressing the wing tightly against
the fuselage. It is best to hold the wing panel in
position until the epoxy cures, as tape will
damage the decal if it is applied directly to the
decal. Be sure to check the alignment of the wing
while the glue is drying. Use the picture in the
next step for reference.
4 E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
4. Fit the remaining wing panel to the fuselage.
Stand 6–8 feet (3–4 meters) from the front of the
airframe. When viewed from the front, both panels
should be flat (parallel) along the bottom to be
properly aligned. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the
plastic joiner to correct the alignment.
5. After fitting and aligning the second wing
panel, repeat Steps 2 and 3 to glue the wing
panel to the fuselage.
8. Use two 2mm x 12mm self-tapping screws and
a #1 Phillips screwdriver to secure the stabilizer
to the fuselage. Use care not to over-tighten the
screws and cause damage to the fuselage or
stabilizer.
7. Check the fit of the stabilizer to the fuselage.
Note that the control horn on the stabilizer will
face toward the bottom of the fuselage when the
stabilizer is installed.
9. Repeat Steps 6 through 8 to attach the
remaining stabilizer to the fuselage.
6. Before installing the stabilizer, you will need to
break in the elevator hinges. This is done by flexing
the elevator up and down a few times. Don’t move
the elevator too far and damage the hinge. Start
with small movements and work up to an amount
that will be slightly greater than the suggested high
rate elevator control throw found on Page 31.
Note: The stabilizer tips will be lower than the
center of the stabilizer at the fuselage when the
fuselage is upright. This is scale for the F-16
and is correct.
5E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
Elevator and Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
Servo (4) Assembled airframe
Fuselage decal (right and left)
3-inch (76mm) servo extension (2)
9-inch (228mm) servo extension (2)
Standard single-sided servo arm (4)
2 7/8-inch (73mm) pushrod wire w/clevis (2)
5 7/8-inch (150mm) pushrod wire w/clevis (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
6-minute epoxy Mixing cup
Mixing stick Epoxy brush
Paper towel Rubbing alcohol
Sandpaper
Phillips screwdriver: #00
Hobby knife w/#11 blade
1. Use a hobby knife to trim the decal on the
bottom of the wing to expose the pocket for the
aileron servo. Prepare both the right and left wing
at this time.
Note: Before preparing the aileron and
elevator servos for installation, it is suggested
to read through the Radio Programming
section of this manual beginning on Page
18. This section will guide you through
setting up the necessary mixing required to
operate the servos installed in your F-16. This
mixing reduces the amount of complexity and
extensions required, keeping the weight at
its lowest for the best performance from your
model.
2. Use your radio system to center the servos that
will be used for the ailerons. Remove the stock
servo horns from the servos using a #00 Phillips
screwdriver and install the standard single-sided
servo arm on the servos as shown. Make sure to
prepare a right and left servo as shown.
3. Test fit the aileron servo into the pocket in the
bottom of the wing. Note that the servo output will
face to the front of the aircraft.
4. Remove the servo and scuff the surface of the
servo where it contacts the wing using sandpaper.
Clear any residue left from the sanding process
using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Mix a
small amount of 6-minute epoxy. Place a small
amount of epoxy in the servo pocket, then install
the servo, pressing it into the epoxy. This will keep
the servo secure in the wing during the operation
of your model.
You can use compressed air to blow
away the remains of the decal.
6 E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to install the aileron servo
in the opposite wing panel.
Be very careful to use only a small amount of
epoxy when attaching the servos. Using an
excessive amount of glue could cause some of
the excess to seep inside of the servo case and
could bind the servo, resulting in servo failure.
6. Use your radio system to center the servos that
will be used for the elevators. Remove the stock
servo horns from the servos using a #00 Phillips
screwdriver and install the standard single-sided
servo arm on the servos as shown. Make sure to
prepare a right and left servo as shown.
7. Test fit the elevator servo into the pocket on the
side of the fuselage. Note that the servo output will
face to the front of the aircraft. Remove the servo
and scuff the surface of the servo that contacts the
fuselage using sandpaper. Clear any residue left
from the sanding process using a paper towel and
rubbing alcohol. Mix a small amount of 6-minute
epoxy. Place a small amount of epoxy in the
servo pocket, then install the servo, pressing it into
the epoxy. This will keep the servo secure in the
fuselage during the operation of your model.
8. Connect a 9-inch (228mm) servo extension to
the lead on the elevator servo. Tie a piece of string
or dental floss around the connection to prevent
the two from unplugging accidentally. Install an
extension for both elevator servos at this time.
9. Connect a 3-inch (76mm) servo extension to
the lead on the aileron servo. Tie a piece of string
or dental floss around the connection to prevent
the two from unplugging accidentally. Install an
extension for both aileron servos at this time.
10. Carefully lay the extension from the elevator
servos into the channel on each side of the
fuselage. The aileron extension will than be placed
on top of the elevator extension. Both extensions
are then inserted into the fuselage where the
channel turns to enter the fuselage.
7E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
Before inserting the extension leads through the
fuselage, mark each lead according to which servo
it is connected to. (Right Elevator, Left Elevator-
this will help with set up later). You can use a
small tip marker or a piece of tape for this.
11. Locate the decal to cover the channel for the
aileron and elevator extensions. A right and left
decal has been supplied to cover the channels.
Make sure to use the correct decal on each side of
your aircraft.
12. Remove the backing from the decal. Starting
at the front, hold the rear of the decal up and
align the trim scheme from the decal to the
scheme on the aircraft. Carefully work toward
the rear of the fuselage, pressing the decal down
and guiding the extensions under the decal to
remain in the channel.
13. Insert the end of the 5
pushrod wire with the clevis and “Z” bend
into the hole of the servo arm that is in one
hole from the end of the horn as shown. The
pushrod will enter from the top of the horn.
Insert the wire so it appears as shown in the
second image.
7
/8-inch (150mm)
A water-based dark blue paint can be used to
paint the exposed white foam that is shown on
the wing where the servo lead runs through.
You may have to slightly enlarge the hole in the servo
horns for the pushrod wire. Use a sharp #11 blade
to do this by twisting it in the hole on the top and
bottom of the servo arm. Do this a small amount at
a time as it will not need to enlarge the hole much.
8 E-flite F-16 ARF Assembly Manual
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