E-flite F-86 User Manual
F-86 Sabre 15 DF
Assembly Manual
Pilot not included (PKZ7003)
Specifications
Wingspan: 33.8 in (860mm)
Length: 35.4 in (900mm)
Wing Area: 256 sq in (16.5 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 40–42 oz (1135–1190 g)
Weight w/Battery: 53–55 oz (1500–1560 g)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
Introduction ........................................................... 2
Important Information Regarding
Warranty Information ........................................ 2
Using the Manual ................................................... 2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout .................................... 2
Recommended Radio Equipment ............................. 3
Required Brushless Ducted Fan Setup ....................... 3
Required Tools and Adhesives ................................. 3
Optional Accessories .............................................. 3
Warnings .............................................................. 3
Aileron Servo Installation ........................................ 4
Aileron Linkage Installation ..................................... 6
Mounting the Main Wing Panels ............................. 9
Stabilizer Installation ............................................ 12
Elevator Installation .............................................. 15
Rudder Installation ............................................... 16
Elevator Servo and Linkage Installation .................. 18
Rudder Servo and Linkage Installation ................... 22
Landing Gear Installation ...................................... 24
Steering Servo and Linkage Installation .................. 26
Speed Control and Receiver Installation ................. 27
Intake Tube Installation.......................................... 29
Fan Installation..................................................... 30
Exhaust Tube Installation ....................................... 32
Securing the Intake Tube ....................................... 34
Canopy Assembly ................................................ 35
Motor Battery Installation ...................................... 35
Decal Placement ................................................... 36
Center of Gravity ................................................. 36
Control Throws..................................................... 37
Preflight ............................................................... 38
Flying Your F-86 Sabre 15 DF............................... 38
Range Test Your Radio .......................................... 38
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots ............................ 39
Daily Flight Checks ............................................... 39
Warranty and Repair Policy .................................. 39
Warranty Services ................................................ 40
Compliance Information for the European Union .... 41
2010 Official Academy of
Model Aeronautics Safety Code ....................... 41
This performance model was designed around E-flite’s
Delta-V 15 (69mm) fan unit and matched 15 DF
3200Kv brushless motor. Pilots can use a 4-cell Li-Po
battery pack for great performance. The built-in fan
mounts make installing the fan easy—just drop in
the fan unit and tighten four screws. The removable
magnetic front hatch also allows easy access to the
radio equipment and battery. The entire trim scheme
is prepainted, pre-trimmed; the wings are covered in
UltraCote®. Just add your favorite nose art decals and
enjoy.
Important Information
Regarding Warranty Information
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations
section on Page 39 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.
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 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.
Replacement Parts
EFL8101 Fuselage with Upper and
Lower Hatch
EFL8102 Canopy Hatch
EFL8103 Left Wing Panel with
Hinged Aileron
EFL8104 Right Wing Panel with
Hinged Aileron
EFL8105 Horizontal Stabilizer with
Elevator (left and right)
EFL8106 Pushrods and Carbon
Wing Tubes
EFL8107 Plastic Accessories
EFL8108 Landing Gear and Wheels
with Hardware
EFL8109 Control Hardware
EFL8110 Intake and Thrust Tube
EFL8111 Consumer Decal Sheet
2 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
Recommended Radio Equipment
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter,
receiver and five servos. 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 crystalfree, interference-free Spektrum™ DX6i 2.4GHz DSM®
6-channel system. If using your own transmitter, we
recommend the following radio equipment.
If you own the Spektrum DX6i radio, or you are using
a different DSM2 radio, just add the AR6200 DSM2
6-channel receiver, four E-flite S75 Sub-Micro servos
and one JR SPORT™ MC35 servo
Complete Radio System
SPM6600 DX6i DSM2 6CH system
Or Purchase Separately
SPMAR6200 AR6200 DSM2 6-Channel Full-
Range Receiver (for DX6i or
DX7)
EFLRS75 7.5-Gram Sub-Micro S75
Servo (4)
JSP20030 MC35 Micro Servo
And
EFLREX9L 9-inch Extension, Lightweight (2)
Note: A Y-harness can be used for the for nose
gear steering if a computer radio with mixing
is not being used.
Tools & Equipment
Epoxy brushes Felt-tipped pen
Hobby scissors Hobby knife (#11 blade)
Low-tack tape Hex wrench: 1.5mm
Mixing cups Sanding bar
Mixing sticks Needle-nose pliers
Paper towels Pencil
Petroleum jelly Phillips screwdriver: #0, #1
™
Pin vise Rubbing alcohol
Ruler Scissors
Side cutters Square
String/dental floss Toothpicks
T-pins Waxed paper
Sandpaper
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
Adhesives
Threadlock 6-Minute Epoxy (HAN8000)
Thin CA 12-Minute Epoxy (HAN8001)
Medium CA
PKZ7003 Pilot: Habu
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC505 Intelligent 1- to 5-Cell
EFLAEC312 Charge Lead with 12-inch
Required Tools and Adhesives
Optional Accessories
Balancing Charger
wire and Jacks, 16AWG
Warnings
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions
before use. Improper use can result in fire, serious
injury and damage to property.
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.
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
EFLRYH3 3-inch Y-Harness, Lightweight
Required Brushless Ducted Fan Setup
EFLM3215DF 15 DF Brushless Motor, 3200Kv
EFLDF15 Delta-V 15 (69mmm) Ducted
Fan Unit
EFLA1060 60-Amp Pro Switch-Mode
BEC Brushless ESC
EFLB32004S30 3200mAh 4S 14.8V 30C Li-Po,
13AWG EC3
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission
of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
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 and
explosion causing serious injury and damage.
3E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
SMALL PARTS
This kit includes small parts and should not be left
unattended near children as choking and serious injury
could result.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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. The Product
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 injury.
During the course of building your F-86 Sabre 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.
Aileron Servo Installation
Required Parts
Left wing panel Right wing panel
Transmitter Receiver
Servo (2)
2.5 x 12mm sheet metal screw (4)
9-inch (228mm) extension (2)
Aileron servo mount (2)
Servo mounting strap (2)
Required Tools and Adhesives
Medium grit sandpaper
6-minute epoxy Phillips screwdriver: #1
Dental floss/string Hobby knife with #11 blade
Side cutter Ruler
Pen Mixing cups
Mixing sticks Paper towels
The wood servo cover will not be used when installing
the recommended E-flite S75 servo for the ailerons. If
you install a smaller servo, you may choose to use the
plywood cover rather than the molded plastic cover.
1. Remove the wood servo cover from the wing. Set
the cover aside.
2. Relocate the string from the aileron opening so
it is near one of the corners. This allows full access
to the opening and prevents accidentally gluing the
string into the wing.
DO NOT remove the string from the wing. The
string will be used to pull the aileron servo
lead through the wing later in this section.
3. Measure and mark the opening for the aileron
servo 3/4-inch (19mm) from the edge closest to
the wing root as shown. The edge of the aileron
servo mount will align with these marks when it is
installed. Center the mount fore/aft in the opening
for the aileron servo.
4 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
4. Lightly sand the aileron servo mount using
medium grit sandpaper. This allows the glue to
penetrate into the mount and provides a better
bond between the mount and wing.
5. Mix a small amount of 6-minute epoxy and
brush it onto the side of the aileron servo mount
that was sanded in the previous step. Position the
mount in the wing as shown in Step 3 and allow
the epoxy to fully cure before proceeding.
6. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to enlarge
the hole in the servo arm indicated in the photo.
Only open the hole in the servo arm enough for the
aileron linkage to fit in. Making it larger will only
create a poor fit between the linkage and servo
arm and make it difficult to trim your aircraft.
7. Use a hobby knife and #11 blade or side cutters
to remove the excess servo arm so it does not
interfere with the servo cover when it is installed.
8. Prepare a second aileron servo as shown in
Steps 6 and 7. Note the servos will be a mirror
image of each other. Plug the aileron servos into
the receiver and use the transmitter to center the
servos. Also check that they are operating correctly
at this time.
9. Position the aileron servo in the servo mount as
shown in the image with the horn facing the front
of the wing.
While waiting for the epoxy to dry on one wing
panel, you can repeat the previous steps to glue the
remaining servo mount into the opposite wing panel.
5E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
10. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and two 2.5mm
x 12 sheet metal screws to secure the servo in the
servo mount using the servo mounting strap. Install
one screw and only turn it one or two turns, then
install the second screw. Tighten the strap with even
pressure at both the front and back of the servo.
12. Tie the string around the end of the servo lead
as shown.
Aileron Linkage Installation
Required Parts
Transmitter Receiver
Aileron pushrod keeper (2)
Aileron pushrod wire, 2 9/16-inch (65mm) (2)
Servo cover (2)
Aileron control horn (2) Clear tape
Required Tools and Adhesives
Side cutters Medium CA
Pin vise Low-tack tape
Felt-tipped pen Hobby knife with #11 blade
Needle-nose pliers Hobby scissors
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm), 5/64-inch (2mm)
Use care when installing the servo mounting strap.
Over-tightening the strap could stress the wing sheeting
and even push the servo through the top of the wing.
11. Use string or dental floss to secure a 9-inch
(228mm) servo extension to the lead from the
aileron servo.
13. Carefully pull the aileron servo lead through the
wing using the string tied to it in the previous step.
14. Repeat Steps 1 through 13 to install the
remaining aileron servo.
1. Use a small piece of low-tack tape to keep
the aileron centered with the trailing edge of the
wing. This will make the installation of the linkage
much easier.
6 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
2. Locate the two holes for the aileron control horn
in the aileron. The holes should be located directly
behind the servo arm. Use a hobby knife with a
#11 blade or pin vise with a 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
drill bit to remove the covering for the aileron
control horn. Use care not to accidentally make
holes through to the top of the aileron.
4. Insert the pins of the control horn into the holes
in the aileron. Use a felt-tipped pen to trace the
outline of the control horn onto the aileron.
6. Use medium CA to glue the control horn to the
aileron. Allow the CA to cure before proceeding to
the next step.
3. Use side cutters to trim the pins on the control
horn to a length of 1/8-inch (3mm) so they don’t
extend through the top of the aileron.
5. Remove the control horn. Use a hobby knife with
a #11 blade to trim the covering 1/32-inch (1mm)
inside the lines drawn. Don’t cut into the underlying
wood as you could possibly weaken the structure.
7. Connect the Z-bend of the 2 9/16-inch (65mm)
aileron pushrod wire to the hole in the servo horn
as shown.
7E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
8. Slide the pushrod connector onto the pushrod
wire at this time. The connector can’t be installed
after the wire has been bent to fit into the control
horn so it must be positioned at this time.
10. Use pliers to make a 90-degree bend in the
pushrod wire. The bend must be angled to fit into
the control horn.
12. Insert the pushrod wire into the hole of the
control horn that is two holes up from the control
surface as shown.
9. With the aileron servo centered and the radio
system on, use a felt-tipped pen to mark the wire
where it crosses the hole of the control horn as shown.
11. Use side cutters to trim the wire 1/4-inch
(6mm) from the bend as shown.
13. Use pliers to open the pushrod keeper just
enough to slip it over the bend of the pushrod
wire so it secures the pushrod wire to the control
horn. Don’t open the connector too far as it could
possibly break the connector.
8 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
14. Use a hobby knife and #11 blade or hobby
scissors to trim the aileron servo cover. Lines have
been embossed on the cover to be used as a guide.
Make sure the opening for the linkage is angled
slightly so the linkage doesn’t bind on the cover.
15. Use the tape provided with the model to attach
the cover to the wing. Make sure the aileron servo
can operate without having the linkage binding on
the cover.
16. Apply the decal to the servo cover. Take your
time to fit the decal to the contours of the cover.
Mounting the Main Wing Panels
Required Parts
Left wing assembly Right wing assembly
Carbon wing rod, 9-inch (230mm)
Carbon wing rod, 13-inch (330mm)
Fuselage assembly
Required Tools and Adhesives
12-minute epoxy Mixing cup
Mixing stick Epoxy brush
Paper towel Rubbing alcohol
Low-tack tape Sandpaper
Sanding Bar
1. Remove the shipping tape that holds the canopy
to the fuselage.
17. Repeat Steps 1 through 16 to install the
remaining aileron linkage and servo cover.
Cut the portions of the letters from the decal
sheet to apply to the cover to complete
the form of the covered letters.
9E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
2. Carefully lift the canopy hatch from the fuselage.
The canopy is held in position by magnets and
alignment pegs at the rear and a peg at the front.
3. Slide the short and long wing rods into one
of the wing panels. The longer wing rod will be
inserted near the trailing edge of the wing, and the
shorter rod toward the leading edge of the wing.
4. Slide the wing tubes into the fuselage. Make sure
to guide the aileron servo extension into the fuselage
so the wing can fit tight against the fuselage.
5. Look at the fit of the wing to the fuselage on both
the top and bottom. You will need to use sandpaper
to remove the paint from the fuselage where the
wing fits or the epoxy won’t hold the wing securely
to the fuselage. You also don’t want to sand too
much and ruin the paint on the fuselage.
You can use low-tack tape to make an outline about
a 1/16-inch (1.5mm) inside the wing outline on the
fuselage to prevent it from scratching the paint.
6. Remove the wing from the fuselage. Use medium
grit sandpaper to remove the paint from the
fuselage where the wing fits.
10 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 to prepare the
opposite side of the fuselage for the wing.
10. Apply a thin coat of 15-minute epoxy on the
end of the wing that will butt against the fuselage.
12. Repeat Steps 8 through 11 to install the
remaining wing panel to the fuselage.
8. Apply a thin layer of 15-minute epoxy to the
fuselage where it was sanded previously.
9. Apply a thin layer of 15-minute epoxy to the
short and long wing rods before you insert them
into the wing.
11. Slide the wing into position against the
fuselage. Use low-tack tape to keep the wing tight
against the fuselage until the epoxy fully cures.
13. Before the epoxy cures, use a paper towel
and rubbing alcohol to remove any excess epoxy
that may have oozed out from the joint between
the wing and fuselage.
11E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
Stabilizer Installation
Required Parts
Stabilizer jig center Stabilizer jig side (2)
Right stabilizer Left stabilizer
Airframe assembly
Required Tools and Adhesives
Medium CA Square
6-minute epoxy Mixing cup
Mixing stick Epoxy brush
Paper towel Rubbing alcohol
Low-tack tape Waxed paper
Ruler Felt-tipped pen
Hobby knife with #11 blade
1. Use a square and medium CA to glue the
stabilizer jig center to the stabilizer jig side. The
square will keep the center perpendicular to the
side and result in a straight jig. Not doing so
may result in the jig being crooked and could
produce the wrong angle when gluing the
stabilizer halves together.
2. Use a square and medium CA to glue the
stabilizer jig side to the structure assembled
in Step 1. Using a square will keep the side
perpendicular to the stabilizer jig center. Not
doing so may result in the jig being crooked and
could produce the wrong angle when gluing the
stabilizer halves together.
3. Separate the elevator from the stabilizer. Set the
elevator and hinges aside at this time.
4. Use a hobby knife and a #11 blade to remove
the covering from the end of both the left and
right stabilizers.
5. The stabilizer halves have been prepared at the
factory with an angle so they fit tightly together
when joined. If the fit is incorrect, the two halves
will not fit tightly together.
12 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
6. Place a piece of clear plastic or waxed paper
over the stabilizer jig to prevent gluing the
stabilizer directly to the jig.
8. Mix a small amount of 6-minute epoxy and use
an epoxy brush to apply a thin layer of epoxy on
the edges of each stabilizer half.
10. Slide the stabilizer into the slot in the fuselage.
Make sure that they are installed in the fuselage
with dihedral as shown in Step 12. Measure the
distance from the fuselage to the tip of the stabilizer
on both sides of the fuselage. Both measurements
must be equal. If they are not, reposition the
stabilizer and re-measure until both measurements
are equal on both sides of the fuselage.
7. Position the two stabilizer halves together
(remember the angle) and align the front edges
of the stabilizer halves. Use a small piece of lowtack tape to act as a hinge and keep the halves
aligned. Position the stabilizer assembly on the
jig to make sure the halves can rest against the
jig without forcing them. If not, you will need to
make a small gap between the two halves before
taping them together.
9. Position the stabilizer on the jig and either hold
it or use weights to keep the halves tight against the
jig until the epoxy fully cures.
11. Measure the distance from the wing tip to
the stabilizer tip on both the right and left of the
aircraft. Both measurements must be equal. If not,
readjust the stabilizer and re-measure until the
measurement is the same on both the left and right
of the aircraft.
13E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
12. Step back about 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters)
and view the fuselage from the rear. Check that the
stabilizer is in alignment with the wing by checking
the stabilizer tips against the wing. Both stabilizer
tips should align with the wing trailing edge. Adjust
the position of the stabilizer if necessary for correct
stabilizer alignment.
13. Use a felt-tipped pen to trace the outline of
the fuselage onto the top, bottom, left and right
of the stabilizer.
14. Remove the stabilizer from the fuselage.
Carefully use a hobby knife to remove the covering
1/16-inch (1.5mm) from inside the lines. Use light
pressure with a new #11 blade to avoid cutting
into the underlying wood. You will need to trim the
covering from the top and bottom of the stabilizer
at this time.
Other options other than a hobby knife are to
use a hot knife (with a new blade) or a soldering
iron for cutting the covering. These will melt
the covering and lower the chances of cutting
into the wood structure of the stabilizer.
14 E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF ARF Assembly Manual
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