E-flite P-38-F-5E User Manual
P-38/F-5E Lightning 400 ARF
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan: 48 in (1219mm)
Length: 35 in (889mm)
Wing Area: 307 sq in (19.8 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 28–35 oz (794–992 g)
Weight w/Battery: 33–40 oz (936–1134 g)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specifications ........................................................................1
Introduction ...........................................................................2
Using the Manual ..................................................................
Replacement Parts ..................................................................
Required and Recommended Radio Equipment ........................
Important Information About Motor Selection ...........................
Recommended Brushed Motor Power System Setup ..................
Recommended Brushless Motor Power System Setup .................
Optional Accessories .............................................................
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ...........................................
Required Tools and Adhesives .................................................
Warning ...............................................................................6
Warranty Period ....................................................................
Limited Warranty ...................................................................
Damage Limits .......................................................................
Safety Precautions ..................................................................
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs .........................................
Inspection or Repairs ..............................................................
Warranty Inspection and Repairs ............................................
Non-Warranty Repairs ...........................................................
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ..........................................
Elevator Servo Installation .......................................................
Rudder Installation (Optional) ...............................................
Brushless Motor Installation ...................................................
Brushed Motor Installation ....................................................
Aileron Servo Installation ......................................................
Landing Gear and Drop Tank Installation (Optional) ...............
Final Assembly ....................................................................
Center of Gravity .................................................................
Control Throws ....................................................................
Range Test Your Radio ..........................................................
Preflight ..............................................................................34
2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code .......
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Thank you for purchasing the E-flite® P-38/F-5E Lightning 400
ARF. The P-38/F-5E is a highly detailed, highly prefabricated
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and factory assembled model of one of the most capable
reconnaissance aircraft of the Allied arsenal during WWII.
Owing to its significant amount of prefabrication and factory
assembly, the P-38/F-5E can be assembled in about 2 to 4
hours. The factory installed motor mount sticks allow for the use
of inrunner motors and gearboxes, or outrunner motors using the
included outrunner stick mounts. The included 10x8E counter-
rotating props help to ensure the easiest and smoothest twin-motor
flying experience ever by offering dead straight-ahead tracking
during acceleration for takeoffs and in flight. They also substantially
reduce adverse yaw should you ever happen to lose a motor during
flight, and work perfectly with the recommended power systems.
And although the P-38/F-5E is not intended for first-time pilots,
its superior design offers flying characteristics unlike any other
similar model in its class, capable of being flown by most pilots with
aileron-equipped model experience. The P-38/F-5E can be flown
from smooth surfaces using the included landing gear and optional
steerable nose wheel, or from grass with the landing gear and
included drop tanks removed.
Few warbirds carry the mystique of the P-38/F-5E Lightning, and
we hope you enjoy flying your new model.
2 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Using the Manual
Replacement Parts
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 each step completed. 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.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
EFL6030 Cowl and Nose Cover Set
EFL6031 Hardware and Pushrod Set
EFL6032 Landing Gear Set
EFL6034 Decal Set
EFLA284 Spinner, 2
EFLA284R Spinner, 2
1
/4" Gray
1
/4" Gray, Reverse Rotation
EFLM1915 Outrunner Stick Mount
EFLP1080E 10x8 Electric Prop
EFLP1080ER 10x8 Electric Prop, Reverse Rotation
3E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Required and Recommended Radio Equipment
You will need a 3-channel or greater transmitter (at least 4-channel
with optional rudders and/or steerable nose wheel), crystals (if
applicable), micro receiver, and 3 sub-micro servos (or up to 6
if using the optional rudders and steerable nose wheel). You can
choose to purchase a complete radio system that includes most
of these items or, if you are using an existing transmitter, simply
purchase the other required equipment separately.
Note: We highly recommend the crystal-free, interferencefree Spektrum® DX6 2.4GHz DSM® 6-channel radio
system (SPM2460). The complete system includes four
S75 sub-micro servos and a 6-channel micro receiver.
Purchase Separately
SPM6000 AR6000 DSM 6-Channel Receiver
(For Spektrum Transmitters)
Or
JSP30600 RS600 6-Channel Universal FM Receiver
w/o Crystal (For Any FM Transmitter)
Or
JRPR790 7-Channel ScanSelect PCM Receiver
(For JR PCM Transmitters)
JRPXFR** Receiver Crystal (for JR Receivers)
And
EFLRS75 7.5-Gram Sub-Micro S75 Servo (3 required,
or up to 6 with optional rudders and steerable
nose wheel)
EFLRYH3 3" Y-Harness (1, or up to 3 with brushless
power system and optional rudders)
JRPA096 Servo Extension 9" Standard, Gold (2 required,
or up to 4 with brushless power system)
JRPA100 Servo Extension 12" Standard, Gold (1 required,
or up to 3 with optional rudders)
Note: When using our recommended Brushless Power
System, you do not need to use a separate BEC or
receiver battery pack to power the radio gear as long as
you are using our recommended servos. This is because
the BECs of the two brushless ESCs are working in
parallel, allowing them to support up to 6 servos.
Note: When using our recommended Brushed Power
System, you MUST use a separate BEC or receiver
battery pack to power the radio gear if using more than
3 servos. This is because the BEC of the single brushed
ESC cannot reliably support more than 3 servos.
We recommend the use of a separate BEC (like the Ultimate BEC),
or a receiver pack and switch:
EXRB100 Expert 720mAh Ni-MH 4.8V Rx Pack
EXRA050 Expert Standard Switch
4 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Important Information About Motor
Recommended Brushless Motor Power
Selection
The P-38/F-5E has been extensively tested with the motors and
power systems we recommend. The use of motors, especially
those capable of higher power output than those suggested, is not
recommended.
Recommended Brushed Motor Power
System Setup
This power system offers very scale-like performance and plenty of
power for all aerobatic maneuvers.
DYN8840 14GA Silicone Wire 3', Red*
DYN8841 14GA Silicone Wire 3', Black*
EFLA239 Female Bullet Plug w/Lead (2 required if
not soldering motors directly to ESC leads)
EFLAEC303 EC3 DEVice and BATTery Connector/Male
and Female
EFLM232 480 Motor w/19T 0.5 Module Pinion
(2 required)
EFLM236 400 Gearbox w/56T 0.5 Module Spur Gear
(2 required)
CSEP20P Pixie 20P Sub-Micro Brushed Motor ESC
(1 required)
THP20703SX 2070mAh 3S 11.1V Li-Po, 13GA (1 required)
Note: If you intend to fly mostly at full throttle, especially
in warm conditions, we suggest using a 30–35 amp
ESC, like the Castle Creations Pegasus 35P (CSEP35P).
System Setup
This power system offers beyond scale-like performance with
more power than necessary for all aerobatic maneuvers. It offers
unlimited vertical and very good speed.
EFLA1025 25-Amp Pro Brushless ESC w/EC3 (2 required)
EFLAEC303 EC3 DEVice and BATTery Connector/
Male and Female
DYN8840 14GA Silicone Wire 3', Red*
DYN8841 14GA Silicone Wire 3', Black*
EFLM1400 Park 450 Brushless Outrunner Motor, 890Kv
(2 required)
THP20703SX 2070mAh 3S 11.1V Li-Po, 13GA (1 required)
*16GA silicone wire can be substituted
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC3005 Celectra™ 1- to 3-Cell Li-Po DC Charger
HAN172 Hangar 9
®
Digital Servo and Rx Current Meter
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
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.
*16GA silicone wire can be substituted
5E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Required Tools and Adhesives
Limited Warranty
Tools & Equipment
#0 Phillips Screwdriver (EFLA258)
#1 Phillips Screwdriver (EFLA257)
1.5mm Hex Driver/Wrench (EFLA253)
Tapered Reamer (DYN5515)
Pin Vise/Drill (XAC7144)
Drill bit: .050"
Hobby Knife (XAC3201)
Needle-nose pliers
Razor Saw (Optional for brushless motor power
system installation)
Thin or Medium Foam Safe CA (Optional for rudder hinge
installation; EFLA209)
Clear tape
Felt-tipped pen (Optional for rudder hinge installation)
Soldering iron and solder
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.
Warranty Period
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser ("Purchaser")
and is not transferable. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED
UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those Products purchased
from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third party transactions are
not covered by this warranty. Proof of purchase is required for
warranty claims. Further, Horizon reserves the right to change
or modify this warranty without notice and disclaims all other
warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT
THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder
shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii) replace,
any Product determined by Horizon to be defective. In the event
of a defect, these are the Purchaser's exclusive remedies. Horizon
reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment involved in a
warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole
discretion of Horizon. This warranty does not cover cosmetic
damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of
the Product. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper
installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by
anyone other than Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must
be approved in writing by Horizon before shipment.
Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products
purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
6 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Damage Limits
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY
CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS
BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT
LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed
the individual price of the Product on which liability is asserted. As
Horizon has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification
or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any
resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the
user accepts all resulting liability.
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.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to
conflict of law principals).
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.
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This
will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service
you in the event that you may need any assistance. For questions
or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@
horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a
service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for
a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes
may be included, but are not designed to withstand the rigors
of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is
accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available at
www.horizonhobby.com on the “Support” tab. If you do not have
internet access, please include a letter with your complete name,
street address, email address and phone number where you can
be reached during business days, your RMA number, a list of the
included items, method of payment for any non-warranty expenses
and a brief summary of the problem. Your original sales receipt
must also be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your
name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside
of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales
receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Provided warranty
conditions have been met, your Product will be repaired or
replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement decisions are at the
sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
7E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Non-Warranty Repairs
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will
be completed and payment will be required without notification
or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50%
of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for repair
you are agreeing to payment of the repair without notification.
Repair estimates are available upon request. You must include this
request with your repair. Non-warranty repair estimates will be
billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In addition you will be billed
for return freight. Please advise us of your preferred method of
payment. Horizon accepts money orders and cashiers checks, as
well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.
If you choose to pay by credit card, please include your credit card
number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed
after 90 days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed
of accordingly.
on electronics and model engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address:
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.
Please note: non-warranty repair is only available
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating
it in a manner that does not endanger yourself
and others or result in damage to the product or the property
of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery packs,
etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to
interference from many sources outside your control. This
interference can cause momentary loss of control so it is necessary
to always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model,
as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from cars,
traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or damage
can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or populated areas
for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any
optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery
packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the
reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure
to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for this
purpose.
8 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
Elevator Servo Installation
Required Parts
• Fuselage/center section assembly
• Double-sided tape • Receiver
• Servo w/hardware
• Servo extension, 12 in (305mm)
• Pushrod wire w/clevis, 10
Required Tools and Adhesives
• Phillips screwdriver (small)
1. Carefully remove the center section hatch from the
fuselage by lifting it from the rear.
3
/4 in (273mm)
2. Remove the servo cover from the bottom of the left
boom by lifting it from the rear.
3. Locate a 10 3/4 in (273mm) pushrod wire and remove
the clevis. Slide the wire into the pre-installed tube in the
fuselage threaded end first. The correct tube will exit near
the elevator control horn.
9E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
4. Thread the clevis back onto the pushrod wire.
5. Secure a 12 in (305mm) servo extension onto the
servo lead. Use string to secure the servo lead to the
servo extension.
6. Pass the extension forward in the boom and
underneath the plywood servo tray. The extension will
exit the boom in the opening for the wing.
10 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
7. Position the elevator servo in the servo tray on the
side with the "S9" decal with the output shaft towards the
front of the boom. Secure the servo using the hardware
provided with the servo.
9. Attach the receiver to the fuselage using the included
double-sided tape. Plug the elevator servo extension into
the elevator channel of the receiver.
Note: Use the manufacturer's instructions for routing
your antenna. Never cut the receiver antenna as this will
greatly reduce the range of your radio system.
8. Route the servo extension through the channel in the
bottom of the wing to the center fuselage.
10. Turn on the transmitter and apply power to the
receiver. Check that the elevator servo is operating
properly. Center the elevator trim and control stick and
set any sub-trims to 0.
11E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual
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