E-flite RV-9 450 ARF User Manual
RV-9 450
Assembly Manual
Specifications
Wingspan: 50 in (1270mm)
Length: 38 in (920mm)
Wing Area: 385 sq in (24.8 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 31–34 oz (875–965 g)
Weight w/Battery: 36–40 oz (1020–1135 g)
Pilot figure sold separately (EFLA156)
RV-9 is a trademark of Van’s Aircraft and is used with permission.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Using the Manual
Introduction ........................................................... 2
Important Warranty Information .............................. 2
Using the Manual ................................................... 2
Product Registration................................................ 2
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout .................................... 2
Recommended Radio Equipment ............................. 3
Recommended Standard Setup ................................ 3
Recommended High Power Setup ............................ 3
Optional Accessories .............................................. 3
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ........................... 3
Required Tools and Adhesives ................................. 3
Landing Gear Installation ........................................ 4
Tail Installation ....................................................... 4
Main Radio Installation ........................................... 7
Rudder and Elevator Linkage Installation .................. 9
Aileron Servo and Linkage Installation ................... 11
Joining the Wing Panels ....................................... 16
Fixed Flap Linkage Installation .............................. 18
Operational Flap Linkage Installation ..................... 20
Motor Installation ................................................. 23
Cowling Installation .............................................. 25
Wheel and Wheel Pant Installation ........................ 26
Canopy Detail Installation ..................................... 28
Wing Installation .................................................. 29
Control Throws..................................................... 30
Center of Gravity ................................................. 30
Preflight ............................................................... 31
Range Test Your Radio .......................................... 31
Flying Your RV-9 .................................................. 31
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots ............................ 32
Age Requirements ................................................ 32
Safety, Precautions and Warnings ......................... 32
Warranty Information ........................................... 32
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by
Users in the European Union ............................ 34
2008 Official Academy of
Model Aeronautics Safety Code ....................... 34
Thank you for purchasing the E-flite® RV-9 450. The
sporty lines and spirited performance of the Van’s Aircraft
RV-9 has made it one of general aviation’s most popular
homebuilt aircraft. E-flite has perfectly captured the spirit
of this plane with this outstanding ARF that boasts true-toscale lines and, like its inspiration, is an absolute joy to
fly. To keep the scale lines unspoiled, E-flite has designed
the RV-9 with internal servo mounts that are concealed
from view. A classy red, yellow and blue UltraCote® trim
scheme, cockpit details and factory painted fiberlass cowl
further enhance the realism. You even have the option of
adding functioning flaps for exciting short field takeoffs
and landings.
In the air, the RV-9 450 offers a nice balance between
maneuverability and stability that will please both
intermediate and experienced pilots.
The RV-9 450 ARF is another addition to E-flite’s
outstanding line of electric RC aircraft and accessories.
E-flite uses top-quality engineering and materials in
everything they make, so you always get the maximum
level of value and fun. And E-flite backs all of its products
with the best customer service and support in the hobby so
your electric flight experience is always a positive one.
IMPRESSIVE SCALE DETAILS
Along with the true-to-scale outline of the wings and
fuselage, the RV-9 450 includes other scale touches such
as a detailed instrument panel, molded seatbacks and
room for two pilot figures (sold separately).
OPTIONAL FLAPS
For the ultimate in realism, you can add the optional flaps
and enjoy short field takeoff and landing performance.
They’re already cut and hinged for you. Just add the servo.
Important Warranty Information
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.
Remember to take your time and follow the directions.
Product Registration
Register your product online at:
www.e-fliterc.com/register/
Contents of Kit/Parts Layout
EFL2776 Fuselage
EFL2777 Hatch
EFL2778 Wing Set (Left and Right)
EFL2779 Tail Set
EFL2780 Cowl
EFL2781 Canopy
EFL2782 Spinner
EFL2783 Landing Gear (Left and Right)
EFL2784 Wheels and Axles
EFL2785 Wheel Pants (Left and Right)
EFL2786 Hardware Set
EFL2787 Pushrod Set
Please read our Warranty and Liability Limitations section
on Page 32 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.
2 E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
Recommended Radio Equipment
Recommended Standard Setup
Required Tools and Adhesives
You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter,
receiver, and four servos. You can also 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 S75 Sub-Micro Servos from E-flite.
If you own the Spektrum DX6i radio, just add the
AR6200 DSM2
using flaps) E-flite S75 Sub-Micro Servos.
Transmitter and Receiver
SPM6600 DX6i 6-Channel DSM2 without
Or Purchase Separately
SPMAR6200 AR6200 AR6200
And
EFLRS75 S75 Sub Micro Servo
EFLREX12L 12-inch Lightweight Servo
EFLRYH3 3-inch Y-harness, Lightweight
EFLREX3L 3-inch Lightweight Servo
™
6-channel receiver and four (or five if
Servos, Mode 2
6-Channel Receiver Air
(4 required, 5 if using flaps)
Extension (2)
Extension (for optional flaps)
Motor Park 450 Brushless Outrunner
Motor, 890Kv (EFLM1400)
ESC 30-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC
Brushless ESC (EFLA1030)
Batteries 1800 3S 11.1V Li-Po battery
(EFLB18003S)
Propeller Electric Propeller, 10 x 7E
(APC10070E)
Recommended High Power Setup
Motor Park 480 Brushless Outrunner
Motor, 1020Kv (EFLM1505)
ESC 40-Amp Lite Pro Switch-Mode BEC
Brushless ESC (EFLA1040L)
Batteries 2100 3S 11.1V Li-Po battery
(EFLB21003S)
Prop Electric Propeller, 12 x 6E
(APC12060E)
Optional Accessories
EFLA110 Power Meter
EFLC3005 Celectra™ 1–3 Cell
Li-Po Charger
EFLC505 Intelligent 1- to 5-Cell
Balancing Charger
Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries
Tools & Equipment
Epoxy brush Felt-tipped pen
Low-tack tape Medium grit sandpaper
Mixing cup Mixing stick
Paper towel Pencil
Pin drill Pliers
Rubbing alcohol Ruler
Scissors Side cutters
Threadlock Waxed paper
Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver: #00, #1
Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Nut driver or box wrench: 1/4-inch, 7mm
Hex wrench or ball driver: 1.5mm, 3/32-inch,
5/64-inch
String, dental floss or commercially available
servo connector (2)
Adhesives
30-minute Epoxy (HAN8002)
Canopy Glue (PAAPT56)
Medium CA (PAAPT02)
Thin CA (PAAPT08)
Threadlock
Thick CA
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.
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.
During the course of building your model 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.
3E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
Landing Gear Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage assembly Landing gear (left and right)
4-40 x 1/2-inch button head machine screw (4)
#4 washer (4)
Required Tools
Hex wrench or ball driver: 5/64-inch
Threadlock
1. Attach the main landing gear to the fuselage
using four 4-40 x 1/2-inch button head machine
screws and four #4 washers. Use a 5/64-inch hex
wrench or ball driver (not included) to tighten each
of the screws. Make sure to use threadlock on all
four screws so they do not vibrate loose.
Tail Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage assembly Vertical fin
Horizontal stabilizer 4-40 lock nut (2)
4-40 x 1/2-inch socket head bolt (2)
#4 washer (4) Control horn (2)
Control horn backplate (2)
Required Tools
Hex wrench or ball driver: 3/32-inch
Nut driver: 1/4-inch Threadlock
Thin CA Thick CA
Rubbing alcohol Paper towel
Felt-tipped pen
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Medium grit sandpaper
1. Locate the horizontal stabilizer. The top of the
stabilizer has the blind nut for attaching it to the
fuselage on the top side of the stabilizer.
2. Slide the stabilizer onto the threaded studs of the
vertical fin. Make sure the stabilizer is installed in
the correct direction by noting the position of the
blind nuts as described in the previous step. The
stabilizer should fit tightly against the vertical fin
when installed.
The main gear will angle back when
installed as shown in the photo.
4 E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
3. Use two 4-40 lock nuts and two #4 washers to
secure the stabilizer to the vertical fin. Use a 1/4inch nut driver to tighten the nuts.
Make sure not to over-tighten the
nuts, damaging the stabilizer.
4. Fit the tail assembly to the fuselage. Make sure
to slide the tail post of the vertical fin into the slot at
the aft end of the fuselage. The assembly should fit
tightly in against the fuselage as shown.
5. Use two 4-40 x 1/2-inch socket head bolts and
two #4 washers to secure the tail assembly to the
fuselage. Make sure to use threadlock on both
screws before tightening them with a 3/32-inch
ball driver or hex wrench.
6. Insert the control horn into the pre-drilled holes in
the bottom of the elevator. Use a felt-tipped pen to
trace the outline of the control horn onto the elevator.
7. Remove the control horn. Use a hobby knife
with a new #11 blade to remove the covering from
inside the outline of the control horn drawn in the
previous step. Use care not to cut into the elevator
and damage the underlying wood.
5E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to remove
the line drawn on the bottom of the aileron
before installing the control horn permanently.
8. Use medium grit sandpaper to roughen the
surface of the control horn that will fit against the
elevator. Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel
to remove any residue to provide the best possible
bond between the control horn and bare wood.
9. Apply a small amount of thick CA to the base
of the control horn. Insert the control horn in the
pre-drilled holes of the elevator as shown. Press the
control horn tight against the elevator.
10. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA to each of the
control horn posts from the top of the control horn.
Make sure to apply the CA as close to the control
surface as possible while holding the control horn
tight against the elevator.
11. Before sliding the control horn backplate, make
sure the CA has fully cured or it may not slide tight
against the top of the stabilizer. After sliding the
backplate into position, apply 2–3 drops of thin CA
to each of the control horn posts as they protrude
through the backplate.
The control horn and backplate must be tight against
the control surface or there will be play between
the servo and surface. Use care when installing the
control horn to make sure it is done correctly.
6 E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
12. Repeat Steps 6 through 11 to install the rudder
control horn. Note that the rudder control horn will
be on the opposite side, away from the elevator
control horn, when installed.
Main Radio Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage assembly Servo with hardware (2)
Receiver Hook and loop material
Required Tools
Pin drill Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Pencil Phillips screwdriver: #1
Scissors Thin CA
1. Remove the canopy hatch from the fuselage by
lifting up at the rear of the fuselage. A magnet
holds the hatch to the fuselage at the rear. Slide
the hatch rearward to release the pin that holds the
hatch at the front. Set the canopy hatch aside.
2. Position the elevator servo in the servo tray with
the output of the servo facing the front of aircraft.
Use a pencil to mark the location for the two servo
mounting screws on the servo tray.
3. Remove the servo from the servo tray. Use a
pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to drill
two holes in the servo tray as marked in the
previous step.
7E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
4. Apply 2-3 drops of thin CA in each hole to
harden the surrounding wood. This creates a harder
surface for the screws to bite into, making them
more secure when holding the servo in position.
5. Use the screws provided with the servo to secure
it in the servo tray. Tighten the screws using a #1
Phillips screwdriver.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to install the rudder
servo in the servo tray.
7. Plug the rudder and elevator servos into the
receiver. Plug a Y-harness into the aileron port of the
receiver. If you are installing the operational flaps,
you will also want to plug a 3-inch (76mm) servo
extension in the flap (or AUX) port of the receiver.
8. Use scissors to cut a small piece of hook and
loop material. Use the hook and loop to mount the
receiver on the battery tray as shown. Make sure
to position the receiver far enough forward that
the speed control can be plugged in during the
motor installation.
8 E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
9. Use scissors to cut another small piece of hook
and loop material to mount the remote receiver in
the fuselage as shown.
Rudder and Elevator Linkage
Installation
Required Parts
Fuselage assembly Nylon pushrod connector (2)
Transmitter Flight Battery
Speed control or sperate Receiver battery
161/2-inch (420mm) elevator pushrod
173/4-inch (450mm) rudder pushrod
Pushrod connector backplate (2)
2mm x 5mm machine screw (2)
Required Tools
Pin drill Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Ruler Phillips screwdriver: #00, #1
1. Use a #00 Phillips screwdriver to remove the
servo horns from the rudder and elevator servos.
2. Use a pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to
enlarge the outer hole that is 1/2-inch (13mm) from
the center of the servo horn. Secure the pushrod
connector using a pushrod connector backplate.
3. Insert the nylon pushrod connector in the hole
enlarged in the last step. Use pliers to press the
backplate onto the connector.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to prepare a second
servo horn.
9E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
5. Use the radio system to check the operation of
the rudder and elevator servos. It may be necessary
to bind the transmitter and receiver if you are using
a new receiver. Always select a blank model and
reset it to remove any programming or trim settings
when using a computer radio before starting the
linkage installation.
6. Use a #00 Phillips screwdriver to install the servo
horns to the servos. Make sure to position the horns
so they face each other as shown in the photo.
8. Slide the pushrod wire into the tube in the
fuselage that exits the same side as the rudder
control horn. Guide the wire through the pushrod
connector for the rudder servo inside the fuselage.
9. Connect the clevis to the outside hole of the
rudder control horn. Slide the clevis retainer over
the forks on the clevis to keep it from opening
accidentally.
10. Use a ruler to align the rudder with the fin.
With the radio system on and the rudder servo
centered, use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and a 2mm
x 5mm machine screw to secure the pushrod to the
pushrod connector. Use caution not to over-tighten
the screw and damage the pushrod connector.
7. Slide a clevis retainer onto a clevis. Thread the
clevis 16-turns onto the 173/4-inch (450mm) rudder
pushrod.
10 E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
11. Use a 161/2-inch (406mm) elevator pushrod
wire and repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the
elevator linkage.
Aileron Servo and Linkage Installation
Required Parts
Wing panel (left and right)
Servo with hardware (2)
Nylon pushrod connector (2)
Pushrod connector backplate (2)
2mm x 5mm machine screw (2)
Aileron servo cover (right and left)
12-inch (305mm) servo extension (2)
2mm x 6mm sheet metal screw (8)
Speed control or separate receiver battery
Transmitter Flight battery
Control horn (2) Clevis (2)
Clevis retainer (2)
23/8-inch (60mm) aileron pushrod (2)
Required Tools
Pin drill Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm)
Pencil Phillips screwdriver: #00, #1
Medium CA Thin CA
Side cutters Hobby knife with #11 blade
Felt-tipped pen Rubbing alcohol
Paper towel Medium grit sandpaper
String, dental floss or commercially available servo
connector (2)
1. Use a #00 Phillips screwdriver to remove the
servo horns from the aileron servos. Use a pin
drill and 1/16-inch (1.5mm) drill bit to enlarge
the outer hole that is 1/2-inch (13mm) from the
center of the servo horn. Secure the pushrod
connector using a pushrod connector backplate.
Insert the nylon pushrod connector in the hole
enlarged in the last step. Use pliers to press the
backplate onto the connector. Prepare both aileron
servo horns at this time.
Before starting the aileron servo installation, make sure
to set aside the covers for the flap servo installation
(both operational and fixed) as shown in the photo
below. It is possible that you could accidentally prepare
two identical aileron servos using the flap servo cover.
11E-flite RV-9 450 Assembly Manual
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