GREAT PLANES Curtiss P-6E Hawk Instruction Manual

CURTISS P-6E HAWK

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Length:
Weight:

43.5 in [1105mm]
34 in [865mm]

3.75– 4.5 lb [1700–2040 g]

Wing Area:

Wing Loading:

WARRANTY

Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to

be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the
date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component
parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great
Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or
material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of
the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

2

352 in
25– 29 oz/ft

[76–88 g/dm2]

this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to
Hobby Services at the address below:

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as
much contact information as possible (daytime telephone
number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of
the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon
receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly
as possible.

[22.7 dm2]

2

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

Radio: 4 channel radio (minimum)

Electric

Power:

Hobby Services

RimFire™ .32, (42-50-800)
Outrunner Brushless

Entire Contents © 2014 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMA1164

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Motor Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Electronic Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Flight Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Main Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Wings, Cabanes & Struts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Install the Tail Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Elevator, Rudder Servos and Receiver . . . 13

Install the Motor, ESC and Cowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Wheels and Wheel Pants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Final Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Finish the Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

AMA SAFETY CODE EXCERPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

INTRODUCTION

The Curtiss P-6E Hawk is an iconic airplane loved by aviation

enthusiasts everywhere. The attention to detail in this airplane,
coupled with its great looks in the air and on the ground, will
impress you and those who watch it fl y!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the

“Curtiss P-6E Hawk” visit the Great Planes web site at www.

greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and then select the

“Curtiss P-6E Hawk EP.” If there is new technical information

or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the
upper left corner of the page.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)

and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership is required to fl y at AMA clubs.

Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the

primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies
to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the Safety Code (excerpts printed in the back of
the manual) may endanger insurance coverage. Additionally,
training programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are over 2,500

AMA chartered clubs across the country. Contact the AMA at

the address or toll-free phone number below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can
do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid

fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over

groups of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your “Curtiss P-6E Hawk” should not be considered a toy,
but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the “Curtiss P-6E Hawk”, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an

2

unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

Servos

❍ (4) Futaba® S3115 Servos [FUTM0415] [39 oz-in (2.8

kg-cm) @ 4.8V of torque]

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel
tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air.

6. You must check the operation of the model before every

fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the

model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights.

If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has

information about clubs in your area whose membership
includes experienced pilots.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends on how
you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representa­tions are expressed or implied as to the performance or
safety of your completed model.

Connectors

❍ (1) “Y” harness [FUTM4135]

❍ (2) 9" extensions [FUTM3910]

Motor Recommendations

The Curtiss P-6E Hawk EP ARF comes with a mounting box

for the Great Planes RimFire brushless out-runner motor. The
motor has been tested with this plane and works well.

❍ Great Planes RimFire .32 (42-50-800) Brushless Out-

runner Motor [GPMG4700]

Electronic Speed Control

A brushless ESC (electronic speed control) is required for

the recommended motor set-up. We recommend using the

❍ Great Planes Silver Series SS-45A Brushless ESC

[GPMM1840].

Propeller

For our testing we used and recommend the

❍ APC 13 x 6.5 propeller. (APCQ3065)

REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the instructions
to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the “Curtiss P-6E

Hawk” that may require planning or decision making before
starting to build.

Radio Equipment

❍ A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and

receiver are required for this plane.

The servos and receiver shown in the manual are Futaba®

S3115 Servos (FUTM0415) and the Futaba R617FS FASST

2.4 GHz receiver (FUTL7627)

Transmitter

❍ 4-channel radio (minimum)

Receiver

❍ R617FS FASST 2.4 GHz receiver [FUTL7627]

Flight Battery

We recommend the

❍ Great Planes Power Series™ LiPo 2200mAh, 11.1V,

30C battery (GPMP0861)

OR

❍ Flight Power 2200mAh 11.1V (FPWP6198)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Required Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesives and building supplies required to

fi nish the Curtiss P-6E Hawk EP ARF. Order numbers are

provided in parentheses.

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)

❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

❍ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❍ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❍ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.5mm]

❍ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❍ #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❍ Small T-pins (100, HCAR5100)

3

Optional Supplies and Tools

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that

will help you build the Curtiss P-6E Hawk EP.

❍ 2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❍ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❍ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❍ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❍ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❍ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❍ Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
❍ AccuThrow Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)
❍ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)
❍ 21st Century® sealing iron [COCR2700]
❍ 21st Century iron cover [COVR2702]
❍ Great Planes Pilot 1/7 Military Painted [GPMQ9117]
❍ GP Aluminum Safety Spinner Nut [GPMQ4631]

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● There are three types of screws used in this kit:

Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a
length. For example #6  3/4" [19mm].

This is a number six screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example

4-40  3/4" [19mm].

This is a number four screw

that is 3/4" [19mm] long with

forty threads per inch.

● When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means

that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom

fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.

● Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

your experience to decide what type of glue to use. When

a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that step, the
instructions will make a recommendation.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the step they refer

to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps to
get another view of the same parts.

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make
sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not
of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing
parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Curtiss P-6E Hawk

are available using the order numbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service
can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.

hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu
on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided
on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

If a hobby shop is not available, replacement parts may also

be ordered from Tower Hobbies at www.towerhobbies.com,
or by calling toll free [phone].

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by

calling [phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but
full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.

Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If

ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and
expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal
check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact
Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@greatplanes.

com, or by telephone at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

GPMA3425
GPMA3426
GPMA3427
GPMA3428
GPMA3429
GPMA3430
GPMA3431
GPMA3432
GPMA3433
GPMA3434
GPMA3435
GPMA3436
GPMA3437
GPMA3438

Fuselage
Top Wing
Bottom Wing
Tail Surface Set
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Hatch
Cabane Set
Interplane Struts
Bracket Set
Windshield
Decals
Landing Gear Fairings

4

KIT CONTENTS

1

2

3

15

16

14

12

1313

11

4

17

10

PREPARATIONS

1. If you have not done so already, remove the major parts of
the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the address or
telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection” section on page 4.

2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on medium heat to
tighten the covering on the wings, fuselage, etc. if necessary.

Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the

covering to the wood.

3. Test pull all pre-hinged surfaces.

1.

Lower Wing

2.

Upper Wing

3.

Fuselage

4.

5

6

8

9

7

Hatch

5.

Fin and Rudder

6.

Stab and Elevator

7.

"N" Struts

8.

Brackets

9.

Cabane Struts

10.

Cowl

11.

Wheel Pants

12.

Turtle Deck Fairing

13.

Landing Gear

14.

Wheels

15.

Tail Wheel Wire and Tail Wheel

16.

Landing Gear Fairings

17.

Windshield

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

When working on the ailerons, do the right half of the

top wing fi rst, so your work matches the photos the fi rst
time through.

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

1. Remove the servo cover from the wing.

❏ ❏

2. Inside the servo bay a string is taped. Carefully remove

❏ ❏

the tape and leave the loose end of the string in the servo bay.

3. Remove three of the arms from a four arm servo.

❏ ❏

Center the servo and install the arm to the servo, securing

it with the servo screw. Install the grommets and eyelets on
the servo.

5

4. Enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm with a 5/64"

❏ ❏

[2mm] drill bit.

7. Place your servo onto the servo hatch, positioning it

❏ ❏

so that the control horn is centered in the opening in the hatch.

Glue two 9/32" x 3/8" x 3/8" [7 x 10 x 10mm] wood blocks to

the hatch, positioning the servo between the wood mounting
blocks with 5 minute epoxy.

8. After the glue has hardened place the servo between

❏ ❏

the blocks. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the servo
mounting tabs, into the wood blocks. Using the servo mounting
screws that came with the servos, install and then remove
the servo mounting screws. Apply a couple of drops of thin

CA glue into the holes to harden the threads. When the glue

has hardened, install the servo to the hatch with the servo
mounting screws.

5. Install a 9" [229mm] servo extension onto the servo.

❏ ❏

Be sure to secure the leads together with a piece of heat shrink
tubing, tape or some other method for securing the leads.

6. Tie the string from inside the servo bay to the end

❏ ❏

of the servo lead. Pull the lead through the wing, exiting out
through the hole at the center section of the wing.

9. Install and then remove a #2 x 3/8" [ 2 x 10mm] washer

❏ ❏

head screw into the four laser cut holes in the fl ange around
the servo hatch opening. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into
each of the four holes to harden the threads. Once the glue
has hardened, secure the hatch to the wing with four of the

#2 x 3/8" [2 x 10mm] washer head screws.

6

11. Thread a nylon clevis, 20 turns, onto a 6" [152mm]

❏ ❏

wire pushrod.

12. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over the clevis and

❏ ❏

install the clevis into the outer hole in the aileron control
horn. With the aileron servo and the aileron centered, mark
the aileron pushrod where it crosses the aileron servo arm.
Make a 90° bend at the mark. Cut the pushrod 3/8" [9.5mm]
past the bend. Attach the pushrod to the aileron servo arm

with a nylon Faslink.

10. Locate a nylon control horn. Cut the nylon mounting

❏ ❏

plate from the horn. Place the control horn onto the aileron
in line with the servo arm and positioned on the hardwood
plate. Mark the location of the mounting holes in the servo
horn onto the aileron. Drill a 5/64" [2mm] hole through the
aileron on each of the marks you just made. Secure the horn
to the aileron with two 1/16" x ½" machine screws and the
nylon back plate.

13. Repeat steps 1-11 for the left wing panel.

❏

7

Install the Main Landing Gear

14. When installing the servo in the left half of the wing

❏

you may wish to have the extension exit the wing through the

same hole as the right aileron. This may be helpful in hiding
the leads as they extend into the fuselage. If you decide to
have both leads exit the same hole, you may need to use a
slightly longer servo lead and you will likely need to enlarge
the hole to make room for the dual servo lead. Either way

you choose to proceed, connect the two servos with a dual

servo extension (“Y” harness). Secure the extension with tape,
shrink tubing or some other method to secure the connection.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

Before beginning the work on the fuselage you may wish to
remove the fuselage hatch. The hatch is held in place with
two magnets at the rear of the hatch. Lift the hatch from the
rear and remove it from the fuselage.

1. Attach the two main landing gear legs to the fuselage

❏

with four 4-40 x 5/8" [3.5 x 16mm] screws, #4 lock washers and
#4 fl at washers. Apply a drop of threadlocker to each screw.

2. Locate the two landing cuffs and the two sets of shaped

❏

wood parts.

8