Great Planes GPMA1010 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

™

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area:

49.5 in
[1255mm]

2

586 in
[37.8 dm2]

Weight:

Wing

Loading:

5 – 5.5 lb
[2270–2490 g]

20 – 22 oz/ft
[61–67 g/dm2]

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

Length: 46 in

[1170mm]

Radio:

4-Channel with 5 standard servos
and standard receiver

2

Engine: .46 – .55 cu in [7.5 – 9cc] 2-stroke

.70–.72 cu in [11.5–12cc] 4-stroke

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:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1

Champaign IL 61822 USA

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.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

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

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

© 2011 Hobbico®, Inc.

GPMA1010 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Building Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

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

PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS AND PUSHRODS. . . . . . .10

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR . . . . 11

INSTALL THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Install the Receiver and Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Mount the Cowl, Hatch and Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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

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

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

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Ground Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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

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

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Stinger II .46 ARF!
Whether you’re just purchasing your second or third plane, or
you’re a veteran pilot, the simplicity of the Stinger assembly

and the performance in flight will surely satisfy all. Much
of the building has already been completed at the factory

assuring your Stinger will spend less time on the bench

and more time in the air. Once in the air, the Stinger will

take whatever you throw at it and ask for more. The Stinger

airframe holds up to aggressive flying, but can fly slow and

track straight when asked to.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Great Planes Stinger II .46 ARF visit the Great Planes
web site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link,
then select the Stinger II .46 ARF. 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.

AMA

Academy of Model Aeronautics: If you are not already a

member of the AMA, please join! The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership provides liability
insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights and interests
and is required to fly at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model

Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!!

Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the

radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid flying near full­scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Stinger II .46 ARF 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 Stinger, 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
unsafe or unflyable 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.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-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
flight to ensure 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.

2

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

your first flights. 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.

8. While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress flying, such
as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended
range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to
reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

9. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fiberglass, the fibers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
to remove fiberglass dust, as the dust will blow back into

your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and

rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fiberglass
parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after

working with fiberglass parts.

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.

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 finish the Stinger II
.46 ARF that may require planning or decision making before

starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

The Stinger requires a minimum 4-channel radio system with

five 44 oz.-in. [3.2 kg-cm] minimum standard sized servos.

In addition, two 6" [152mm] servo extensions are required

for the aileron servos. If you are using a radio system that
does not support mixing functions, a Y-harness will also be
required to connect the aileron servos to the receiver.

Recommended part numbers for the radio components are
provided below:

❏

(5) Futaba® S3004 Standard Ball Bearing Servo (FUTM0004)

❏

(2) Hobbico® 6" Extension Futaba J (HCAM2000)

❏

Futaba Dual Servo Extension 6" J (FUTM4130)

❏

Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine/motor size for the Stinger is a

.46-.55 cu in [7.5-9cc] two-stroke engine or a .70-.72 cu in

[11.5-12cc] four-stroke engine. A pitts muffler is also required.
Choose a propeller based on the engine manufacturer’s
recommendation. Order numbers are provided below:

®

O.S.

❏
❏
❏

.46AX ABL w/Muffler (OSMG0547)

Bisson Pitts Muffler O.S. 55AX (BISG4046)

®

O.S.

FS72-A Ring (OSMG0877)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Hardware and Accessories

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to finish

the Stinger. Order numbers are provided in parentheses:

R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] (HCAQ1000)

❏

3' [900mm] standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

❏

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are

required to finish the Stinger II .46 ARF:

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏

Threadlocker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm]

❏

Great Planes Tap & Drill Set 6-32 (GPMR8102)

❏

Tap handle (GPMR8120)

❏

Rotary tool with cutting bit

❏

Revell

❏

Top Flite

❏

Top Flite Hot Sock

❏

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏

Hobbico Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)

❏

Harry Higley’s 3/16" Extended Drill (HIGR1020)

❏

Small clamps

❏

Masking tape

❏

Household oil

❏

®

Premium Soft Handle Knife w/Blades (5)

(RMXR6900)

®

MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

™

CA (GPMR6001)

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Stinger II .46 ARF:

1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)

❏

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

❏

2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏

4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Great Planes Pro Epoxy 6-Minute Formula 4 oz

❏

(GPMR6042)

3

Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

❏

T.A. Emerald Performance Duster Compressed Air

❏

(TAEC1060)

Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❏

Hobby Heat

❏

Dead Center

❏

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

❏

AccuThrow

❏

CG Machine

❏

Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)

❏

Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)

❏

Hobbico 8-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench SAE

❏

(HCAR0520)

Hobbico 7-Piece Ball Tip Hex L Wrench Metric

❏

(HCAR0521)

Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)

❏

™

micro torch II (HCAR0755)

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

™

(GPMR2400)

Building Stand

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• When you see the term test fit in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly

without using any glue, and then slightly modify or custom

fit the part as necessary for the best fit.

• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon

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

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

• Whenever just epoxy is specified you may use either

30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that
you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you
will need the working time and/or the additional strength.

• 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.

• The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web
site at greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due
to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no effect

on the way your model will fly, please expect slight deviations

between your model and the published values.

A building stand or cradle comes in handy during the build.
We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for all our

projects in R&D, and it can be seen in pictures throughout
this manual.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Stinger II .46 ARF 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 Great Planes web site

at greatplanes.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.

Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services

by calling [phone], or fax 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 and payments by personal check to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

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 telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

4

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

KIT INSPECTION

Order No. Description

GPMA4230
GPMA4231
GPMA4232
GPMA4233
GPMA4234
GPMA4235
GPMA4236
GPMA4237
GPMA4238
GPMA4239

NOTE

Wing
Fuselage
Tail Surface Set
Hatch
Cowl
Landing Gear
Wheel Pants
Spinner
Wing Tube
Decals

Full-size plans are not available.
You can download a copy of this
manual at www.greatplanes.com.

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

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

2

1

9

4

3

5

10

6

8

7

14 14

11

15

12

13

1. Cowl

2. Fuselage

3. Spinner

4. Fuel Tank

5. Engine Mount

6. Main Landing Gear

7. Main Wheels and Axles

8. Wheel Pants

9. Pushrods

10. Hinges/Hardware

5

11. Horizontal Stabilizer

12. Tail Wheel Assembly

13. Vertical Fin

14. Wing Halves

15. Wing Tube

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 5.

2. Remove the tape and separate all the control surfaces.

❏

Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat to

tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over
sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

cases as shown. Be sure to reinstall the servo arm screws

into the servos. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets onto
the servo mounting tabs.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

13/32"

[10.5mm]

1. Use your radio system to electronically center the

❏

aileron servos. Choose the best orientation of the arms on the
servo outputs shafts so they are parallel with the servo cases.

Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each aileron

servo so they match the photo in step 2. Enlarge the second
inner hole of each remaining arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.

5/64" [2mm]

CUT OFF UNUSED ARMS

3. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo openings

❏

to pull the servo leads through the wing.

2. Center the servos with your radio system and install

❏

the servo arms to the servos perpendicular to the servo

4. Fit the servos into the servo openings and drill 1/16"

❏

[1.6mm] holes through the eyelets on the servos into the
rails. Thread a servo mounting screw (included with the
servo) into each hole and back it out. Apply a drop of thin

CA to each hole to harden the surrounding wood. When the
CA has dried, install the servos into the openings as shown

using the screws supplied with the servos.

6

5. Thread a nylon clevis onto each of the two 6" [152mm]

❏

pushrods 20 complete turns. Slide a silicone clevis retainer

onto the base of each clevis.

CORRECT INCORRECT

Hinge Line Hinge Line

8. With the ailerons in the neutral position (use tape or

❏

small clamps to hold them in place) and the servos centered,
mark the pushrod wires where they cross the second inner
holes in the servo arms.

Servo Horn

2-56 (.074")

Pushrod Wire

FasLink

1/16"

6. Attach a clevis to the outer hole of a large control

❏

horn. Position the control horn onto the aileron, aligning the

pushrod with the second inner hole of the aileron servo arm.
Position the control horn over the plywood plate in the aileron
(if you cannot see it, hold the aileron at a shallow angle in

good lighting or use a small pin to puncture the covering).
When satisfi ed, use a felt-tip pen to mark the location of the
control horn mounting holes onto the aileron. Repeat this

step for the other wing panel.

7. Drill 5/64" [2mm]

❏

holes at the marks you
made. Install the control
horns onto the ailerons
using 2-56 x 5/8" [16mm]
machine screws and
control horn backplates.

9. Make a 90° bend at the mark on each pushrod and cut

❏

off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bends. Attach

the pushrods to the servo arms using nylon FasLinks. Thread
the clevises up or down on the pushrods as necessary to

center the ailerons with the servo arms still perpendicular

to the servo cases. When satisfi ed, slide the silicone clevis
retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.

10. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron

❏

servo. Secure the connections using the included pieces of
heat shrink tubing. A heat gun, hair dryer or lighter can be
used to shrink the tubing onto the connections.

7

11. Mix up a small batch of epoxy (6-minute epoxy will

❏

work fi ne) and coat the grooved ends of the nylon anti-

rotation pins. Insert the pins into the root ribs of the wing

panels leaving the smooth ends protruding out 1/2" [13mm].
Wipe away any excess epoxy using a cloth dampened with

denatured alcohol and allow the epoxy to cure undisturbed.

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION

2. Fit the wings onto the wing tube. The aileron servo

❏

leads should pass through the cutouts in the fuse sides and
the anti-rotation pins fi t into their mating holes in the fuse.

Use the included nylon wing bolts to tighten the wings to the

fuselage.

3. Test fi t the horizontal stabilizer into the stab slot in the

❏

fuselage.

1. Insert the wing tube into the fuselage and center it left

❏

and right.

4. Insert the vertical fi n into the slot on the top of the

❏

fuselage. The tab at the bottom of the fi n fi ts into the slot in
the stabilizer which will align the position of the stabilizer in
the fuselage.

8