Great Planes GPMA1055 User Manual

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

READ THR OUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING
THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0236 for GPMA1055 V1.0 Entire Contents © Copyright 2001

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext. 2

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 44.5 in [1130mm]
Wing Area: 342 sq in [22.03 dm

2

]

Weight: 43 oz. [1218g]
Wing Loading: 18.1 oz/sq ft [55.1 g/dm

2

]

Length: 39.5 in [1003mm]
Radio: 4-ch with 3 sub micro servos
Motor: 600 size
Motor Battery: 8.4 volt 2000mAh – 3000mAh

™

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

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

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

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

Battery Selection ....................................................................3

Chargers..................................................................................3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED..........................................4

Adhesives & Building Supplies................................................4

Optional Supplies & Tools ......................................................4

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ....................................5

METRIC CONVERSIONS ......................................................5

METRIC/INCH RULER ..........................................................5

KIT CONTENTS......................................................................6

PREPARATIONS ....................................................................7

BUILD THE WING ..................................................................7

Install the Ailerons ..................................................................7

Join the Wing ..........................................................................8

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE................................................9

Mount the Wing ......................................................................9

Mount the Stab & Fin..............................................................9

Install Servo & Battery Tray ..................................................11

Install the Motor & Speed Control ........................................12

Install the Elevator ................................................................13

Install the Rudder..................................................................14

RADIO SET-UP ....................................................................15

ASSEMBLE & INSTALL THE

FOLDING PROPELLER ......................................................16

Battery Installation ................................................................16

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ......................................17

Check the Control Directions ................................................17

Set the Control Throws..........................................................17

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

Balance the Model Laterally..................................................18

PREFLIGHT..........................................................................18

Identify Your Model................................................................18

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

PROPER CARE OF YOUR MOTOR ....................................19

PERFORMANCE TIPS ........................................................19

Ground Check ......................................................................19

Range Check ........................................................................19

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt) ..........................................19

CHECK LIST ........................................................................20

FLYING..................................................................................20

Takeoff ..................................................................................20

Flight......................................................................................20

Landing..................................................................................21

FLIGHT LOG ........................................................................23

The ElectroStreak™ARF has been a favorite among pilots
since 1988. Many pilots began flying electrics with the
ElectroStreak. Over the years, there have been many
advancements in electronics such as high frequency
electronic speed controls and 3000mAh nickel-metal
hydride motor batteries. The original ElectroStreak was an
all wood kit.The ElectroStreak ARF comes as a high quality

fiberglass fuselage with a built-up wing and tail, motor,
folding prop and electronic speed control.You can be in the
air within hours after opening the box instead of spending
weeks or months building and covering the plane.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the ElectroStreak ARF, visit the web site listed below and
select the Great Planes ElectroStreak ARF. A “tech notice”
box will appear in the upper left corner of the page if there
is new technical information or changes to this kit.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

1.Your ElectroStreak 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 ElectroStreak ARF, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to you 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 with the appropriate size servos.

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 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 already an experienced R/C pilot, you
should fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.

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, the modeler is responsible for taking steps
to reinforce the high stress points.

PRO TECT Y OUR MODEL,YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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

If you 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.

In addition to joining an R/C club, we strongly recommend
you join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA
membership is required to fly at AMA sanctioned clubs.
There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the

country.
Among other benefits, the AMA provides insurance to its
members who fly at sanctioned sites and events.
Additionally, training programs and instructors are available
at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way .

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

This is a partial list of items required to finish the
ElectroStreak ARF that may require planning or decision
making before

starting to build.Order numbers are provided in

parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with 3 micro servos is required.
Servos that measure 1" [25.4mm] long by 1" [25.4mm] high
by 1/2" [12.7mm] wide with at least 15 oz. of torque are
recommended. The Futaba®S3101 will work well in the
ElectroStreak ARF.Two 12" servo e xtensions are also

required

for the electronic speed control and the aileron servo.

Battery Selection

The ElectroStreak ARF was designed to fly on a 7-cell 8.4
volt 1700 – 3000 mAh flat battery pack. Even though the
ElectroStreak ARF will fly well on an inexpensive battery
pack, we recommend a battery pack that uses Sanyo

®

or

Panasonic®cells. These cells have a low internal resistance,
which translates into more power and less heat.

If you are new to electric airplanes, here is a short
explanation of rechargeable NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) and
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries. A single cell
rechargeable battery supplies 1.2 volts with no load (not
powering anything). A 7-cell battery pack can supply 8.4
volts (1.2 volts x 7 cells = 8.4 volts). The cell rating in mAh
(milli-amp-hours) is the amount of current the battery can
supply. If a battery is rated at 1700 mAh, the battery can
supply 1.7 amps for 1 hour.This sounds great, flying for an
hour on a single battery charge! The bad news is that to
produce the power needed to fly an airplane the size of the
ElectroStreak ARF, the motor draws from 15-25 amps.The
current consumption reduces the run time to 4-8 minutes.
The good news is that propellers become more efficient as
the speed of the plane increases. This lowers the current
draw, allowing the plane to fly longer on a single charge,
sometimes up to 20% longer.Also, with an electronic speed
control, the motor can be throttled back, increasing the flight
time. Most airplanes only need full throttle during takeoff
and climbing maneuvers.

We recommend the use of high quality battery packs. The
higher quality batteries usually have less internal resistance
than the average battery. The higher quality battery will
provide more power to the motor than the average battery.
In rechargeable batteries, internal resistance transforms
power into heat.With less internal resistance, there is more
power av ailab le to the motor and less heat is generated.We
hope this helps explain NiCd and NiMH batteries and why a
high quality battery should be used in the ElectroStreak

ARF.

Chargers

A fully charged battery pack will provide an initial “surge” of
power during the first 15 to 30 seconds of the motor run.
Then the power output stays fairly steady for the next
several minutes before dropping off quickly. If you do not
charge your battery completely, it will not deliver that surge
necessary for a good takeoff and climb out.There are three
easy ways to “peak-charge” your battery pack.

1. The easiest way is with a “peak-detecting” battery
charger.This type of charger will automatically charge your
battery until it is fully charged.The NiMH batteries require a
peak-detecting charger that meets the specific charging
needs of NiMH batteries.

2.The second method of charging your motor batteries is to
monitor the voltage of your battery pack with a voltmeter.

This method is only recommended for NiCd batteries.

Your charger may have sockets into which you may plug a
voltmeter. If not, you may insert the probes from the
voltmeter into the rear of the battery plug, making contact
with the metal contacts. As your battery charges, the
voltage will gradually increase. When the battery is fully
charged, the voltage will start to drop. At this point your
battery is fully charged.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide you with a top quality kit
and instructions, but ultimately the quality and flyability of
your finished model depends on how you build it; therefore,

we

cannot in any way guarantee the perf ormance of your

completed
model, and no representations are expressed or implied as
to the performance or safety of your completed model.

3

3. The third (and least reliable) method of peak-charging
your battery pack is by checking its temperature. This
method is only recommended for NiCd batteries. As the
battery charges it will remain cool until it is fully charged.
When it reaches the fully charged state, it will rapidly build
up heat.You can feel this heat with your hand. As soon as
the pack starts to noticeably warm up, disconnect it from the
charger.Do not continue charging if the battery pack is
hot! Overcharging will damage your battery pack and can
result in an explosion.

IMPORTANT: The ESC and motor are a matched pair.
The use of a different ESC or motor may damage each
other and void their warranties.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list” of the most important items required to
build the ElectroStreak ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and

Epoxy glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 6-Minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 30-Minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Great Planes Threadlocker

™

(GPMR6060)

❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Builder’s triangle (HCAR0480)
❏ Electric drill and 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.3mm], 1/8"

[3.1mm], 1/4" [6.4mm] drill bits

❏ Small phillips screwdrivers
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ 6-Piece standard ballwrench set (GPMR8008)
❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the ElectroStreak ARF.

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ CA Applicator tips (GPMR6033)
❏ Non-elastic monofilament or Kevlar

™

fishing line (for

stab alignment)

❏ Felt-tip marker (TOPQ2510)
❏ Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (for

measuring control throws, GPMR2405)

❏ Soldering iron (25 watt)

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet metal screws are designated by a number and a

length. For example #6 x 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 x 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 fit

in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y 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 (or45-minute) epoxy or6-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 Great Planes ElectroStreak ARF is factory-covered
with Top Flite®MonoKote®film. Should repairs ever be
required, MonoKote can be patched with additional
MonoKote purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in
six-foot rolls, but some hobby shops also sell it by the foot.
If only a small piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor
patch, perhaps a fellow modeler would give you some.
MonoKote is applied with a model airplane covering iron, but
in an emergency a regular iron could be used. A roll of
MonoKote includes full instructions for application.Following
are the colors used on this model and order numbers for six
foot rolls.

White TOPQ0204
Dove Gray TOPQ0211
Sapphire Blue TOPQ0226
Black TOPQ0208

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

4

5

0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7"

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180

Inch Scale

Metric Scale

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

To order replacement parts for the Great Planes ElectroStreak ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List
that follows. Replacement parts are available only as listed. Not all parts are available separately (an aileron cannot be
purchased separately, but is only available with the wing kit). Replacement parts are not available from Product Support,
but can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/Internet order firms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts)

are also

available from these outlets .If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, visit

www.greatplanes.com and click

on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts, contact Great Planes Product Support.

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description Ho

w to Purchase

Missing pieces............................Contact Product Suppor t

Instruction manual......................Contact Product Support

Full-size plans............................Not available

GPMA2261 ........................Wing Set

GPMA2260 ........................Fuse Set

GPMA2262 ........................Tail Set

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm
1/2" = 12.7 mm
5/8" = 15.9 mm
3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm
6" = 152.4 mm

12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm

Metric Conversions

Contact Your Hobby
Supplier To Purchase
These Items

6

KIT CONTENTS

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to 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 Great Planes Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part
names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list on this page.

Great Planes Product Support:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

1. R & L Wing Panels w/Ailerons

2. Fuselage

3. Stab w/Elevator

4. Fin w/Rudder

5. Folding Propeller w/Spinner

6. Motor

7. Electronic Speed Control

8. Wing Joiner

9. Servo Tra y

10. Pushrods

(1) Battery Tray
(1) Aileron Servo Tray
(2) Aileron Servo Tray Base
(1) Elevator Outer Pushrod Forward Support
(2) Hook and Loop Material
(2) 1.5mm Set Screw
(1) 1.5mm Hex Wrench
(2) 1.5mm x 8mm Sheet Metal Screw
(2) 1110mm Pull/Pull Cable
(2) 2-56 Cable-To-Clevis Connector

(4) 2-56 x 5/8" Machine Screw
(2) 6-32 x 3/4" Machine Screw
(2) #6 Washer
(2) Screw-Lock Pushrod Connector Body
(2) 4-40 x 1/4" Socket Head Cap Screw
(2) 3mm x 10mm Machine Screw
(2) 3mm Washer
(12) CA Hinges
(5) Nylon Clevis
(2) 2mm Torque Rod Horn

(2) Screw-Lock Pushrod Connector Retainer
(2) 2-56 x 6" Pushrod Threaded One End
(2) Crimp Fitting
(1) 6-1/2" White Inner Flex Tube
(2) #2 x 3/8" Sheet Metal Screw

1

1

5

2

3

4

7

8

6

10

9

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

❏ 1. If you have not done so already, remove the major

parts of the kit from the box (wing halves, fuselage, tail
parts, etc.) and inspect them for damage. If any par ts are
damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the
address or telephone number listed on the front cover.

❏ 2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons

from the wing, the rudder from the fin and the elevator from
the stabilizer.With a covering sock on y our cov ering iron, set
the temperature to high and tighten the covering, if
necessary .Apply pressure over sheeted areas to

thoroughly

bond the covering to the wood. Hint: Poke three or four pin
holes in the covering between the “ribs” in the tail surfaces.
This will allow the hot air to escape while tightening the
covering.

❏ ❏ 1. Drill a 3/32" [2.3mm] hole, 1/2" [12.7mm] deep in

the center of each hinge slot to allow the CA to “wick” in.
Follow-up with a #11 blade to clean-out the slots. Hint: If
you have one , use a high-speed rotary tool to drill the holes.

❏ ❏ 2. Use a sharp #11 blade to cut a strip of covering

from the hinge slots in the wing and aileron.

❏ ❏ 3. Test fit the ailerons to the wing with the hinges. If

the hinges don’t stay centered, stick a pin through the
middle of the hinge to hold it in position.

❏ ❏ 4.Clean the aileron torque rod with denatured alcohol

to remove any contaminants.

❏ ❏ 5. Mix up a small amount of 6-minute epoxy. Using a

toothpick, apply epoxy in the aileron torque rod hole and
along the groove in the leading edge of the aileron. Before
the epoxy cures, install the aileron on the wing.Remove any
pins you may have inserted into the hinges. Adjust the
aileron so there is a small gap between the LE of the aileron
and the wing.The gap should be small – just enough to see
light through or to slip a piece of paper through.

TEMPORARY PIN

TO KEEP HINGE

CENTERED

AWAY FROM THE SLOT

CUT THE COVERING

DRILL A 3/32" HOLE

1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER

OF HINGE SLOT

Install the Ailerons

BUILD THE WING

PREPARATIONS

7