Great Planes GPMA1146 User Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

ESC: Electrifly™ SS-25Wingspan: 35.5 in [900mm] Length: 28 in [710mm]

Wing Area: 314 sq in

[20.3dm

2

]

Motor:

ElectriFly™
(28-30-950) Brushless

Weight: 21.9-23.1 oz

[620-650g]

Propeller: Great Planes® 10x4.5

Wing

Loading:

10-10.6 oz/sq ft
[31-32g/dm

2

]

Slo-Flyer Electric Prop

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

RimFire™ 400

Battery: Great Planes

11.1V, 1600mAh LiPo

Radio: 4-Channel (minimum)

with Micro Receiver,
four Micro Servos

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]

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 GPMA1146 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

replaced the Nieuports down the line, so if you own a Great
Planes SPAD XIII you can see how different war demands
caused airplanes to evolve.

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

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE. . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

Motor, ESC & Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery Pack & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Adhesive & Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

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

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

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

BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INSTALL THE TAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Prepare for Tail Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the Tail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

INSTALL THE MOTOR & ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

INSTALL THE ELEVATOR & RUDDER SERVOS. . . . . . . . 9

PREPARE THE WINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Aileron Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Strut Mounts & Cabane Struts . . . . . . . . . . 13

INSTALL THE WINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

INSTALL THE DUMMY ENGINE, COWL & PROP. . . . . . 15

FINISH THE MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Center the Controls & Check the Control Directions. . 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balance Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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

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

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

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

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

Takeoff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Nieuport 11
EP park fl yer. Add it to your collection of our other WWI-era
park fl yers and enjoy the differences that set each model
apart. The Nieupor t 11 was a French design introduced on
January 5th, 1916 and saw service as a fi ghter and later as
a trainer when it was superseded by the Nieuport 17. The
SPAD XIII (another Great Planes park fl yer offering)

Don’t make the mistake of calling the Nieuport 11 a biplane
– it’s considered a sesquiplane because of its small,
narrow chord lower wing. While not for rank beginners, the
Great Planes Nieuport 11 is an excellent fl yer and is very
forgiving. Most pilots will be comfortable fl ying it on a ball
fi eld even at low speeds.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Nieuport 11 EP visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
Nieuport 11 EP 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 fl y at most
R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics Tele. [phone]
5151 East Memorial Drive Fax [phone]
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

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 full­scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Nieuport 11 EP 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 Nieuport 11 EP, 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 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.

2

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

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
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.

8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use,
if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such
as racing, or if a motor 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.

We, as the kit manuf acturer, 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.

• NEVER trickle charge.

•

NEVER allow battery temperature to exceed 150°F (65°C).

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or

puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 3.0V per cell

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave

unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

REQUIRED ITEMS

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Nieuport 11
EP. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane. Many radio systems are
suitable, but we have chosen the following for this build-up.

• (4) Futaba

OR

• (4) minimum 20 oz-in torque micro servos

• Servo Mounting Screws (FUTM2250)

• Futaba R617FS 7-channel 2.4GHz Receiver

OR

• Futaba R114F FM Micro Receiver

(Low Band – FUTL0442, High Band – FUTL0443)

• Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal

(Low Band – FUTL62**, High Band – FUTL63**)

• (1) Y -harness

(FUTM4130 or FUTM4135 for digital servos)

®

S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)

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

LITHIUM BATTERY

HANDLING & USAGE

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with
the battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger.

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge

through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’s output v olts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.

Motor, ESC & Propeller

Recommendations

The Nieuport 11 EP was tested extensively to fi nd the best
“power package” that offers light weight, long fl ight time, and
excellent thrust. The order numbers are provided below.

• Great Planes RimFire

Outrunner Motor (GPMG4560)

• ElectriFly

BEC (GPMM1820)

™

Silver Series 25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A

• ElectriFly 10x4.5 PowerFlow™ Propeller

(GPMQ6660) (draws 15 amps max.)

OR

• APC 11x3.8 Slo-Flyer Propeller (APCQ5017) (draws

15 amps max.)

• ElectriFly 3.5mm Male/2.5mm Female Bullet

Connector Adapter (GPMM3122)

• ElectriFly 3mm to 5mm Prop Adapter (GPMQ4959)

3

™

400 (28-30-950) Brushless

Battery Pack & Accessories

The following battery pack is recommended. Note: The
1600mAh pack weighs approximately 5oz [142g] and should
balance this model without requiring nose ballast weight. If
you are using batteries other than the one recommended
here, please be sure that your battery is capable of delivering
15A safely.

• ElectriFly LiPo 1600mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge w/

Balance (GPMP0719)

A LiPo-compatible charger is required for these batteries,
along with a cell balancer. We recommend:

• ElectriFly Equinox

(GPMM3160)

• ElectriFly PolyCharge4

(GPMM3015)

OR

• ElectriFly PolyCharge

(GPMM3010)

™

1-5 cell LiPo cell balancer

™

LiPo battery charger

™

DC LiPo battery charger

Required Adhesive and

Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required to
fi nish the Nieuport 11 EP.

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

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

• R/C-56 Glue 4oz (JOZR5007)

• Denatured alcohol

• Drill bits: #55 [1.3mm], #57 [1.1mm], 1/16" [1.6mm]

• #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

• #11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

• Hobbico

®

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

• Great Planes Pro Thread Locker (GPMR6060)

• CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

• 220 grit sandpaper

• Bru Line hemostat – curved 5-1/2" (BRUR1303)

• Retractable fabric tape measure (HCAR0478)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Nieuport 11 EP.

st

• 21

Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

st

• 21

Century iron cover (COVR2702)

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

• 4 oz. [113g] aerosol CA activator (GPMR634)

• Great Planes® Hook and Loop material

(GPMQ4480)

• Great Planes Heat Shrink Tubing 3/8" x 3" [76mm]

(GPMM1060)

• Electrical tape

• Masking tape

• CA debonder (GPMR6039)

• Great Planes Double-Sided Servo Tape 1" x 3'

(GPMQ4442)

• Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

• Rotary tool (Dremel

®

) with cutoff wheel

• Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel

(HCAR0460)

• Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)

• AccuThrow

™

Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

• Hobbico 12 Volt DC power supply (HCAP0250)

• Green 3M

®

Scotch Brite

™

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

• 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 ter m 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.

• The stabilizer, wing incidences, and motor 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 www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical
Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have
little or no effect on the way your model will fl y, please
expect slight deviations between your model and the
published values.

• The Nieuport 11 EP is factory-covered with Top Flite

MonoKote® fi lm. 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 f or a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would giv e y ou 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.

Aluminum TOPQ0205 True Red TOPQ0227
Royal Blue TOPQ0221 Jet White TOPQ0204

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventor y 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,

4

contact Product Support. When reporting defective or
missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written
in the Kit Contents list.

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.

Great Planes Product Support

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

E-mail: [e-mail]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Nieuport 11 EP 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 www.greatplanes.com. Select “Where to Buy” in the
menu across the top of the page and follow the instructions
provided to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

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

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

Missing pieces
Instruction manual
Full-size plans

GPMA4006
GPMA4007
GPMA4008
GPMA4009
GPMA4010
GPMA4011
GPMA4012
GPMA4013
GPMA4014
GPMA4015
GPMA4016
GPMA4017

Top Wing Set
Bottom Wing Set
Fuse Set
Tail Surface Set
Cowl/Cheek V ent Set
Dummy Engine
Cabanes Set
N Strut Set
Machine Gun
Landing Gear
Wheels (2)
Decal sheet

How to purchase

Contact

Product Support

Not available

Contact your

hobby supplier

to purchase
these items

3

4

1. Dummy Engine

2. Fuselage & Cowl

3. Wing Struts

4. Metal Landing Gear Legs

& Cabane Struts

KIT CONTENTS

1

6

14

5

5. Detail Parts

6. Pilot

7. Gun Assembly

8. Coaming

9. Tailskid

2

8

9

4

11

7

12

13

10

4

10. Rudder

11. Horizontal Tail

12. Bottom Wing

13. Top Wing

14. Wheels

5

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin assembling your model, inspect it

❏ 1.

for wrinkled covering and areas where the covering may not
be tacked down adequately. The covering should be tacked
down to the wood using just enough heat to soften the
adhesive backing. Low heat (about 250° F [121° C]) should
be enough to accomplish this. More heat ma y be required to
begin to tighten the covering.

Warnings: • Do not over-shrink the covering or it will

cause the control surfaces or wings to twist.

• Do not iron over decals.

• Use only LOW heat over trim.

INSTALL THE TAIL

Prepare for Tail Installation

Fit the two 15mm [9/16"] wood dowels in the pre-

❏ 1.

drilled holes in the lower wing LE so that they protrude 1/4"
[6.4mm]. Glue them in place by wicking a few drops of thin
CA into the joint.

Defl ect the prehinged elevator and ailerons several times.

❏ 2.

Check to see that the full control throw is easily achieved.

The actual Nieuport 11

was covered in fabric

and had a “doped” fi nish

brushed onto it. This gave it

a semi-gloss or dull fi nish.

Temporarily fi t the lower wing using two 3 x 20mm

❏ 2.

[3/4"] machine screws and two 3mm washers. This will help
you align the tail.

Depending on how much you care to detail or personalize
your model, you ma y choose to replicate this fi nish. Use some
green 3M® Scotch Brite™ to scuff the surface of the plastic
fi lm covering working in a fore-aft motion. This will dull the
fi nish and simulate brush mar ks. It also gives your model a
“weathered” look. Try working in an inconspicuous area fi rst.

Set the horizontal tail on a fl at surface. Check to see

❏ 3.

that there is no twist in the stabilizer or between the two
elevators . Any twist can be easily corrected using a covering
iron on a medium heat setting (around 300° F [149° C]). Twist
the surface to the desired position and heat the cov ering until
it begins to shrink.

6

Install the Tail

Test fi t the tabbed portion of the horizontal stabilizer

❏ 1.

into the slot in the fuselage. Use a fabric tape measure
to measure the distance from each stabilizer tip to each
corresponding wing tip. Adjust the stabilizer so distance A =
A1. Set the fuse on a le v el surf ace and take a f e w steps back.
Check to see that the stabilizer is correctly aligned in relation
to the wing. If one side is higher than the other, lightly sand
the fuselage side that is higher.

T est fi t the hinge into the end of the fuselage and bottom

❏ 5.

of the rudder. The hinge should slide in as far as the T-pin
allows. If the hinge doesn’t fi t well, use the back side of your
hobby knife to dig out the hinge or make it deeper. Trim the
covering back from the slot to allow the CA to wick better.

When you’re satisfi ed with the fi t of the horizontal tail,

❏ 2.

glue it in place using thin CA. Hold the joint tightly together
as you wick a bead of CA into the length of the joint.

Remove the bottom wing from the fuselage and retain

❏ 3.

the screws and washers.

Push a T-pin through

❏ 4.

the center of the CA hinge as
shown.

Fit the hinge to the fuselage, then fi t the rudder. Slide

❏ 6.

the rudder up or down so that the elevator joiner is centered in
the semi-circular clearance slot. Push the rudder up against
the hinge line and defl ect it left and right several times.

When you’re satisfi ed with the fi t of the rudder, apply

❏ 7.

4-5 drops of thin CA to each side of the hinge to glue it in
place. Have a paper towel handy with some CA debonder to
clean up any runoff or excess glue.

7

INSTALL THE MOTOR & ESC

Remove the steel Y-mount and the brass collar from

❏ 1.

the motor. These will not be used. Remove the set screw
from the nose of the motor and reinstall it using thread
locking compound.

Install the motor to the fuselage using three 3 x 30mm

❏ 3.

[1-3/16"] machine screws, nine 3mm fl at washers, and
three 19mm [3 /4"] aluminum standoff tubes. Apply thread
locking compound to the screw threads and fi t the motor so
that the wires are routed as shown. Use the photo abov e to
help you stack the washers.

Apply thread locking compound to the three 3mm

❏ 2.

screws that came with your motor and install the supplied
Y-mount as shown.

Install three 3.5mm male/2mm female bullet connector

❏ 4.

adapters onto the ESC motor leads (GPMM3122). Cut a
25mm piece of double-sided foam tape and apply it to the
back side of the ESC.

Apply a thin layer of 6-minute epoxy or medium CA to

❏ 5.

the upper right side of the fuselage as shown. Allow the glue
to fully cure. Note: Use this method to help stick double-sided
foam tape or hook and loop fastener material to wood parts.

8