Great Planes GPMA1161 User Manual

TM

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan:

Wing Area: 383 sq in

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

48 in
[1220mm]

[24.7 dm

Weight:

2.75– 3.0 lb
[1250 – 1360 g]

Wing

]

Loading:

2

17– 18 oz/sq ft
[52– 55 g/dm

2

]

Radio: 4-channel minimum with

3 micro mini servos

Motor: RimFire .25 (42–40–1000kV)

outrunner brushless

ESC: 45A brushless

Battery: 3-cell 3200 – 3700mAh LiPo

and compatible charger

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 GPMA1161 Mnl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

Motor Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

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

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

Adhesive and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INSTALL THE TAIL SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

INSTALL THE TAIL SERVOS AND PUSHRODS. . . . . . .12

INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM AND RECEIVER . . . .14

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

APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

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

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

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

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

The Great Planes Super Sportster kits have been a favorite
among pilots since 1982. For many pilots the Super Sportster
was their fi rst low wing plane. Now, Great Planes brings
you the Super Sportster tradition in an electric version.
Following the lines of the Super Sportster 20, the Super
Sportster EP BL ARF has been lightened to accommodate
electric power without sacrifi cing performance and has been
recently updated to accommodate a brushless motor and a
LiPo battery pack for improved performance and extended
fl ight time. If you’re ready to continue the Super Sportster
tradition without the fuss and mess of a glow engine, the
Super Sportster EP BL ARF is just what you need.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to
the Super Sportster EP BL ARF visit the Great Planes web
site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, and
then select the Super Sportster EP BL 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

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

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.

2

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS… FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. The Super Sportster EP BL 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 Super Sportster EP BL ARF, if
not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

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.

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.

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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Super
Sportster EP BL 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 three micro mini servos and
a micro receiver are required for this plane. The servos and
receiver shown in the manual are ElectriFly ES80 micro
servos and the Futaba® R617FS receiver. Order numbers for
these items are provided below.

(3) ElectriFly ES80 Micro Servos (GPMM1220)

❏

Futaba R617FS 7-Channel 2.4GHz FASST

❏

(FUTL7627)

™

Receiver

Motor Recommendation

The recommended motor for the Super Sportster EP BL
ARF is the Great Planes RimFire .25 (42-40-1000) Brushless
Outrunner Motor (GPMG4675)

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.

9. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit
are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,
skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass 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 fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work
area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.

Propeller

The recommended propeller for the Super Sportster EP
BL ARF when using the Great Planes RimFire .25 (42-40­1000kV) motor is the APC 11x8.5E Thin Electric Propeller
(APCQ4131)

Electronic Speed Control

A brushless electronic speed control is required for this
plane. We recommend using the Great Planes Silver Series
45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A BEC (GPMM1840).

3

Battery

Optional Supplies and Tools

The Super Sportster EP BL ARF has been tested with

11.1V LiPo packs ranging from 3200mAh to 3700mAh. The
recommended battery pack is the Great Planes ElectriFly
LiPo 11.1V 3200mAh 20C Power Series (GPMP00727). The
Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 11.1V 3350mAh 25C Power
Series (GPMP0541) may also be used.

Charger

Note: A cell balancer is required for the LiPo battery
pack listed above.

Great Planes ElectriFly

❏

Balancer (GPMM3160)

A suitable charger is also required. The Great Planes
PolyCharge4™ is designed for LiPo packs only, but is able
to charge four LiPo packs simultaneously. The Great Planes
Triton2™ charger will only charge one pack at a time, but
is capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, LiPo, and lead acid
batteries. Order numbers for both are provided as follows:

Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC Only 4 Output LiPo

❏

Charger (GPMM3015)

OR

Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 DC Comp Peak

❏

Charger (GPMM3153)

™

Equinox™ LiPo 1 to 5 Cell

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

This is the list of hardware and accessories required to fi nish
the Super Sportster EP BL ARF. Order numbers are provided
in parentheses.

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required to
fi nish the Super Sportster EP BL ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6001)

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6043)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy cleanup)

❏

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm],
1/8" [3mm]

❏

#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❏

#11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❏

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

❏

Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

Felt-tip pen (TOPQ2510)

❏

220 grit sandpaper

❏

Small clamps

❏

Oil or petroleum jelly

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Super Sportster EP BL ARF.

❏

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

❏

21st Century® sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏

21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)

❏

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

❏

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

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Hobbico® Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel
(HCAR0460)

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 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.

• Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When
30-minute epoxy is specifi ed 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 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 Super Sportster 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 for a minor patch, perhaps a
fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied

4

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.

Missile Red TOPQ0201
Jet White TOPQ0204
Black TOPQ0208

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Super Sportster EP BL 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. 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 additional assistance is required for any reason, contact
Product Support by telephone at [phone], or by
e-mail at [e-mail].

Replacement Parts List

Order # Description

GPMA3290 Fuselage
GPMA3291 Wing
GPMA3292 Tail Set
GPMA3293 Canopy
GPMA3294 Cowl
GPMA3295 Landing Gear
GPMA3296 Decal
GPMA3297 Wheel Pants
GPMQ4790 Spinner

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

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 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.

KIT CONTENTS

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build 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]

5

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. Carefully remove the tape and separate all the

❏

control surfaces. Use a covering iron with a covering sock
on medium/high heat to tighten the covering if necessary.
Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the
covering to the wood.

ASSEMBLE THE WING PANELS

2. Test fi t the wing joiner without glue half way into each

❏

wing panel with the “V” shape of the joiner pointing toward
the bottom of the wings. The fi t should be just slightly loose
to allow space for epoxy when the panels are joined. When
satisfi ed with the fi t of the joiner into each panel, slide the
wing panels together and confi rm there are no gaps between
the root ribs of the panels. Use a sanding bar to sand the root
ribs fl at if necessary.

1. Use epoxy to join the two plywood wing joiner pieces

❏

together. Use a paper towel with denatured alcohol to clean
off any excess epoxy. Small spring clamps can be used to
hold the pieces together while the epoxy cures.

3. Mix up approximately 1/4 oz [7.5cc] of 30-minute

❏

epoxy. Use a mixing stick or something similar to coat the

6

insides of the joiner pockets in each wing panel with epoxy.
Coat one half of the wing joiner and slide it into one of the
panels. Coat the root ribs of both panels and the other end
of the joiner. Join the panels together. Wipe away excess
epoxy with denatured alcohol. Masking tape can be used
to hold the panels together while the epoxy cures. We also
recommend using small clamps to align the trailing edge and
to squeeze the LE tabs together as shown. Allow the epoxy
to cure undisturbed.

5. Fit the aileron servo into the tray with the servo spline

❏

towards the LE of the wing. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through
the mounting tabs on the servo into the tray. Thread a servo
mounting screw (included with the servo) into each hole and
then back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole to
harden the surrounding wood. Install the servo using the
hardware included with the servo.

4. Center the plywood aileron servo tray over the opening

❏

on top of the wing. Trace around the inner and outer edges of
the tray onto the wing using a felt-tip pen. Use a sharp hobby
knife to cut the balsa and covering from the inner lines you
drew, and just the covering from where the tray will be glued.
Take care to cut just through the covering and not into the
wood along the outer lines you drew. Wipe away the lines
with denatured alcohol and glue the tray in place.

6. Use your radio system to center the servo. Cut two

❏

arms from a four-arm servo arm. Use a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit
to enlarge the holes on each remaining arm that are closest
to 7/16" [11mm] from the center of the servo spline. Install
the servo arm perpendicular to the servo case being sure to
reinstall the servo arm screw.

7. Thread a nylon torque rod horn onto each aileron torque

❏

rod as shown.

7

8. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto each aileron

❏

pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over each clevis.

INSTALL THE TAIL SECTION

1. Temporarily mount the wing to the fuselage using two

❏

3x30mm machine screws and two 3mm fl at washers.

9. Connect the clevises to the torque rod horns. Center

❏

each aileron and use tape or small clamps to hold them in the
neutral position. With the aileron servo arm still perpendicular
to the servo case, mark the pushrods where they cross the
holes you enlarged in the servo arm.

10. Make a 90° bend at the marks on the pushrods and

❏

cut off the excess pushrod 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bend.
Attach the pushrods to the servo arm using 90 degree
pushrod connectors. Thread the clevises up or down on
the pushrods as necessary to center the ailerons with the
servo arm centered. When satisfi ed, slide the silicone clevis
retainers to the ends of the clevises to secure them.

2. Cut the tail support block from the aft end of the

❏

horizontal stabilizer slot in the fuse.

8