Great Planes GPMA1185 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. Fur ther, 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.

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 MANU AL BEFORE ST ARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING
THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ0206 for GPMA1185 V1.0© Copyright 2004

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 39-3/8 in [1000mm]
Wing Area: 555 sq in [35.8 dm2]
Weight: 24-30 oz [680-850 g]
Wing Loading: 6.22-7.78 oz/sq ft [19-23.7 g/dm

2

]

Length: 46-3/4 in [1188mm]
Radio: 4-channel with four micro servos
Recommended Motor: Kontronik Fun 400-36 with 4.2:1 gear box
Recommended Prop: APC 11x4.7SF

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battery Recommendations.................................................4

Chargers.............................................................................4

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

Adhesives and Building Supplies.......................................4

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

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

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

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

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................6

Install the Landing Gear.....................................................6

Install the Fuselage Servos ................................................6

Install the Receiver and Battery.........................................7

Install the Motor and ESC..................................................7

Install the Tail Surfaces ......................................................8

Connect the Control Linkages..........................................10

Install the Wing.................................................................11

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................12

Check the Control Directions ...........................................12

Set the Control Throws.....................................................13

Balance the Model (C.G.).................................................13

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................14

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................14

Identify Your Model...........................................................14

Charge the Transmitter Batteries......................................14

Balance Propellers...........................................................14

Ground Check..................................................................14

Range Check....................................................................14

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................15

AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................15

CHECK LIST ....................................................................15

FLYING ..............................................................Back Cover

Takeoff...............................................................Back Cover

Flight..................................................................Back Cover

Landing..............................................................Back Cover

Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Sukhoi SU-31 3D
Park Flyer ARF.The Sukhoi SU-31 is a profile model loosely
based on the full size Sukhoi SU-31, well known for its
aerobatic capabilities.

The Sukhoi SU-31 ARF is a slow flying, highly
maneuverable model that can be flown in a surprisingly
small area.Once you are thoroughly familiar with the model,
it could even be flown indoors in a large gymnasium.This is
one model with a very high fun:cost ratio.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Great Planes Sukhoi SU-31 3D ARF visit the Great Planes
web site at www .greatplanes .com.Open the “Airplanes”link,
then select the Sukhoi SU-31 3D Park Flyer 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.

Attention:The product you have purchased is
powered by a rechargeable battery. At the end
of its useful life, under various state and local
laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery

into the municipal waste system. Check with
your local solid waste officials for details in your area for
recycling options or proper disposal.The battery may contain

a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

1. Your Sukhoi SU-31 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 Sukhoi SU-31 ARF, 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 unfly able model.In a fe w 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. This model requires a micro receiver and
micro servos.

5. Y ou m ust 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,Y OURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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

If you’re an inexperienced modeler, we recommend that you
get assistance from an experienced, knowledgeable
modeler to help you with assembly and your first flights.
You’ll learn faster and avoid risking your model before y ou’re
truly ready to solo. Your local hobby shop has information
about flying clubs in your area whose membership includes
qualified instructors.

You can also contact the national Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500 chartered
clubs across the country. Through any one of them,
instructor training programs and insured newcomer training
are available. 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

Please inspect all parts carefully before starting to
build. If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if
you have any questions about building or flying this
airplane, please give us a call at [phone] or e-mail
us at [e-mail] and we’ll be
glad to help. If you are calling for replacement parts,
please reference the part numbers and have them ready
when calling.

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Sukhoi SU­31 ARF that must be purchased separately. For some of
these items there is more than one option which will require
a bit of decision making ahead of time. Order numbers (in
parentheses) are provided for your convenience.

The Sukhoi SU-31 ARF requires a four channel radio. If you
have a computer radio with mixing capability, and would like
to use the “flaperon”mix for the ailerons, you will need a five

(or more) channel radio. Four micro or mini servos are
required having a minimum of 15 oz-in torque.

The following are also required:

❏ (2) 12" [305mm] Ser vo extensions (rudder, elevator)
❏ (3) 6" [153mm] Servo extensions (ailerons , speed control)
❏ (1) “Y” connector
❏ (1) Screw-lock connector (GPMQ3870)

Suggested servos:

• (HCAM0090) Hobbico®CS-5, 16.7 oz-in torque

• (HCAM0100) Hobbico CS-15, 15 oz-in torque

• (FUTM0037) Futaba®S3103, 16.6 oz-in torque

• (FUTM0025) Futaba S3107, 16.6 oz-in torque

• (HRCM0981) HiTec®HS-55J, 15 oz-in torque

Suggested receivers:

• (GPML0044) Great Planes 4-channel FM, low band

• (GPML0045) Great Planes 4-channel FM, high band

• (FUTL0442) Futaba 4-channel FM, low band

• (FUTL0443) Futaba 4-channel FM, high band

Low band - channels 11-35
High band - channels 36-60

Receiver crystal:

• (FUTL62**) for GPM low band

• (FUTL63**) for GPM high band

• (FUTL62**) for FUT low band

• (FUTL63**) for FUT high band

** desired channel

Select a speed control suitable for the motor y ou will use.On
the prototypes we used the Kontronik Smile 30-6-12
(KONM3000) with the Kontronik motor.With the Mega motor
we used a Hacker F25-3ph.

There are several motor/gearbox/prop/battery combinations
that give good performance with the Sukhoi SU-31 ARF.
Many modelers do not realize that each component in this
combination is important. You can have a good
motor/gearbox/prop combination, but without the proper
battery, performance could be disappointing.

The Sukhoi SU-31 ARF will fly well on a variety of motors,
but for the best performance you should use a brushless
motor.While more expensive than normal ferrite motors, the
power, efficiency and light weight of brushless motors are
well worth the cost.

The motor we used extensively in testing the Sukhoi SU-31
ARF is the Kontronik Fun 400-36 with 4.2:1 gear box
(KONG2440) with an APC 11x4.7SF prop.

Motor

Speed Control

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Note: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top

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

3

An 8-cell (9.6 volt) 2000 mAh NiMH battery pack is
recommended (GPMP0352). This battery gives great
performance and fits well in the battery compartment.

The best type of charger for NiMH and NiCd batteries is a

peak

charger, because it charges the batteries until they are fully
charged, then automatically switches to trickle charge mode.
The Great Planes ElectriFly™Peak Charger (GPMM3000) is
suitable for NiMH and NiCd batteries as well as transmitter
battery packs.The Great Planes Triton™charger (GPMM3150)
is also suitable.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this
is the “short list”of the most important items required to build
the Sukhoi SU-31 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 blades (HCAR0211)
❏ Small T -pins (HCAR5100)
❏ Builder’s triangle (HCAR0480)
❏ Small Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Great Planes Plan Protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper
❏ Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)
❏ Razor Saw

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Sukhoi SU-31 ARF.

❏ Great Planes CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock

™

iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏ Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)
❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)

The fuselage and tail section of this model are built from
foam.Most CA glues will melt foam and should not be used.

Caution: During construction you will need to use paper
towels and alcohol to clean up any excess epoxy, but be
very careful doing so.The alcohol can dissolve the paint on
the fuselage and tail section, causing it to streak.

• 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

30­minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or6-minute epoxy. When 30­minute 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.

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Items

Adhesives and Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Charger

Battery

4

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

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4

5

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.

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

1 Wing
2 Ailerons (2)
3 Fuselage
4 Stab w/elevators
5 Rudder w/wood post
6 Vertical fin
7 Stab braces

8 Stab slot filler

9 Hook & loop mounting strips
10 Aileron hinge strips
11 Plastic tie-wraps
12 Landing gear wire
13 Wheels

Kit Contents (Photographed)

(2) Aileron pushrod
(2) Plastic wheel collars
Elevator pushrod
(4) Control horn

Rudder pushrod
Wire tail-skid
(4) Screw-lock connector, screw, retainer

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

1

13

12

10

11

2

9

2

3

4

7

6

5

8