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
Weight: 3− 3.5 lb [1360 −1590 g]
Length: 40 in [1015 mm]
Radio: 4+ channels
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:
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electric
Power:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA
1200kV Outrunner
Brushless Motor
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
TRIMMING THE PROUD BIRD FOR RACING. . . . . . . . 26
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Great Planes Proud
Bird ARF! The Proud Bird was specifi cally designed to be a
fast, precision airframe while maintaining the requirements of
the NMPRA Electric Formula One (EF1) racing rules (the rules
can be found at nmpra.org). Accommodations are provided
to install different brushless motors that are allowable per the
race rules. You will fi nd that the Proud Bird is a pleasure to
build as it assembles quickly.
Although the Proud Bird was made for racing, it makes a great
sport fl ier as well. The Proud Bird can be fl own with a .15 size
brushless motor and a 3S battery which will give you longer
fl ight times and a more casual fl ight envelope.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Proud Bird visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.
com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Proud Bird
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
If you are not already a member of the AMA (Academy of
Model Aeronautics), 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
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262 Fax (765) 741-0057
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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS…
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your Proud Bird 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 Proud Bird, 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.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition,
a correctly sized motor, and other components as specifi ed
in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly
installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and
all components before every fl ight.
2
5. 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.
6. 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.
must also be purchased separately. A suitable power supply
for the PolyCharge4 is the Great Planes 12V 12A DC power
supply. Part numbers for the products mentioned here are:
❍Great Planes ElectriFly Triton Jr DC Computer
Charger (GPMM3152)
❍Great Planes PolyCharge4 DC 4 Output LiPo Charger
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 fi nish the Proud Bird
that may require planning or decision making before starting
to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Battery Recommendations
The recommended battery for the Proud Bird that meets EF1
rules for maximum voltage and weight is:
❍FlightPower LiPo Pro50 4S 14.8V 2550mAh 50C
(FPWP5041)
In addition to a battery, a LiPo battery charger is also required
and there are several that will work (depending on your budget
and requirements). A safe, economical charger is the Great
Planes ElectriFly Triton Jr DC Computer Charger. TheTriton
Jr will require a DC power source as well as a Great Planes
Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer in order to safely charge LiPo
batteries. If wall charging is a priority, an AC 12-Volt power
source must also be purchased separately. A suitable power
supply for the PolyCharge4 is the Great Planes 12V 12A DC
power supply. Some pilots prefer to have several batteries
and charge them faster so they can fl y more. For charging
up to four batteries faster at the same time, the Great Planes
PolyCharge4™ DC-powered LiPo charger is recommended.
Like the Triton Jr, the PolyCharge4 does not have an internal
LiPo cell balancer which is a critical component in making sure
your LiPo batteries charge effi ciently and evenly. So, for each
LiPo battery you wish to charge simultaneously, one Great
Planes Equinox™ LiPo Cell Balancer will also be required.
Finally, the PolyCharge4 does not have AC capability, so if
wall charging is a priority, a separate AC 12-Volt power source
Three micro servos are required for the Proud Bird. Futaba
S3115 micro servos are shown in the manual. S3102 micro
servos can also be used.
❍ Futaba S3115 Micro Precision Servo (FUTM0415)
❍ Futaba S3102 Aircraft Micro Metal Gears Servo
(FUTM0034)
Motor Recommendations
The O.S. .25 brushless motor is shown in the assembly
instructions of this manual. Also recommended is the RimFire
35-45-1200 motor. A 60A minimum ESC is also required. We
recommend the Castle Creations Ice Lite 75A ESC. If using
the recommended ESC, you will also need to purchase a male
Deans Ultra connector. Part numbers for these recommended
components are provided below.
❍ O.S. .25 Brushless Motor (OSMG9525)
❍ RimFire EF 1 35-45-1200 Motor (GPMG4630)
❍ Castle Creations Phoenix Ice Lite 75 25V ESC
(CSEM7000)
❍W.S. Deans® Male Ultra Plug® (2) (WSDM1302)
The Proud Bird is not just for racing. It is a very capable
sport plane and fl ies well using a more conservative power
system. Part numbers for the recommended sports setup
are provided below:
❍Great Planes RimFire .15 35-36-1200 Outrunner
Brushless (GPMG4620)
❍Great Planes Silver Series 45A Brushless ESC 5V/2A
BEC (GPMM1840)
❍Great Planes Bullet Adapter 4mm Male/3.5mm
Female (3) (GPMM3123)
❍FlightPower LiPo Pro50 3S 11.1V 2550mAh 50C
(FPWP5040)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Propeller
The EF1 racing rules state that the APC 8x8E propeller is
the only allowable prop. If you plan to fl y our recommended
3
sport setup then we recommend the APC 9x9E prop. Part
numbers for both are provided below:
❍ APC 8x8 Thin Electric Propeller (APCQ4116)
❍ APC 9x9 Thin Electric Propeller (APCQ4149)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)
❍ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)
❍ Great Planes Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8030)
Adhesives and Building Supplies
This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to fi nish the Proud Bird:
❍ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❍ Great Planes Pro CA- Glue Thick 1/2 oz (GPMR6013)
❍ 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],
9/64" [3.6mm], 5/32" [4mm]
❍Revell Premium Soft Handle Knife w/Blades (5)
(RMXR6900)
❍ Top Flite MonoKote sealing iron (TOPR2100)
❍ Top Flite Hot Sock iron cover (TOPR2175)
❍ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❍ Hobbico Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)
❍ Hobbico Curved Tip Canopy Scissors 5-1/2"
Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
Proud Bird:
❍ 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
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.
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 Proud Bird 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 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.
Top Flite MonoKote Jet White 6’ (TOPQ0204)
4
●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.
KIT INSPECTION
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 Ph: (217) 398-8970 ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: (217) 398-7721
Champaign, IL 61822
E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes Proud Bird 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 (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, 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
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 e-mail at productsupport@greatplanes.
com, or by telephone at (217) 398-8970.
Fuselage Set
Wing Set
Tail Surface Set
Cowl
Landing Gear Set
Wheelpants
Canopy
Spinner
Decals
Plastic Parts Set
KIT CONTENTS
Kit Contents
1.
6
16
15
10
7
8
9
2
12
13
1
14
17
11
3
4
5
18
5
Fuselage
2.
Left Wing & Aileron
3.
Right Wing & Aileron
4.
Horiz. Stabilizer & Elevators
5.
Vertical Fin & Rudder
6.
Cowl
7.
Canopy
8.
Wheel Pants
9.
Main Wheels
10.
Main Landing Gear
11.
Belly Pan
12.
Wing Tube
13.
Wing Fairings
14.
Cockpit Floor
15.
Motor Spacers
16.
Spinner
17.
CA Hinges
18.
Tail Wheel Assembly
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.
ASSEMBLE THE MODEL
Build the Wing
1. Each aileron requires four CA hinges. Use T-pins or
❏
something similar and push one through the center of each
CA hinge. The pins will keep the hinges centered between
the wing panels and ailerons. Insert the hinges into the precut slots in the ailerons as shown. If any hinges are diffi cult
to install, use a hobby knife to enlarge the slot as necessary.
3. When satisfi ed with the fi t, remove the ailerons from the
❏
wings. Clean the ends of the torque rods with a paper towel
dampened with denatured alcohol. Mix up a small amount of
epoxy (6 minute is fi ne but work quickly to glue both aileron
torque rods before the epoxy hardens) and apply a light coating
to the ends of the torque rods. Reinstall the ailerons onto the
wings. Wipe away any excess epoxy that squeezes out of the
torque rod holes. Remove the pins from the hinges and center
the ailerons on the wings, making the gap at each end an
equal length. Push the ailerons up against the trailing edge
of the wing snugging them up. Defl ect the ailerons down and
apply 6 drops of thin CA to the center of each hinge allowing
it to wick into the hinge material. Flip the wings over and apply
6 more drops of CA to the other side of the hinges. When the
CA has hardened, pull on each aileron to confi rm they are
securely glued in place.
2. Test fi t the ailerons onto the wing panels. The metal
❏
torque rods will fi t into the holes pre-drilled in the ailerons.
4. Glue the carbon anti-rotation pin halfway into one of
❏
the wing panels.
6
5. Test fi t the wing panels together with the wing tube. The
❏
root ribs of the wing panels should fi t fl at against each other.
If not, lightly sand them as necessary until they do.
You can tape the wing panels together while the epoxy hardens.
The panels can also be held together with spring clamps at
the root tab. Slide the 4x30mm wing bolts through the wing
bolt holes and wrap rubber bands around them to draw the
aft end of the panels together. Ensure that the edges of the
tabs at the leading edge of the panels are fl ush with each
other. Allow the epoxy to cure undisturbed.
6. When satisfi ed with the fi t, mix up 1/4 oz [7cc] of 30-minute
❏
epoxy. Coat one half of the wing joiner tube and insert it into
one of the panels. Coat the root rib of both panels and the
exposed halves of the joiner tube and anti-rotation pin. Slide
the wing panels together and wipe away any excess epoxy.
7. Draw a center line onto the plywood wing bolt plate. Use
❏
a razor saw or hobby knife to make a shallow cut along the
center line. This will allow the plate to bend over the dihedral
angle of the wing.
7
HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA
Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the area
beneath the wing bolt plate. The tip of the soldering iron
doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fi ne tip does work best.
Allow the iron to heat fully.
Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that
will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The
hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a
fi ne cut. Peel off the covering.
8. Align the holes in the wing bolt plate with the wing bolt
❏
holes in the wing and use a felt-tip pen to trace around the
plate onto the wing.
9. Use a sharp hobby knife or follow the expert tip below, to
❏
remove the covering 1/16" [1.6mm] inside the lines you drew.
Use denatured alcohol to wipe away the lines. Avoid getting
any glue into the exposed holes beneath the covering.
10. Glue the wing bolt plate to the wing being sure that
❏
the holes in the plate are aligned with the holes in the wing.
8
11. As you did with the wing bolt plate, remove the covering
Cut Off
Unused Arms
5/64" [2mm]
17/32" [13.5mm]
❏
and glue the aileron servo tray over the servo bay in the wing.
it and rotate it 90 degrees and re-install it. Repeat this until
you fi nd which way the servo arm fi ts best onto the servo.
Make note of its orientation, remove it, and cut off the two
unused arms as shown in the picture. Because the aileron
pushrods will connect to the holes 17/32" [13.5mm] from
the center of the servo arm, cut off the excess arm length
beyond these holes. Enlarge those holes with a 5/64" [2mm]
drill bit. Install the arm on the servo and secure it with the
servo arm screw.
12. Install the rubber grommets and eyelets included with
❏
your servo hardware. Mount the servo as shown. Drill 1/16"
[1.6mm] holes through the servo tray to mount the aileron servo.
Remove the servo and thread a servo mounting screw into
each hole and then remove it. Apply a drop or two of thin CA
glue to each hole to harden the surrounding wood. When the
CA has hardened, install the servo with the servo mounting
screws included with the servo.
13. Electronically center the aileron servo using your radio
❏
system. Mount a four-armed servo arm onto the aileron servo.
If the servo arm does not fi t “square” to the servo case, remove
14. Thread a nylon torque rod horn onto each torque rod.
❏
The horns should be positioned 3/16" [4.8mm] from the ends
of the rods.
15. Thread a nylon clevis onto each 2x90mm pushrod
❏
wire 20 complete turns. Slide a silicone clevis onto the base
of each clevis.
9
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