Great Planes GPMA1265, GPMA1266 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This model is designed for sport flying and AMA Quickie 500 racing. We will not quote all of the AMA regulations for Quickie 500 racing in this manual.Any information provided here regarding racing is provided for informational purposes only and is NOT guaranteed to be accurate. Only the printed version of the AMA regulations should be used in case of protests or other disputes involving events covered by the regulations.

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

Champaign, IL

(217) 398-8970, Ext. 5

airsupport@greatplanes.com

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 52 in [1320mm] Wing Area: 504 sq in [33dm²] Weight: 3.5 lbs - 4 lbs [1360 - 1530g] Wing Loading: 14 - 15 oz/sq ft [42 - 47 g/dm²] Length: 41-1/4 in [1048mm] Engine: .25 - .46 cu in [4.0 - 7.5cc] two-stroke

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

COMPETITION ..................................................................2

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

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

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

Engine Recommendations...........................................3

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

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................3

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

Covering Tools .............................................................4

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS ............................................4

MANUAL UPDATES..........................................................4

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

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

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

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................7

Preparations.................................................................7

BUILD THE WING & T AIL..................................................7

Mount the Ailerons .......................................................7

Install the Aileron Servo & Pushrods...........................8

Assemble & Mount the V-tail........................................9

FINAL ASSEMBLY ..........................................................10

Mount the Engine.......................................................10

Mount the Landing Gear............................................12

Install the Radio.........................................................13

Optional Rudder Modifications...................................16

Apply the Decals ........................................................17

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................18

Check the Control Directions.....................................18

Set the Control Throws..............................................18

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

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

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

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

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

Balance the Propellers...............................................20

Ground Check............................................................20

Range Check.............................................................20

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................20

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)......................................21

CHECK LIST ....................................................................21

FLYING.............................................................................22

Fuel Mixture Adjustments..........................................22

Takeoff .......................................................................22

Flight..........................................................................22

Landing......................................................................23

ID Tag.........................................................................23

Once they’ve mastered a trainer and some sport models, many modelers find “the need for speed.” Whether you’re ready for your first Quickie 500 race, you’ve been racing for years, or never plan to race anyone but yourself, the Viper

500 ARF is a great choice for you.This aircraft is fast and responsive, yet predictable – an overall real pleasure to fly. Of course, a Quickie 500 is not recommended as a second aircraft, but if you can comfortably fly most sport models, then the Viper 500 ARF should pose no surprises other than the thrill of speed! Remember, if the model’s speed overwhelms you, just throttle back and enjoy the Viper’s ability to settle back into “sport mode.” Then you can fly at reasonable speeds until your confidence and skill are up to their full-speed adrenaline rush!

The Viper 500 ARF is designed for sport flying and AMA Quickie 500 pylon racing competition according to the regulations as written at the time of this printing. Great Planes does not guarantee that the model will be legal for future competitive events, nor qualification of this model in any such competitions. All liability for any events incidental to the use of this model in any manner is the sole

responsibility

of the pilot and the pilot’s insurance, not Great Planes. If interested in Quickie 500 competition, we recommend you

contact the AMA and receive a copy of the full competition regulations. You can download a reference version at www.modelaircraft.org, but please note that the AMA does not recognize the digital copy for protests.

1.Your Viper 500 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 Viper 500 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 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, and a correctly sized engine and components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.) 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.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

COMPETITION

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

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:

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Viper 500 ARF that may require planning or decision-making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in

parentheses.

❏ Receiver: standard size, minimum 4-channel.

Note: Due to the unusually high speeds and stresses placed upon racing models such as the Viper 500 ARF,

lightweight components such as “micro” or “feather” receivers normally intended for lightweight airplanes (such as Park Flyers) should not be used. The Futaba

R148DF or R148DP receivers are suitable. Additionally, due to the space constraints of the radio compartment, make certain the components fit before purchasing new gear.

❏ 250mAh Lightweight receiver pack:(FUTM1210) ❏ Servo extensions: (2) 9" extensions to allow easy

connection of throttle and aileron servos (FUTM3910)

❏ Switch: Standard, with heatshr ink to secure to batter y ❏ Servos: (4), 3 requir ing 35 oz-in of torque ❏ Servo recommendations: The Viper 500 ARF is

designed to fit a wide variety of servos. All ser vos may be mid-size or standard-size servos, so long as they provide at least 35 ounces-inch of torque. The throttle servo may be micro through standard, so long as it provides sufficient torque to operate your carburetor.

The recommended engine size range for the Viper 500 ARF is .25 to .46 cu in [4.0 – 7.5cc] two-stroke.This model is not designed for a four-stroke. As of the time of this writing, the maximum power plant allowed for Quickie 500 racing is a .40 [6.5cc] two-stroke, and only front-intake, side-exhaust, commercially available, unmodified engines with stock carburetors, utilizing approved propellers and fuels, are permitted.

In addition to common household tools and hobby tools, this is the “short list” of the most important items required to build the Viper 500 ARF.

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy

glue are recommended.

❏ 1/2 oz Thin CA (GPMR6001) ❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm] ❏ R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] - (HCAQ1000) ❏ R/C foam rubber 1/2" [13mm] - (HCAQ1050) ❏ Fiberglass cloth to secure the throttle pushrod

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REMEMBER: We will not quote all of the AMA regulations for Quickie 500 racing in this manual.Any information regarding racing is provided for informational purposes only and is NOT guaranteed to be accurate. Only the printed version of the AMA regulations should be used in case of protests or other disputes involving events contained in the regulations.

Engine Recommendations

Radio Equipment

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: (800) 435-9262

Fax (765) 741-0057

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested 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 performance of your completed model, and no representations are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model.

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that will help you build the Viper 500 ARF.

❏ Hobbico

Heavy-Duty Scissors 8-1/2" (HCAR0670)

❏ 2-56 and 6-32 Taps ❏ AccuThrow

™

Control Surface Deflection Meter

(GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ 4-in-1 Clevis Installation Tool (GPMR8035)

❏ Top Flite

MonoKote®sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏ Top Flite Hot Sock iron cover (TOPR2175) ❏ Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200) ❏ Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)

• 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".

This is a number six screw that is 3/4" long.

Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per inch, and a length.SHCS is just an abbreviation for “socket

head cap screw” and that is a machine screw with a socket head. For example 4-40 x 3/4".

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" 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 (or 45-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 Viper 500 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.Follo wing are the colors used on this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

Red–TOPQ0201

White–TOPQ0204

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer

Fin = Vertical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge LG = Landing Gear Ply = Plywood

" = Inches

mm = millimeters

SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the Viper 500 ARF, visit the Great Planes web site at

www.greatplanes.com

. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Viper 500 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.

Do not discard the kit box! With minimal disassembly, the Viper 500 ARF can be reinserted into its box for transport and even shipment to contests!

MANUAL UPDATES

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Covering T ools

Optional Supplies & Tools

To order replacement par ts for the Great Planes Viper 500 ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Par ts 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 par ts, contact Great Planes Product Support.

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Pur

chase

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

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

White Version Red Version Full-size plans.....................Not available

(GPMA1265) (GPMA1266)

GPMA2500 GPMA2505 Wing Kit GPMA2501 GPMA2506 Fuse Kit GPMA2502 GPMA2507 Tail Set GPMA2503 GPMA2508 Landing Gear GPMA2550 Backplate Mount GPMA2551 Racing Wheel Set (w/hardware) GPMA2552 Fuel Tank GPMA2553 Decal *Motor mount available separately

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

................

Contact Your Hobby Supplier to Purchase These Items

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

1 Wing and Ailerons 2 Tank Hatch 3 Throttle Ser vo Tray 4 V-tail Servo Tray 5 Ser vo Hatch 6 Hook and Loop Material 7 Fuselage 8 Engine Mount 9 Landing Gear

10 Wheels 11 Aileron Servo Rails 12 V-tail Servo Supports 13 V-tail with Ruddervators

(2) Aileron Torque Rod Horns (5) Nylon Clevises (2) 6" [150mm] Pushrods (1) 11-3/4" Outer Pushrod Tube (3) 17-1/2" [445mm] Pushrods (5) Clevis Retainers (4) Nylon Faslinks (GPMQ3820) (1) Screw-Lock Connector (for throttle,

GPMQ3870) (2) Control Horns w/Backplates (4) 2-56 x 3/8" Control Horn Screws

(GPMQ3900)

(4) 6-32 x 1/2" [13mm] Socket Head Cap

Screws (to mount engine,

GPMQ3028)

(4) 8-32 x 1-1/2" [38mm] Flat-Head Screws

(to mount tail, wing,

GPMQ3052)

(2) 8-32 x 3/4" [38mm] Flat-Head Screws

(to mount wing, GPMQ3046)

(4) 6-32 x 1/4" Bolts (for main landing

gear, GPMQ3024)

(5) #2 x 3/8" Screws (to mount servo tray

and hatch, GPMQ3820)

(1) #2 Washers (to mount servo tray and

hatch, GPMR3400)

(1) 2" x 9" CA Hinge Strip (GPMQ3960) (1) Tail Skid (GPMQ4445) (2) Axles

Kit Contents (Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

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 par t names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list on this page.

Great Planes Product Support:

Telephone: (217) 398-8970

Fax: (217) 398-7721

E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com

KIT CONTENTS

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

of the kit from the box and inspect them for damage. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact product suppor t at the address or telephone number on page 6. Note: With minor disassembly, the plane will fit back into the box. This makes a great way to transport your plane to races.

❏ 2. Remove the masking tape and separate the ailerons

from the wing and the ruddervators from the V-tail. Where necessary, use a covering iron with a covering sock to tighten the covering that may have loosened during storage or from removing the masking tape. Apply pressure over sheeted areas and the servo openings to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.

❏ 1. Looking at the bottom of the wing as shown in the top

photo (the aileron torque rods protrude from the bottom of the wing), cut the covering from the servo opening and the bottom of the four wing bolt holes. Tur n the wing over and cut the covering from the top of the 4 bolt holes.

❏ 2. Cut six 3/4" x 1" [19 x 25mm] hinges from the 2" x 9"

[50 x 230mm] CA hinge strip.Snip the corners off so they go in the hinge slots more easily.

Mount the Ailerons

BUILD THE WING & TAIL

All iron-on coverings sag due to extreme temperature and humidity changes, often encountered during shipment and warehouse storage. In nearly every case of an ARF having sagged covering, this is the cause, and a quick touch-up will solve the problem.To be sure, simply touch up your model’s covering, then let it sit overnight. The covering should remain taut and will be fine from here on. If the covering has re-sagged significantly on any portion of the model, please contact Product Support regarding replacement.

Preparations

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

❏ 3.Test fit, but do not glue the aileron to the wing with the

hinges. If you have difficulty inserting the hinges, insert a #11 blade into the slot and carefully move it back and forth to slightly widen the slot.

❏ 4. Separate the ailerons from the wing and take out all

the hinges.

❏ 5. Cut a small strip of covering from both sides of each

hinge slot. If not done the covering may interfere with the penetration of the CA into the slot and the free movement of the aileron.

❏ 6. Stick a pin through the center of each hinge. Fit the

hinges into the ailerons. Use a toothpick to push epoxy into the torque rod hole in the aileron.Fit the ailerons to the wing

with the hinges. The pin will keep the hinge centered. Remove the pins from the hinges. Adjust the ailerons so there is a small gap–just enough to see light through or to slip a piece of paper through.

❏ 7. Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge. Do not use CA accelerator. Gently work the aileron up and down while the glue hardens. After the CA has fully hardened, test the hinges by pulling on the ailerons.

❏ 1. Test fit the aileron servo and the 3/8" x 3/8" x 1-1/4"

[9.5 x 9.5 x 32mm] basswood aileron servo rails in the wing. Mark the covering around the rails. Remove the covering from the contact area between the rails and the wing.Epoxy the rails to the wing.

❏ 2. Mar k and drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the servo

rails for the servo screws. Add a few drops of thin CA to the holes and allow to fully harden. Mount the aileron servo using the hardware that came with the servo.

❏ 3. Make a two-sided servo arm. Enlarge the holes in the

arm with a Hobbico Servo Horn Drill (or a #48 or 5/64"

[2mm]

drill bit) so the aileron pushrods will fit.

❏ 4. Thread both nylon torque rod horns onto the aileron

torque rods until the edge of the horn aligns with the edge of the rods. Note: Tur ning a 6-32 tap through the hor ns will make them turn onto the torque rods easier.

Install the Aileron Servo & Pushrods

+ 16 hidden pages

Great Planes GPMA1265, GPMA1266 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual