Great Planes GPMA1340 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.

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

GPMZ0275 for GPMA1340 V1.0© Copyright 2001

1610 Interstate Drive Champaign, IL 61822

[phone], Ext 2

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

A. R. F.

Almost Ready to Fly

Wingspan: 70" [1780mm]
Wing area: 770 sq in [49.6 dm2]
Weight: 8 lbs [3630g]
Wing loading: 24 oz/sq ft [73 g/dm2]
Length: 55" [1400mm]
Radio: 4–7 ch (w/5–7 standard servos)
Engine: .61–75 cu. in. two-stroke [10–12.5cc]

.91 cu. in. four-stroke [15cc]

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

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

DECISIONSYOU MUST MAKE .............................................3

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

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

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

Hardware & Accessories..................................................3

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

Optional Supplies & Tools ................................................3

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

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

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS....................................4

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

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

WING ASSEMBLY..................................................................6

FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY ......................................................12

INSTALL THE HINGES.........................................................14

INSTALL THE ENGINE.........................................................16

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR...........................................16

INSTALL THE FUEL TANK...................................................18

INSTALL THE RADIO, PUSHRODS &

CONTROL HORNS...............................................................18

INSTALL THE FLAP & AILERON SERVOS ........................21

INSTALL THE RADIO SYSTEM...........................................24

INSTALL THE COWL............................................................25

FINISH & INSTALL THE CANOPY ......................................26

APPLY THE DECALS...........................................................27

GET THE MODEL READYTO FLY ......................................27

Check the Control Directions..........................................27

Set the Control Throws...................................................27

Balance the Model (C.G.)...............................................28

Balance the Model Laterally...........................................28

PREFLIGHT..........................................................................29

Identify Your Model.........................................................29

Charge the Batteries ......................................................29

Balance the Propellers...................................................29

Ground Check ................................................................29

Range Check..................................................................29

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................29

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt) ...........................................30

CHECK LIST.........................................................................30

FLYING..................................................................................31

Fuel Mixture Adjustments...............................................31

Takeoff............................................................................31

Flight...............................................................................31

Landing...........................................................................32

IDENTIFICATION TAG..........................................................32

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the Stuka, visit the web site listed below and select the
Great Planes Stuka ARF. A “tech notice” box will appear in
the upper left corner of the page if there is new technical
information or changes to this kit.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html

1. Your Stuka 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 Stuka, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage
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 properly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates properly 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.

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.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality
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.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

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:

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

This is a partial list of items required to finish the Stuka that
may require planning or decision-making before starting
to build.

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You Must
Make” section, following is the list of hardware and
accessories required to finish the Stuka. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏ Engine –O.S.

®

61 FX (OSMG0561), SuperTigre®G-

61

(SUPG0181), O.S. 91 II Surpass

™

(OSMG0896) or the

SuperTigre G-75 (SUPG0205)

❏ Radio – Futaba

®

6XAS (FUTK30**)

❏ Propellers – Follow engine manufacturer’ s

recommendation

❏

Fuel line – 12" medium silicone fuel line

❏

Easy Fueler™fuel filling valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160)

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

Great Planes Pro™CA and Epoxy glue are

recommended.

❏

1/2 oz. Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)

❏

1/2 oz. Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

❏

6-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6045)

❏

30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏

Hobby knife (HCAR0105)

❏

#11 blades (HCAR0211)

❏

Small T-pins (HCAR5100)

❏

Builder’s triangle (HCAR0480)

❏

Electric drill

❏

Small phillips and flat blade screwdrivers (HCAR1040)

❏

Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)

❏

Silicone sealant

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

❏

Great Planes CG Machine™(GPMR2400)

❏

Top Flite®Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer

™

(TOPQ5700)

❏

Straightedge with scale (HCAR0475)

❏

Masking tape (TOPR8018)

❏

CA Applicator tips (GPMR6033)

❏

CA Debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

CA Accelerator (GPMR6034)

❏

Epoxy brushes (GPMR8060)

❏

Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)

❏

Threadlocker (GPMR6060)

❏

Rubbing alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

Builder’sTriangle Set (HCAR0480) (for fin alignment)

❏

Felt-Tip marker (TOPQ2510)

❏

Drill bits used:1/16", 17/64" (or 1/4"), #48 (or 5/64"), #29
(or 9/64") drill and 6-32 tap

❏

Great Planes 8-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8103)

❏

Curved Tip Canopy Scissors for trimming plastic parts
(HCAR0667)

❏

Dead Center™Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏

Great Planes AccuThrow™Deflection Gauge (for
measuring control throws, GPMR2405)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

Hardware and Accessories

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Radio Equipment

The Stuka will require a good 4–7 channel radio system
or greater with 7 servos. The servos need to have a
minimum of 40 oz. of torque. In addition you will need two
12" aileron extensions and two 6" aileron extensions and
two “Y” connectors.

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Stuka is a
.61–.75 two-stroke or a .91 four-stroke. If an engine in the
upper end of the size range is used, remember that this is
a scale model that is intended to fly at scale-like speeds,
so throttle management should be practiced.

DECISIONSYOU MUST MAKE

3

To order replacement parts for the Great Planes Stuka ARF, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts 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 parts, contact Great Planes Product Support.

Replacement Parts List

Or

der Number Description HowtoPurchase

Missing pieces ......................Contact Product Support

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

Full-size plans .......................Not available

GPMA2220......................................Wing Kit

GPMA2221......................................Fuse Kit

GPMA2222......................................Tail Set Contact Your Hobby

GPMA2223......................................Cowl Supplier to Purchase

GPMA2224......................................Canopy These Items

GPMA2225......................................Landing Gear

GPMA2226......................................Wheel Pants

• 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. 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 necessary 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 (or45-minute) epoxyor6-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.

Fuse = Fuselage

Stab = Stabilizer

Fin = Vertical Fin

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge
LG = Landing Gear
Ply=Plywood

" = Inches

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

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

5

1 L&R Wing with Ailerons & Flap
2 Inner Wing with Flaps
3 Fuselage
4 Stab with Elevators
5 Fin with Rudder
6 Painted Cowl
7 Canopy
8 Painted Wheel Pants (2)
9 Painted Aluminum Landing

Gear (2)

10 Wing Joiners
11 Fuel Tank with Hardware
12 Wing Fairing
13 Aileron Servo Covers
14 Engine Mount
15 3" Wheel (2)
16 Wing Bolt Plate
17 Pushrods
18 Decals
19 Exhaust Stacks
20 Aileron Mounting Blocks (4)

(1) 3" Black spinner
(2) Bolt-on axles
(4) 2.5mm ID brass tube x 15mm (flap

mechanism)
(2) 2.5mm Steel pin x 25mm (flap mechanism)
(16) Nylon flap/aileron hinges
(1) 1-1/4" Tail wheel
(3) Large control horn
(4) Small control horn
(2) Nylon 1/4-20 bolt
(8) Nylon clevis
(8) Nylon landing gear straps
(1) 2" x 9" Hinge strip

(7) Faslinks
(8) Silicone clevis retainer
(56) #2 x 3/8" Sheet metal screw (landing gear

straps,

aileron covers, canopy, flap/aileron hinges)
(8) #2 x 1/2" Sheet metal screw (wheel pants)
(16) #2 Washers
(4) 5/32" Wheel collar
(6) 6-32 x 1/4" Socket head cap screw (for wheel

collars and axles)
(1) 3/32" Wheel collar (for tail wheel)
(1) 4-40 Set screw (for tail wheel collar)
(6) #4 x 3/8" Sheet metal screw (mounting the

cowl)

(6) #4 Washers (mounting the cowl)
(1) Wire tail wheel
(4) 1" x 1" Servo mounting tape (for mounting the

aileron servos)
(3) 2-56 x 36" Pushrod
(1) 2-56 x 17-1/2" Pushrod
(4) 2-56 x 6" Pushrod
(4) 8-32 x 1" Socket head cap screw (engine

mount)

(4) 8-32 x 3/4" Socket head cap screw (mounting

the engine)
(8) #8 Washers

Kit Contents

(Photographed)

Kit Contents (Not Photographed)

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

Before starting to build, use the Kit Contents list to take an inventory of your 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.

Great Planes Product Support:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

10

11

16

20

17

18

12

13

14

15

19

1

7

8

8

9

2

3

4

5

6

2

1

❏ 1. Locate the two plywood center wing joiners and four

plywood outer wing joiners. Using 6-minute epoxy, glue
two plywood center wing joiners together forming one 1/4"
[6mm] center wing joiner. Do the same to the outer wing
joiners, making two 1/4" [6mm] outer wing joiners.

❏❏2. Locate the right wing panel and the right inner

wing panel. At the root of each wing panel where the two

panels join are two strings. Tie the strings together. The
strings will be used for pulling the servo wires through the
wing when the radio installation takes place.

❏❏3. Test fit the outer wing joiner to the wing panel and

the inner wing panel. Be sure the wing panel is assembled
to the correct end of the inner wing panel. The end of the
inner wing panel without

the cut-out is the end of the panel
that is glued to the wing panel.Be sure when fitting the joiner
that the bend in the wing is going the proper direction (see
photo). When you are satisfied that everything fits properly,
use 30-minute epoxy to join the two wing sections and glue
the joiner into the wing box in the wings (Be sure to use

WING ASSEMBLY

6

ample glue to coat the wing box where the joiner goes into
it) and apply epoxy to both wing ribs.

❏❏4. Hold the wing panel and the inner wing panel

together with masking tape until the glue fully cures. Any
excess epoxy that squeezes out of the wing joint can be
cleaned away with rubbing alcohol as long as the glue has
not cured.

❏❏5. Locate the right aileron, flap and inner flap. It is

easy to determine the right control surfaces from the left by
matching the covering on the top of the wing with the
covering on the top of the control surfaces.

❏❏6. On the leading edge of the aileron, flap and inner

flap are pre-drilled holes for the hinges. Cut the covering
away over the three holes in the leading edge of the aileron,
three holes in the leading edge of the flap and two holes in
the leading edge of the inner flap.

❏❏7.Test fit the hinges into each of the holes.Make note

that when the hinges are properly installed the bottom of the
hinge plate will face the top of the control surface.

❏❏8. Apply a small drop of oil or a dab of petroleum jelly

onto each of the hinge joints. This will prevent the glue from
getting into the hinge joint when installing the hinges.

❏❏9. After each hinge has been lubricated, glue each

hinge into the pre-drilled holes in the aileron and both flaps
with 6-minute epoxy. Be sure that each hinge has the plate
facing the top of the control surface as shown in the above
photograph of the aileron.

❏❏10.Before mounting the control surfaces to the surface

of the wing it is important to understand the positioning of
the hinges to the wing. When mounted properly the aileron
and flap are below the trailing edge of the wing and the
hinge line should be even with the trailing edge of the wing.
Study the illustration to be sure you understand exactly how
they will be mounted.

❏❏11.Begin the installation of the control surface with the

inner flap.When it is installed it will be positioned as shown
in the photograph.Do not install the inner flap yet.Reference
the photograph to determine which end of your inner flap is
the outboard end.

7

❏❏12. On the outboard end of the inner flap draw a line

1-1/4" [31mm] from the trailing edge of the inner flap.On this
line mark the center of the flap and carefully drill a 1/8"
[3mm] hole on this mark into the flap 9/16" [14.3mm],
making sure you are centered in the flap and that the hole is
drilled parallel to the leading edge of the flap.

❏❏13. Locate one of the 3/32" x 9/16" [2.5mm x 15mm]

brass tubes. Insert it half way into the hole you drilled in the
end of the inner flap.Place a small drop of medium CA glue
onto the

outside

of the tube.Then press the tube all the way

into the inner flap.

Be sure that CA glue does not get into the

inside of the brass tube.

❏❏14. You are now going to proceed with installation of

the flap and ailerons. Before installing the hinges you need
to take a close look at the bottom of the wing.If you hold the
wing and look across the face of the bottom of the wing at
the trailing edge, you should be able to see the outline of
eight circular wooden mounts. Refer to the above
photograph. (For easy reference we have drawn the circles
onto the covering. This should help you locate each of the
mounts.) These mounts are what you will be screwing the
hinge plates to as we proceed with installing the aileron and
flaps. As you work through the installation of the flap and
aileron be sure that you are screwing into these wood

blocks.

❏❏15. Position the inner flap onto the wing. When doing

this the inner flap must line up with the joint where the inner
wing panel and the wing are joined. The center of the hinge
must also be in line with the trailing edge of the wing as
shown in the sketch at step 10. Once you are satisfied with
the position of the inner flap, mark the location for the
mounting screws with a felt-tip marker onto the wing. Drill a
1/16" [1.5mm] hole through each of these marks into the
wing. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL THROUGH THE TOP
OF THE WING! Once you have the holes drilled, install the
inner flap with four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws.

❏❏16.Temporarily mount the main flap to the wing with a

#2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screw in the inboard and outboard hinge.
The inside end of the flap must be located 1/8" [3mm] from
the outer end of the inner flap. (Refer to the sketch in

step 15).

8

❏❏17.Insert the 2.5 x 25mm steel pin into the brass tube

you installed in the inner flap.Position the inner flap with the
steel pin so that the steel pin is resting on top of the flap.
Draw a line on each side of the steel pin onto the flap.

❏❏18. Drill a 1/8" [3mm] hole into the center of the end of

the flap as you did for the inner flap. Be sure as you drill the
hole that it is parallel to and centered between the lines you
have drawn on the flap.

❏❏19. Locate another 2.5mm x 15mm brass tube. Insert

it half way into the hole you drilled in the end of the flap.
Place a small drop of medium CA glue onto the

outside

of

the tube. Then press the tube all the way into the inner flap.

Be sure that CA glue does not get into the inside of the
brass tube.

❏❏20. Install the steel pin into the brass tube in the inner

flap.Then slide the flap onto the steel pin extending from the
inner flap. Mark the location for the mounting screws with a
felt-tip marker onto the wing. Drill a 1/16" [1.5mm] hole
through each of these marks into the wing. BE CAREFUL
NOTTO DRILL THROUGH THE TOP OF THE WING! Once
you have the holes drilled, install the flap with six #2 x 3/8"
[9.5mm] screws.

❏❏21. With the flap and inner flap mounted to the wing

you can now see how the flap and inner flap are tied
together by the steel pin and how they will move together
when the flaps are deployed. (If there is any binding
between the inner flap and the flap, you may be able to get
a smoother operation if you put a slight bend in the steel pin.
This should only be necessary if you do not get the hole for
the brass tube in perfect alignment.)

❏❏22. Position the inner end of the aileron 1/4" [6mm]

from the outer end of the flap (refer to the sketch in step 15).
Install the aileron by marking the location for the mounting
screws with a felt-tip marker onto the wing. Drill a 1/16"
[1.5mm] hole through each of these marks into the wing. BE

CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL THROUGH THE TOP OF THE
WING! Once you have the holes drilled, install the aileron

with six #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] screws.

9

❏❏23. On the bottom of the wing, cut away the covering

from the two servo bays and the landing gear mounting rails.

❏❏24. Cut away the covering in the top of the wing to

reveal the holes that the servo leads come through. After
cutting the hole, feed the string from inside of the wing
through the hole. This will allow you to pull the servo leads
through the wing after the two wing halves are joined.

❏ 25. Repeat steps 2 to 24 for the left wing panel.

❏ 26. Locate the plywood center wing joiner. Test fit it into

the right and left wing halves. When fitting it into the wing,
make sure that the joiner angles downward.

❏ 27. When you are satisfied that the two wing halves fit

well together, apply a liberal amount of 30-minute epoxy to
the joiner, the joiner box and the wing root ribs. Insert the
wing joiner into one of the wings and then install the
opposite wing onto the other end of the wing joiner. Put a
clamp onto the tab that extends forward from the center of
the wing and use masking tape to hold the wings together
while the glue is curing.

10