Great Planes GPMA1412 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 77 in [1950mm] Wing Area: 1155 sq in [74.5 dm2] Weight: 13 – 15 lb [5900 – 6800 g] Wing Loading: 26 – 30 oz/sq ft [79 – 91 g/dm2] Length: 70 in [1780mm] Radio: 4+ channel, 6 to 7 servos Engine / Motor: 1.6 – 1.8 cu in [26 – 30cc] two-stroke,

1.8 – 2.1 cu in [30 – 34cc] four-stroke,

1.9 – 2.6 cu in [32 – 43cc] gas engine, 63-62-250 RimFire out-runner motor

Great Planes This warranty does not cover an y component parts damaged by use or modiﬁ cation. 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 ﬁ nal assembly or material used for ﬁ nal assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the ﬁ nal 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 b uy er is advised to return th is 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.

Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from def ects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.

WARRANTY

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822 USA

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

Champaign, Illinois

(217) 398-8970, Ext 5

airsupport@greatplanes.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AMA .......................................................................................2

IMAA ......................................................................................3

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

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

Building Stand ...................................................................3

Radio Equipment ..............................................................4

Engine Recommendations ................................................4

Glow Engine Requirements ..............................................4

Brushless Motor Requirements ........................................5

Gas Engine Requirements ................................................5

Propeller ...........................................................................5

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .........................................6

Adhesives & Building Supplies .........................................6

Optional Supplies & Tools .................................................6

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...........................................6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................................7

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS ................................................7

METRIC CONVERSIONS ......................................................7

KIT INSPECTION ...................................................................8

KIT CONTENTS .....................................................................8

PREPARATIONS ....................................................................9

ASSEMBLE THE WING .........................................................9

Install the Ailerons ............................................................9

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods .............................10

Join the Wing Panels .......................................................11

ASSEMBLE THE TAIL SECTION & LANDING GEAR .........13

Install the Stab, Elevators & Rudder ................................13

Install the Tail Gear Assembly ..........................................15

Install the Elevator Servos & Pushrods ............................16

Assemble and Install the Main Gear ................................17

GLOW ENGINE INSTALLATION ..........................................18

Mount the Engine .............................................................18

Install the Fuel Tank (Glow Engine) .................................19

Install the Throttle Servo (Glow Engine) ..........................20

GAS ENGINE INSTALLATION .............................................22

Mount the Engine .............................................................22

Install the Fuel Tank (Gas Engine) ...................................23

Install the Ignition Equipment (Gas Engine) ....................25

Install the Throttle Servo (Gas Engine) ............................26

BRUSHLESS MOTOR INSTALLATION ................................28

Mount the Motor ...............................................................28

Install the Battery & ESC Trays ........................................29

INSTALL THE RUDDER SERVOS ........................................31

Install the Rudder Servos in the Forward Position ...........32

Install the Rudder Servos in the Aft Position ....................34

FINISH THE MODEL .............................................................35

Install the Radio System ..................................................35

Install the Cowl.................................................................37

Install the Canopy Hatch ..................................................39

Install the Belly Pan, Prop & Spinner ...............................40

Apply the Decals ..............................................................41

GET THE MODEL READY T O FL Y .......................................41

Battery Precautions .........................................................41

Check the Control Directions ...........................................42

Set the Control Throws ....................................................42

Balance the Model (C.G.) ................................................43

Balance the Model Laterally.............................................43

PREFLIGHT ..........................................................................44

Identify Your Model ...........................................................44

Charge the Batteries ........................................................44

Balance the Propellers .....................................................44

Ground Check ..................................................................44

Range Check ...................................................................44

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .......................................44

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .......................................45

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) ..........................................45

IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) .........................................46

CHECK LIST .........................................................................47

FLYING ..................................................................................48

Fuel Mixture Adjustments ................................................48

Takeoff .............................................................................48

Flight ................................................................................48

Landing ............................................................................48

3D FLYING ............................................................................49

ENGINE/MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATES ........................51

INTRODUCTION

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 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 gov erning 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 e v en 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 countr y. 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. (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.

IMAA

The Great Planes Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is an excellent sport-scale model and is eligible to ﬂ y in IMAA events. The IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an organization that promotes non-competitive ﬂ ying of giantscale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA event, obtain a copy of the IMAA Safety Code by contacting the IMAA at the address or telephone number below, or by logging on to their web site.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

(913) 823-5569

www.ﬂ y-imaa.org/imaa/sanction.html.

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, Y OURSELF

& OTHERS....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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 an engine 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.

We, as the kit manuf acturer , pro vide 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.

1. Your Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 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, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

2. Y ou must assemble the model accor ding to the instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unﬂ yab le 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 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.

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.

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 Sukhoi SU-31

1.60 ARF that may require planning or decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Building Stand

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.

A building stand or cradle comes in very handy during the build. We use the Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402) for most of our projects in R&D, and it can be seen in pictures throughout this manual.

Radio Equipment

The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF requires a minimum 4-channel radio system with a standard receiver.

Since the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is a large model capable of extreme aerobatics, standard servos should not be used to operate the control surfaces. Servos with a minimum torque rating of 98 oz-in [7.1kg-cm] are required except for the throttle servo which may be operated by a standard servo. The servos shown in this manual that are used for all of the control surfaces are Futaba® S3305 servos. A minimum of six high-torque servos and one standard servo (used for throttle when installing a glow or gas engine) are needed to complete the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF.

❏ Futaba S3305 Servo High-Torque Standard w/Metal

Gears (FUMT0045)

❏ Futaba S3003 Servo Standard (FUTM0031)

Because of heavy loads on the control surfaces, heavy duty servo arms should be used on all of the control surface servos. The throttle servo can use the servo arm supplied with the servo. This manual shows the installation of Great Planes 2" [51mm] aluminum single-sided servo arms. If the rudder servos will be installed in the aft location, six arms will be needed. If the rudder servos are installed in the forward position, only four arms will be needed. See the building instructions for details on the rudder servo positions.

Note: The list of servo e xtensions and Y-harnesses is based on the equipment we used to setup the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF as detailed in the manual. The length or quantity may vary depending on the actual equipment being used, radio locations, etc.

A battery pack with a minimum of 1500mAh capacity should also be used. When ﬂ ying large models such as the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF, ALW AYS check the battery condition before each ﬂ ight. If you are installing a gas engine with an electronic ignition module, a separate battery pack (the EI pack does not need to be high capacity) will also be required in addition to the battery pack used to power the receiver and servos.

❏ Hobbico HydriMax™ 4.8V 3600mAh NiMH Flat Rx

U (HCAM6333)

A heavy duty receiver switch and charge jack will also be needed:

❏ Futaba Heavy Duty Switch Harness w/Charge

Cord (FUTM4385)

❏ Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

If installing a gas engine, an additional switch (standar d size) and charge jack will also be needed:

❏ Futaba SWH13 Switch Harness & Charge Cord Mini

J (FUTM4370)

Engine Recommendations

❏ Great Planes Large Scale 2" Single Side Servo

Arm (GPMM1110)

The following servo extensions and Y-harnesses were also used to build the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF as shown in the manual:

❏ (2) 36" [914mm] servo extensions for elevator servos

(HCAM2726 for Futaba J-connector)

❏ (2) 36" [914mm] servo extensions for rudder servos

when installed in the optional aft location (HCAM2726 for Futaba J-connector)

❏ (2) 24" [610mm] servo extensions for aileron servos

(HCAM2721 for Futaba J-connector)

❏ (2) 6" [152mm] servo extensions for rudder servos when

installed in the forward location (HCAM2701 for Futaba J-connector)

❏ (1) 6" [152mm] servo extension for receiver battery pack

(HCAM2701 for Futaba J-connector)

❏ (1) 12" [305mm] servo extension for brushless ESC if

applicable (HCAM2711 for Futaba J-connector)

If using a radio system that does not support mixing of the elevator, rudder, and ailer on servos, the following items will be required:

The recommended engine size range for the Sukhoi SU-31

1.60 ARF is 1.6 to 1.8 cu in [26 to 30cc] two-stroke glow engine,

1.8 to 2.1 cu in [30–34cc] four-stroke glow engine , or 1.9 to 2.6 cu in [32 to 43cc] gasoline engine. We recommend either the O.S.® 1.60 FX glow engine (OSMG0661) or the Fuji-Imvac™ BT-43 EI-2 43cc gasoline engine (FJIG0144). The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is also designed to accept a Great Planes 63-62-250kV RimFire™ out-runner brushless motor. All of these power systems will allow the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF to perform the 3D maneuvers it was designed for and installations are covered in this manual.

Glow Engine Requirements

The only required accessory needed to install a glow engine is a Pitts style mufﬂ er. If using the O.S. 1.60 FX glow engine, the order number for a Pitts style mufﬂ er is Bisson O.S. 1.60 FX Pitts Mufﬂ er (BISG4116).

❏ (2) Hobbico

servos (HCAM2751 for Futaba J-connector)

Pro™ HD Y-Harnesses for rudder and aileron

❏ (1) Reversing Y -Harness for ele vator servos (EMOM0027

for Futaba J-connector)

Brushless Motor Requirements

If installing the Great Planes 63-62-250kV RimFire outrunner brushless motor (GPMG4795), you will also need to purchase:

❏ Great Planes Brushless Motor Mount Extra

Large (GPMG1265)

❏ Great Planes SS100 100A Brushless ESC (GPMM1870) ❏ 9- to 12-cells (3 or 4 11.1V packs) 3200mAh

LiPo Batteries:

❏ Great Planes LiPo 11.1V 3200mAh 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0623)

❏ Great Planes Series Deans U 2 to 1 Adapter (GPMM3143) ❏ (2) Great Planes Velcro

1" x 6" (GPMQ4480)

Hook & Loop material

❏ LiPo compatible battery charger such as the Great Planes

PolyCharge4 ™ DC only 4 output LiPo charger (GPMM3015)

❏ Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox

Balancer (GPMM3160)

™

LiPo Cell

❏ Great Planes Charge Lead Banana Plugs/Deans Male

Ultra (GPMM3148) The included spinner adapter nut is designed speciﬁ cally to

ﬁ t into the tapered prop nut used on the O.S. 1.60 FX glow engine. Because of this, an adapter nut must be purchased to work with the RimFire prop adapter. You can use Tru-Turn™ Adapter Kit O.S. 1.08 (TRUQ3065) or Dave Brown X-Long Adapter Nut 3/8-24 (DAVQ6324). Both of these adapter nuts require a 10-32 spinner bolt that will need to be purchased separately. The length of the bolt will depend on the adapter nut being used. We suggest purchasing a 10-32 x 2-3/4" [70mm] spinner bolt and cutting it to the necessary length. Another option is to purchase the nut and prop washer set for the O.S. 1.60 FX engine, O.S. lock nut set 1.60 FX (OSMG6688). Using the O.S. prop nut will allow you to also use the adapter nut included with the kit as well as the included 5mm prop bolt.

Note: The total recommended voltage for the LiPo battery pack conﬁ guration is 33.3V to 44.4V. This can be done in combinations of battery packs ranging in voltage. Be sure that the capacity (mAh) of all packs used are the same value (example: do not mix 3200mAh packs with 5000mAh pac ks). The battery pack combination should be connected together using the recommended series adapter. The actual quantity of adapters needed depends on the number of packs being used. Each adapter will connect tw o packs together in series. If three 11.1V packs are joined to make 33.3V, two series adapters will be needed (one series adapter will join two

11.1V packs together to make 22.2V, and the second adapter will combine that 22.2V with the remaining 11.1V pack for a total of 33.3V). If four 11.1V packs are combined for a total of 44.4V, then three ser ies adapters will be needed. Other voltage combinations may require more or fewer adapters.

the battery tray, and securing the ESC to the ESC tray. One package of Great Planes hook and loop contains 12" [305mm] of material. We suggest purchasing at least two packages.

The recommended PolyCharge4 will charge up to four LiPo packs simultaneously. A set of charge leads is required for each pack that you plan to charge simultaneously. We suggest purchasing a set of charge leads for each battery pack used in the power system. The PolyCharge4 is a DC-only charger, so a suitable DC power source will also be required.

Gas Engine Requirements

The fuel tank included with this kit is suitable for use with glow fuel. However, if using a gas engine, the fuel tank must be converted to work with gasoline. This can be done by purchasing a Sullivan #484 Gasoline/Diesel fuel tank conversion kit (SULQ2684), two packages of Du-Bro #813 1/8" [3.2mm] I.D. fuel line barbs (DUBQ0670) and at least 3' [914mm] of gasoline compatible fuel tubing (such as Tygon). Without the fuel line barbs, some types of gascompatible fuel line may slip off the metal fuel tubes. If the Sullivan conv ersion kit is not a vailable, the Du-Bro #400 gas conversion stopper (DUBQ0675) and one package of K&S 1/8" [3.2mm] soft brass tubing (K+SR5127) could also be used to make the conversion.

Also, the hardware needed to mount a gas engine to the ﬁ rewall is not included with the kit. The hardware that is detailed in the building instructions of this manual for m ounting the Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine includes four 10-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] SHCS, four #10 ﬂ at washers, four #10 lock w ashers (split washers), and four 10-32 blind nuts. This hardware can be purchased at a hardware store, home center , or y our hobby supplier.

Propeller

Choose the propeller that is appropriate for the power system you are using. If installing the Great Planes 63-62-250kV RimFire out-runner motor, the propeller choice will depend on the battery voltage being used. A 9-cell (33.3V) pack will require a 20" x 10" prop (APCQ2200). A 12-cell (44.4V) pack will require a 18" x 8" prop (APCQ3010). If installing an O.S. 1.60 FX glow engine, we recommend using a 18" x 6" W prop (APCQ1806). If installing the Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine, we recommend using a 20" x 8" prop (APCQ2080).

The recommended hook and loop material is used to join the individual battery packs together, securing them onto

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Adhesives & Building Supplies

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are required to ﬁ nish the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF.

❏ Pro

™

30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA+ (GPMR6001) ❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007) ❏ Hobbico 60 watt soldering iron (HCAR0776)

❏ Hobby Heat

™

Micro Torch II (HCAR0755)

❏ Silver solder w/ﬂ ux (STAR2000) ❏ Petroleum jelly (Vaseline

)

❏ 3' [900mm] Standard silicone fuel tubing (GPMQ4131)

(for glow engine only)

❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] – HCAQ1000) ❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 3/32" [2.4mm], 7/64" [2.8mm],

9/64" [3.6mm] 7/32" [5.6mm], 3/16" [4.8mm]

❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up) ❏ 8-32 Tap and drill set (GPMR8103) (for glow engine only) ❏ Tap handle (GPMR8120) (for glow engine only) ❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105) ❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211) ❏ Masking tape (TOPR8018) ❏ T-pins (HCAR5150) ❏ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060) ❏ Dead Center

™

Engine Mount Hole Locator (GPMR8130)

❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510) ❏ 1" [25mm] Double-sided foam mounting tape (GPMQ4442) ❏ 220-grit Sandpaper (GPMR6185) ❏ 21st Century

sealing iron (COVR2700)

❏ 21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)

Optional Supplies & Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual and other items that will help you build the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF.

❏ Fuel ﬁ ller valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160) ❏ Fuel ﬁ ller valve for gasoline (GPMQ4161) ❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013) ❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485) ❏ Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060) ❏ Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055) ❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056) ❏ Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480) ❏ 36" Metal ruler (HCAR0475) ❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630) ❏ Hobbico Duster ❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

™

can of compressed air (HCAR5500)

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200) ❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698) ❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ #64 Rubber bands (1/4 lb [113g] box, HCAQ2020)

• There are two types of screws used in this kit:

• Self-tapping screws are designated by a number and a length. For example #6 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number six screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long.

• Machine screws are designated by a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm]

This is a number four screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long

with forty threads per inch.

• 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 epo xy. 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 Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is factory-covered with high quality heat-shrink ﬁ lm. Should repairs ever be required, this ﬁ lm can be patched with Top Flite® 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.

True Red – TOPQ0227 Metallic Blue – TOPQ0402 Cub Yellow – TOPQ0220 White – TOPQ0204 Metallic Charcoal – TOPQ0407

• 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 man ufacturing 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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Great Planes Sukhoi SU-31

1.60 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.

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

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 ESC = Electronic Speed Control

METRIC CONVERSIONS

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico® web site at www.hobbico.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.

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 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 is 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.

1" = 25.4mm (conversion factor)

1/64" = .4mm 1/32" = .8mm 1/16" = 1.6mm 3/32" = 2.4mm 1/8" = 3.2mm 5/32" = 4.0mm 3/16" = 4.8mm 1/4" = 6.4mm 3/8" = 9.5mm 1/2" = 12.7mm 5/8" = 15.9mm

3/4" = 19.0mm 1" = 25.4mm 2" = 50.8mm 3" = 76.2mm 6" = 152.4mm 12" = 304.8mm 18" = 457.2mm 21" = 533.4mm 24" = 609.6mm 30" = 762.0mm 36" = 914.4mm

Replacement Parts List

GPMA3070 Wing Kit GPMA3071 Fuse Kit GPMA3072 Tail Set GPMA3073 Cowl GPMA3074 Canopy GPMA3075 Landing Gear GPMA3076 Wheel Pants GPMA3077 Decals GPMA3078 Spinner

KIT INSPECTION

KIT CONTENTS

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete and inspect the par ts 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: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5

Fax: (217) 398-7721

E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com

KIT CONTENTS

1 Cowl 2 Canopy 3 Fuselage 4 Spinner 5 Engine Mount 6 Fuel Tank 7 Main Landing Gear (2) 8 Main Wheels (2) 9 Wheel Pants (L&R) 10 Horizontal Stabilizer 11 Elevators (L&R)

Kit Contents

12 Wing Joiner (4 pcs.) 13 Rudder 14 Tail Gear Assembly 15 Left Wing w/Aileron 16 Right Wing w/Aileron

PREPARATIONS

❏ 1. If you have not done so already , remo ve 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 8.

❏ 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 o ver sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the cov ering to the wood.

❏ ❏ 2. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or something

similar to the center of each hinge to prevent epo xy from sticking to the joints and keeping the hinge from operating smoothly.

Read all of Step 3 before proceeding.

ASSEMBLE THE WING

Install the Ailerons

Do the left wing ﬁ rst so your work matches the photos the ﬁ rst time through. You can do one wing at a time, or work on them together.

❏ ❏ 1. Test ﬁ t the included hinge points into the pre-drilled

pockets in the wing panel and aileron. The hinge points should seat into the hinge pockets all the way to the metal pin in order to minimize the gap between the aileron and wing. If necessary, use a hobby knife to enlarge the surface of the hinge pockets until the proper ﬁ t is achieved. Test ﬁ t the aileron to the wing. The hinge gap between the aileron and wing should only be wide enough to allow a small line of light through. Excessive gap will decrease the effectiveness of the ailerons.

❏ ❏ 3. Mix up a batch of 30-minute epoxy. Using a toothpick

or wood scrap, apply epoxy to the inside of each hinge point pocket. The pockets are drilled through to the open cavity in the wing and aileron, so be careful that you do not apply too much to the walls of the pockets as it will simply drip into the wing. Apply a light coat of epo xy to one end of all the hinges f or one wing panel. Insert the hinge points into the pockets in the wing panel, wiping away excess epoxy with denatured alcohol as necessary. Be sure the hinges are inserted in the correct orientation so that the direction of the hinge pin is inline with the TE of the wing. Apply epo xy to the other ends of the hinges and slide the aileron into position over the hinges. Use masking tape to hold the aileron in place while the epoxy cures.

❏ 4. Repeat these steps for the right wing panel.

Install the Ailerons Servos & Pushrods

❏ 1. Installing the servos in the wing will require the use

of one 24" [610mm] servo extension for each aileron servo. One Y-harness connector is required and is used to allow the aileron servos to plug into one slot in your receiver. You may have a computer radio that allo ws you to plug the servos into separate slots and then mix them together through the radio transmitter. If you choose to mix them together with the radio rather than a Y-harness, refer to the manual included with your particular model radio system.

❏ ❏ 2. Attach the 24" [610mm] servo extension to the

aileron servo and secure it with a piece of the included large heat-shrink tubing. Only 1-1/2" [38mm] of heat-shrink tubing is required for each connector.

❏ ❏ 5. Temporarily position the aileron servo into the servo bay.

Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the four mounting holes of the servo, drilling through the plywood mounting plate in the wing. Install and remove a servo mounting screw into each of the four holes. Apply a drop of thin CA into the holes to harden the wood. After the glue has cured, install the servo into the opening using the hardware that came with your servo. Center the servo with your radio system and install a servo arm as shown.

The next three images are used for steps 6 and 7

❏ ❏ 3. Cut the covering 1/8" [3mm] inside the opening in

the underside of the wing for the aileron servo. Use a tr im iron to seal the covering to the inner edges of the opening.

❏ ❏ 4. Tie the string from inside the opening for the aileron

servo to the end of the servo extension. Remove the tape holding the other end of the string to the wing root rib and pull the servo wire and extension through the wing.

❏ ❏ 6. The aileron has a plywood plate for mounting the control

horn. You can see the outline of it underneath the covering by

looking at the aileron at a shallow angle. If you cannot see it, the plate is approximately 1-5/8" [41mm] wide and will be inline with the servo arm. Use a T-pin to lightly puncture the covering to be sure you are over the plyw ood plate.

❏ ❏ 7. Place a hea vy duty nylon control horn on the aileron,

positioning it as shown in the sketch inline with the outer hole of the servo arm. Mark the location for the screw holes. Drill through the marks you made with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit. (Be sure you are drilling into the plywood plate mounted in the bottom of the aileron. Drill through the plate only. Do not drill all the way through the aileron!). Using a #4 x 5/8" [16mm] sheet metal screw , install and then remov e a screw into each of the holes. Harden the holes with thin CA. Install the control horn with four #4 x 5/8" [16mm] sheet metal screws.

❏ ❏ 8. Locate a .095" x 6" [2.4mm x 152mm] pushrod wire

threaded on one end. Screw a 4-40 nut, a silicone clevis retainer and a threaded metal clevis onto the threaded end of the wire 20 turns. Tighten the nut against the clevis using threadlocking compound and then install the clevis on the outer hole of the aileron control horn.

❏ ❏ 9. Be sure the aileron servo is centered and the servo

arm is parallel to the hinge line. Install a 4-40 metal solder clevis onto the outer hole in the servo arm. Center the servo arm parallel with the aileron hinge line and center the aileron. Using the solder cle vis as a guide, mark where to cut the pushrod wire. Remove the pushrod and clevis from the control horn and the solder clevis from the servo arm. Install another silicone clevis retainer onto the wire and solder the clevis to the pushrod using the “Expert Tip” that follows.

4. Put a couple of drops of oil onto a rag and wipe the joint. This will prevent rust from forming on the joint.

❏ ❏ 10. Install the pushrod and cle vises to the outer hole in

the servo arm and the outer hole in the control horn. Adjust the linkage until the aileron and the servo arm are both centered. Then, tighten the nut against the clevis with threadlocking compound. Slide the two silicone clevis retainers to the end of each clevis.

❏ 11. Repeat these steps for the right wing panel.

Join the Wing Panels

HOW T O SOLDER THE CLEVIS

TO THE PUSHROD

1. Where the pushrod will make contact with the solder clevis, roughen the wire with 220-grit sandpaper.

2. Use denatured alcohol to remove any oil residue from the pushrod wire.

Note: Soldering should be done with silver solder, not

an electrical solder.

3. Apply a couple of drops of ﬂ ux to the wire. Slide the solder clevis onto the wire. Using a small torch or soldering iron heat the wire, allowing the heated wire to heat the solder clevis. Apply a small amount of solder to the joint. When the wire and the clevis are hot enough the solder will ﬂ ow into the joint. Avoid using too much solder, causing solder to ﬂ ow out of the joint and clump. Use just enough solder to make a good joint. Allow the wire and clevis to cool.

❏ 1. Tr im the covering from the servo lead cutouts in the

top of the wing panels. Feed the aileron servo leads through the cutouts. Taping the leads to the top of the wing will keep them out of the way when joining the wing panels.

❏ 2. Glue the 5/16" x 1-1/8" [8mm x 28mm] anti-rotation

pin halfway into one of the wing panels as shown.

❏ 3. Locate the two aluminum wing joiner pieces and the

two plywood wing joiner pieces. Use 220-grit sandpaper to thoroughly roughen both sides of each aluminum wing joiner piece and remove the sanding dust from the pieces. Glue the four pieces together using 30-minute epoxy with the two aluminum pieces being on the inside of the stack. Note that the joiner has a slight “V” shape that will giv e the wing a small amount of dihedral when assembled. The point of the “V” shape is the bottom of the joiner. Wipe a w ay any excess epo xy with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol and use clamps to hold the pieces together while the epoxy cures. Be sure that the joiner pieces are glued so the edges are ﬂ ush with each other. Mark a centerline on the assembled wing joiner.

Read all of step 4 and dry ﬁ t the parts together to ensure a proper ﬁ t before gluing. Sand the wing joiner or root ribs if necessary to achieve the correct ﬁ t. The root ribs should join together tightly with no gaps.

30-minute epoxy. Thoroughly coat one half of the wing joiner with 30-minute epoxy and insert it into the joiner pocket of one wing panel with the bottom of the “V” shape pointing to the underside of the wing. Coat the root ribs of both wing panels, the protruding end of the wing joiner, and the protruding end of the anti-rotation pin with epoxy. Slide the wing panels together and use tape to hold them tight while the epoxy cures. Wipe away any excess epoxy with denatured alcohol.

❏ 5. Bevel the ends of the 3/8" x 1-3/4" [10mm x 45mm]

wing dowels. Use epoxy to glue the wing dowels in place. Position the dowels so that 5/8" [16mm] protrudes beyond the front of the wing.

❏ 4. Use a mixing stick or something similar to coat the

inside of the wing joiner pockets of both wing panels with

❏ 6. Trim the covering from the wing bolt holes in the

wing assembly.

❏ 7. Draw a centerline onto the plywood wing bolt plate as

shown. Position the wing bolt plate over the wing bolt holes on the underside of the wing and use a felt-tip pen to trace around it. (Be sure that y ou center the wing bolt plate o v er the holes or it may interfere with the installation of the belly pan.)

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. Use a sharp #11 hobby knife or use the following

“Expert Tip” to cut the covering 1/16" [1.6mm] inside of the lines you marked. Use care to cut only in the covering and not into the wood. Use alcohol to wipe a w a y the lines . Glue the wing bolt plate in position. Continue the wing bolt holes through the plate using a 1/4" [6mm] drill bit. Clamp a piece of scrap wood against the wing bolt plate to prevent tear out when drilling the holes.

ASSEMBLE THE T AIL SECTION

& LANDING GEAR

Install the Stab, Elevators & Rudder

❏ 1. Just as you did with the ailerons, prepare the hinge

point pockets in the stab and elevators by test ﬁ tting the hinges and enlarging the holes as necessary.

❏ 2. Locate the stab slots near the aft end of the fuse and

trim away the covering.

❏ 3. Temporarily install the wing onto the fuse using two

1/4-20 nylon wing bolts. The wing dowels will ﬁ t into receiving holes in the former behind the LE of the wing.

❏ 6. Use a felt-tip marker to mark the outline of the fuse onto

the top and bottom of the stab.

❏ 7. Remov e the stab from the fuse and cut the covering just

inside the lines you drew. If using a hobby knife to remove the covering, use care to cut only in the covering and not into the wood.

❏ 8. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the stab into the fuse by

coating the top and bottom of the stab in the area where you removed the covering. Slide the stab into position. Conﬁ rm that the stab is centered as was done in steps 4 and 5. Wipe away any excess epoxy with a paper towel and denatured alcohol. Do not disturb the model until the epoxy has fully hardened. With the stab secure, you can now remove the wing from the plane.

❏ 4. Test ﬁ t the stab in the fuse. Center the stab left and right

in the fuse. Stand back 15 to 20ft [5m to 6m] and check to be sure the stab is parallel to the wing. If necessary , adjust the stab saddle as needed until the stab and wing are parallel.

❏ 5. Measure the distance from the tip of each wing to the

tip of the stab. Adjust the stab until the distance from the tip of the stab to the tip of the wing is equal on both sides.

❏ 9. As you did with the ailerons, use a toothpick or wood

scrap to apply epoxy to the inside of each elevator and stab hinge point pocket. Apply a light coat of epoxy to one end of all the hinges for the elevators along with a small amount of petroleum jelly at the center of each hinge. Insert the hinge points into the pockets, wiping away excess epoxy with denatured alcohol as necessary. Be sure the hinges are inserted in the correct orientation. Apply epoxy to the other ends of the hinges and slide the elevators into place. Use masking tape to hold the elevators in position while the epoxy cures.

❏ 10. Attach the rudder in the same manner.

Install the Tail Gear Assembly

❏ 3. Measure 1-1/2" [38mm] back from the LE bevel of the

rudder and make a mark on the underside center of the rudder.

❏ 4. Use a 5/32" [4mm] drill bit to mak e a 1/2" [13mm] deep

hole at the mark. To improve accuracy, drill a smaller pilot hole at your mark ﬁ rst.

❏ 1. Trim the covering from the fuse for the tail

gear bushing.

❏ 2. Apply CA or epo xy to the outside of the bushing and insert

the bushing into the hole by gently tapping it into place until fully seated. Be sure not to get glue into the hole in the b ushing.

❏ 5. Slide the tail gear collar and nylon retainer onto the

tail gear assembly as shown. If necessary, use a 1/16"

[1.6mm] drill bit to enlarge the hole in the retainer for the tail gear guide wire.

❏ 6. Temporarily insert the tail gear assembly into the tail gear

bushing and the nylon retainer into the hole you drilled in the rudder. Center the tail gear bracket onto the fuse over the tail gear collar and mark the location of the mounting holes.

❏ 7. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes at the marks you made. Thread

a 2mm x 8mm self-tapping screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a couple drops of thin CA glue to each hole and allow it to harden.

❏ 8. Apply CA or epoxy to the nylon retainer and reinstall

the tail gear assembly into the bushing and rudder. Do not glue the nylon retainer to the guide wire. The wire must slide freely through the hole in the retainer. Gently tap the retainer in place until approximately 3/16" [4.8mm] protrudes below the bottom of the rudder. Attach the tail gear bracket using two 2mm x 8mm self-tapping screws. Thread the 3mm set screw into the tail gear collar with a drop of threadlocking compound. Cut off the e xcess guide wire 1/2" [13mm] behind the nylon retainer.

shrink tubing. Feed the servo extensions through the fuse and install the servos into the servo bays with the splines facing forward using the mounting hardware included with the servos. Be sure to harden the servo mounting screws with thin CA.

❏ 3. Attach a servo arm to each elevator servo

pointing downward.

❏ 9. Conﬁ rm that the tail wheel rotates freely. Oil the axle and

adjust the position of the 3mm wheel collar if necessary .

Install the Elevator Servos & Pushrods

❏ 1. Trim the covering from the elevator servo bays leaving

1/8" [3mm] around the opening. Use a trim iron to seal down the covering around the edges of the servo bays.

❏ 4. Just as you did with the ailerons, begin assemb ly of the

elevator pushrods using two .095" x 12" [2.4mm x 305mm] pushrod wires threaded on one end, two 4-40 clevises and two 4-40 nuts. Attach the clevis of each pushrod to the servo arms and use the pushrod as a guide to position the control horns onto the underside of the elevators. Secure the control horns to the elevators with #4 x 5/8" [16mm] sheet metal screws, being sure that you are drilling the screw holes through the plywood plates in the elevators. Do not drill all the way through the elevators! Center the elevators and use a solder clevis to mark where to cut the pushrod wires. Cut the wires, solder the clevises to the pushrods and attach the pushrods to the elevators , securing the clevises with silicone clevis retainers.

Note: The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is setup for either forw ard (pull-pull system) or aft (pushrod system) rudder servo positions in order to offset ballast that may be required to balance the airplane. The rudder servos will be installed after the power system is put in place. After the installation of the power system, the current C.G. of the plane can be checked which will determine the optimum location of the rudder servos.

❏ 2. Attach a 36" [914mm] servo extension to each elevator

servo. Secure the servo extensions with the included heat-

Assemble & Install the Main Gear

❏ 1. Use a rotary tool with a cutoff wheel or a hacksaw to cut

the two 3/16" x 2" [4.8mm x 51mm] bolt-on axles to 1-11/16" [43mm] long.

❏ 4. Position the wheels in the center of the wheel pants,

slide the wheel collars against the wheel hubs and mark the location of the screw holes in the wheel collars onto the axles. Remove the wheel pants from the gear and the wheels and collars from the axles and grind ﬂ at spots at your marks on the axles for the wheel collar screws using either a ﬁ le or a rotary tool. Reinstall the wheels and wheel collars onto the axles and secure the pants to the gear using four 4-40 x 1/2" [13mm] machine screws, four #4 ﬂ at washers, four #4 lock washers and threadlocking compound. Use four 6-32 x 1/4" [6mm] SHCS and threadlocking compound to secure the wheel collars to the axles, being sure that you tighten the screws against the ﬂ at spots on the axles. The wheels should rotate freely between the wheel collars. Oil the axles if necessary.

❏ 2. Attach the axles to the main landing gear legs with two

5/16"-24 locknuts. Slide a 3/16" [4.8mm] wheel collar onto each axle followed by a 3-1/2" [89mm] wheel and another 3/16" [4.8mm] wheel collar.

❏ 3. Temporarily install the wheel pants using four 4-40 x

1/2" [13mm] machine screws (the TE of the landing gear legs have a slight taper).

❏ 5. Attach the landing gear to the fuse using six 6-32 x 3/4"

[19mm] SHCS, six #6 ﬂ at washers, six #6 lock washers and threadlocking compound.

❏ 6. Install the landing gear cover ov er the mounting scre ws

using 8 to 10 dots of silicone sealant or Shoe Goo (other adhesives could also be used). Wipe away any excess sealant with a dry paper towel.

The following sections contain detailed instructions for mounting an O.S.® 1.60 FX two-stroke glow engine, FujiImvac BT-43 EI-2 gasoline engine, and the Great Planes RimFire 63-62-250kV out-runner brushless motor. Each speciﬁ c installation only contains information relevant to that particular power system so you can skip directly to the section that matches your choice of power systems.

GLOW ENGINE INSTALLATION

Mount the Engine

The installation of a brand of glow engine other than the O.S. 1.60 FX should be similar to the procedure listed below for the O .S. model. A template is pr ovided on page 51 for installing the included Great Planes 1.20 to 1.80 adjustable nylon engine mount.

❏ 3. Use a 7/32" [5.6mm] bit to drill holes at the four marks

you made on the ﬁ rewall. To reduce tear-out, make pilot holes with a smaller bit ﬁ rst, then ﬁ nish the holes with the 7/32" [5.6mm] bit. Insert a 8-32 blind nut into the back of each hole. Use a 8-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] SHCS and a few #8 ﬂ at washers to draw the blind nuts tight against the back of the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 1. Cut the template out on page 51 for mounting the O.S.

1.60 FX glow engine. Use tape or spray adhesive to hold the glow engine mount template to the ﬁ rewall. Align the vertical and horizontal lines on the template with the embossed lines on the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 2. Use a large T-pin or a wire shar pened on the end to

transfer each bolt hole mark on the template into the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 4. Loosely install the 1.20 to 1.80 nylon engine mount

to the ﬁ rewall using four 8-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] SHCS, four #8 ﬂ at washers, four #8 lock washers and threadlocking compound. The engine mount should be oriented so that the engine head will be on the right side of the plane.

❏ 8. Attach a Pitts-style mufﬂ er to the engine.

❏ 5. Fit the engine onto the mount and slide the engine mount

halves together against the engine crankcase. Remove the engine and tighten the engine mount screws. Reposition the engine onto the mount so that the front of the drive washer is 6-3/4" [171mm] from the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 6. Use a Great Planes Engine Hole Locator or a small drill

bit to mark the engine mounting holes into the engine mount.

Install the Fuel Tank (Glow Engine)

❏ 1. Locate the fuel tank. The hardware needed for the fuel

tank assembly is inside the tank. Remove the stopper and shake out the contents.

❏ 2. The fuel system f or the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF utiliz es

a three line system. There is a ﬁ ll line, carb line, and vent line (to mufﬂ er). The ﬁ ll line will allow fueling without

removing the cowl. The ﬁ ll line is optional and may be omitted if desired, or an optional Great Planes Easy Fueler™ Valve (not included) can be installed.

❏ 7. Drill 9/64" [3.6mm] holes at the marks you made and

thread the holes using a 8-32 tap and handle. Install the engine onto the mount using four 8-32 x 1" [25mm] SHCS, four #8 ﬂ at washers and four #8 lock washers.

❏ 3. Use a hobby knife to open up the sealed third hole in

the rubber stopper. Slide the three aluminum fuel tubes into the rubber stopper so that the tubes extend beyond the front of the stopper by 1/2" [13mm]. If you are installing a fueler valve or are omitting the ﬁ ll line, install only two tubes into the stopper (one short tube and one long tube) leaving the third hole in the stopper sealed.

❏ 4. Install the metal plates on the front and back of the

stopper and loosely thread the 3mm x 25mm Phillips screw through the plates. Attach a silicone fuel line 6" [152mm] in length to each of the two short tubes in the stopper. The long tube (vent line) should be bent upward as shown. Install the included fuel clunks onto the fuel lines.

❏ 5. Insert the stopper into the tank and check the length

of the carb line and ﬁ ll lines. The clunks should almost reach the back of the tank when the stopper is in place but be able to move around freely inside the tank. Adjust the length of the fuel line until the proper length has been reached. The vent line should almost reach the top of the tank. Once you are satisﬁ ed with the ﬁ t, secure the stopper using the Phillips screw in the stopper assembly. Be careful not to overtighten as the fuel tank could split.

❏ 6. Cut a piece of 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber (not included)

to ﬁ t the fuel tank mounting tray. Glue it in place using a few drops of medium or thick CA. Insert the fuel tank into the fuse as shown with the neck of the tank pushed as far forward in the hole in the fuse as it will ﬁ t. Secure the fuel tank to the mounting tray using the included long tie-straps. Align the tie-straps with the two grooves in the fuel tank. Attach a length of fuel tubing approximately 9" [229mm] long to each of the fuel tank tubes.

❏ 7. Cut the fuel tubing on the vent and carb line to the

necessary length and connect them to the engine. Leav e the ﬁ ll line fuel tubing uncut and hanging free.

Install the Throttle Servo (Glow Engine)

❏ 1. Place the forward radio tray onto the mounting rail

and blocks in the location shown. Place the glow engine fuel tank brace over the radio tray and push it up against the back of the fuel tank. (There is another fuel tank brace included with the kit to be used for gas engine installation. Be sure you are using the same brace shown in the picture above.) Drill pilot holes in each of the four corners of the radio tray (also passing through the fuel tank brace) using a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit. Be sure you are drilling into the middle of the mounting rail and blocks.

❏ 2. Insert and remove a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping

screw into each of the four holes. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole in order to harden the wood. Attach the forward radio tray and fuel tank brace using four #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws and four #2 ﬂ at washers.

with the servo to mount it to the radio tray. Be sure to reinforce the mounting holes with thin CA glue. A 6" [152mm] servo extension may be needed depending on the receiv er location.

❏ 3. Determine the location of the throttle pushrod based

on the position of the throttle arm on the carburetor. Drill a hole through the ﬁ rewall for the throttle pushrod using a long 3/16" [4.8mm] drill bit. If you do not have a long drill bit, you may need to temporarily remove the engine in order to drill the hole. Before drilling, conﬁ rm that your hole will not pass through the fuel tank! If you are unsure, measure the shape of the tank and lightly draw the outline of the tank shape onto the ﬁ rewall using the location of the fuel tank neck hole as a centering guide.

❏ 4. Temporarily inser t the outer pushrod tube into the hole

you drilled in the ﬁ rewall (it does not need to be cut to length yet). Use the outer pushrod tube as a guide to determine the placement of the throttle servo in the radio tray as shown by positioning the tube as straight as possible (When aligning the pushrod tube through the hole in the ﬁ rewall, be sure to consider that the throttle pushrod will need to be bent in order to clear the mufﬂ er). When satisﬁ ed, use the hardware included

❏ 5. Thread a nylon clevis onto the .075" x 36" [1.85mm x

914mm] pushrod 20 complete turns. Insert the pushrod through the hole in the ﬁ rewall from the back and temporarily connect the clevis to the throttle servo arm. Install a brass screw-lock pushrod connector onto the carburetor throttle arm with a screw-lock pushrod connector retainer . Loosely thread a 4-40 x 1/8" [3mm] SHCS into the screw-lock pushrod connector.

❏ 6. Make the necessary bends in the pushrod as shown so

that it will not contact any part of the engine or mufﬂ er when opening and closing the throttle. Being sure that the throttle servo arm is positioned so that the servo will fully open and close the carb, cut the pushrod to length allowing appro ximately 1/4" [6mm] beyond the screw-loc k pushrod connector.

❏ 7. When satisﬁ ed with the pushrod shape and length,

remove the clevis from the pushrod and take the pushrod out of the plane. Slide the outer pushrod tube through the hole in the ﬁ rewall. Mark and cut the pushrod tube to length. Use sandpaper to scuff the pushrod where it will be glued into the hole in the ﬁ rewall. Reinstall the throttle pushrod into the outer pushrod tube and thread the clevis back onto the pushrod end. Put a silicone clevis retainer over the clevis and connect the clevis to the throttle servo arm. Clip the plywood pushrod tube support onto the outer pushrod tube and glue it to the front of the second former as shown. (If necessary , cut or sand the support shorter to ﬁ t properly.) Add a couple drops of glue where the support clips to the tube to secure it in place.

GAS ENGINE INSTALLATION

Mount the Engine

A template is provided on page 51 for mounting the Fuji-Imv ac BT-43 EI-2 engine and pictures taken show the installation of this model gas engine. If another model engine is used, the engine manufacturer may provide a mounting template to use on the ﬁ rewall. The gas engine installation will be similar for most model engines.

Because of the possibility of ignition engines creating radio noise, we use a plastic pushrod for the throttle servo installation. This isolates the engine and an y radio noise from the servos. This is an IMPOR T ANT selection, and we cannot recommend strongly enough that you DO NOT change this pushrod to a metal pushrod. All radio equipment – including throttle servo, receiver battery, electronic kill switch, receiver on/off switch, servo leads – should be mounted at least 10" [254mm] away from anything related to the ignition/gasoline engine. Any material used between the engine and the radio equipment is STRONGLY recommended to be plastic, nylon, or otherwise non-metallic and nonconductive to minimize ignition noise transmission.

❏ 1. Cut the template out on page 51 for mounting the

Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine. Use tape or spray adhesive to hold the template to the ﬁ rewall. Align the vertical and horizontal lines on the template with the embossed lines on the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 2. Use a large T-pin or a wire shar pened on the end to

transfer each bolt hole mark on the template into the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 3. Measure the outer diameter of the boss on the blind nuts

you will use to mount the engine (gasoline engine mounting hardware is not included). The 10-32 blind nuts we use will require a 1/4" [6mm] bit. Use the appropriate bit for your hardware to drill holes at the four marks you made on the ﬁ rewall. To reduce tear-out, make pilot holes with a smaller bit ﬁ rst, then ﬁ nish the holes with the correct diameter bit. Insert a 10-32 blind nut into the back of each hole. Use a 10-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] SHCS and a few #10 ﬂ at washers to draw the blind nuts tight against the back of the ﬁ rewall.

four 10-32 x 1-1/4" [32mm] (not included) SHCS, four #10 ﬂ at washers (not included), four #10 lock washers (not included), and threadlocking compound. The distance from the ﬁ rewall to the front of the drive washer is 6-3/4" [171mm] when installing the Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine. This distance may vary slightly with other engine models. If installing another model engine, effort should be made to maintain a similar drive washer distance to the ﬁ rewall.

Install the Fuel Tank (Gas Engine)

The fuel line and stopper included with the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is NOT gasoline safe. Gasoline will degrade the rubber stopper and silicone fuel tubing supplied. You will need to purchase a gasoline safe stopper and gasoline safe tubing to use for the fuel system on this model. The Sullivan #484 Gasoline/Diesel fuel tank conversion kit (SULQ2684) works well for this.

❏ 1. Remove the stopper from the included fuel tank and

replace it with a gas safe stopper as mentioned above.

❏ 2. Assemb le the stopper using Du-Bro #813 1/8" [3.2mm]

I.D. fuel line barbs and 1/8" [3.2mm] brass tubing as shown. Solder the barbs to the brass tubing but be careful not to overheat the assembly as it could cause damage to the rubber stopper.

❏ 4. Attach the ball stud to the throttle arm on the carburetor

with a 2-56 nylon lock nut. Mount the engine inverted using

ASSEMBLING A GASOLINE SAFE STOPPER

1. Cut one of the tw o brass tubes included with the Sullivan conversion kit in half (appro ximately 1-3/4" [45mm] pieces). Prepare the tubes for solder by scufﬁ ng up the ends with sandpaper and cleaning them with alcohol.

2. Solder a Du-Bro fuel line barb onto one end of each of

the three tubes. (Be sure that the barbs are positioned in the correct direction on the tubes so that they will secure the fuel tubing when ﬁ tted in place.) Slide the barbs in place and apply a small amount of solder to the joints between the barbs and the tubes. Solder will wick into the joints securing them in place. Be careful not to use too much solder as it could obstruct fuel ﬂ ow inside the tubes.

Note: The item used in the picture abo v e to hold the tubes is the X-Acto Extra Hands Double Clip (XACR4214).

3. Assemb le the stopper by inserting the tubes through the

large stopper plate, stopper and then the small stopper plate. Join the plates and stopper together using the screw that came with the conversion kit.

❏ 4. Insert the stopper into the tank and check the length

of the carb line and ﬁ ll lines. The clunks should almost reach the back of the tank when the stopper is in place but be able to move around freely inside the tank. Adjust the length of the fuel line until the proper length has been reached. The vent line should almost reach the top of the tank. Once you are satisﬁ ed with the ﬁ t, secure the stopper by tightening the screw in the stopper assembly. Be careful not to overtighten as the fuel tank could split.

4. Solder a barb onto the other end of each short brass tube.

❏ 3. Carefully bend the tubes that exit the stopper as shown.

Be sure that the lines do not have kinks at the bends. Attach a gasoline compatible fuel line such as Tygon 6" [152mm] in length to each of the two short tubes in the stopper. The long tube (vent line) should be bent upward. Install the included fuel clunks onto the fuel lines.

❏ 5. Measure and mark 2" [51mm] from the bottom and 1/2"

[13mm] from the back of each side of the motor mount box and drill a 9/32" [7.1mm] hole at your marks. Mak e a mark in the center of the underside of the mounting box 1/2" [13mm] from the aft end and drill another 9/32" [7.1mm] hole.

❏ 6. Attach approximately 10" [254mm] of gas compatible

fuel line to the ﬁ ll and carb lines. A shorter piece approximately 5" [127mm] long can be attached to the vent line.

❏ 10. Cut the fuel tubing on the carb line to the necessary

length and connect it to the carburetor . Leave the ﬁ ll line fuel tubing uncut and hanging free.

❏ 11. Cut or sand the included 1-1/2" x 1/4" x 2" [38mm x

6mm x 51mm] balsa block to ﬁ t between the front of the fuel tank and the back of the ﬁ rewall. The purpose of the piece is to prevent the fuel tank from sliding forward against the ﬁ rewall and possibly damaging the fuel lines. Be sure the piece ﬁ ts snugly. When satisﬁ ed with the ﬁ t, glue the piece in place.

❏ 7. Cut a piece of 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber (not included)

to ﬁ t the fuel tank mounting tray. Glue it in place using a few drops of medium or thick CA. Insert the fuel tank into the fuse as shown and feed the ﬁ ll and carb lines through the holes in the sides of the mounting box. The vent line will pass through the hole in the underside of the box. Loosely secure the fuel tank to the mounting tray using the included tie-straps. Align the tie-straps with the two groov es in the fuel tank.

❏ 8. Position the gas engine fuel tank brace in the location

shown. (There is another fuel tank brace included with the kit to be used for a glow engine installation. Be sure you are using the same brace shown in the picture above.) Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the brace on each end and into the mounting blocks. Insert and remove a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screw into each of the two holes. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Attach the fuel tank brace using two #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws and two #2 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 9. Slide the back of the tank up against the fuel tank brace

and draw the tie-straps tight against the tank.

Install the Ignition Equipment (Gas Engine)

❏ 1. Locate the plywood auxiliary battery tray.

❏ 2. Make two straps by overlapping the mating ends of

the included non-adhesive hook and loop material by approximately 1" [25mm]. The total lengths of the straps y ou make will be determined by the size of your ignition module and the ignition module battery pack you will be using.

❏ 3. Cut a piece of 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber (not included) to

line the bottom of the auxiliary battery tray . Position the ignition module and ignition module battery pack onto the tray and use the straps you made to secure them to the tra y. Wrap a rubber band tightly around the components. Note: Different models

of engines may require an alternative method of mounting the ignition equipment depending on the size of the components, length of wires and engine manufacturer recommendations.

❏ 4. Connect the spark plug wire to the engine, g round wire

to the engine crankcase (see the engine manual), and the ignition module wire lead to the pick up sensor. Place the auxiliary battery tray over the opening on the fuse just above the fuel tank. Mark the position of the four mounting holes in the tray onto the fuse and use a 3/32" [2.4mm] bit to drill pilot holes at your marks. Thread a #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw into each hole and remove it. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Attach the tray to the fuse using four #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and four #4 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 6. Use the mounting plates from your switch and charge

jack as a template to cut out the necessary openings in the mount. Attach the mount to the ﬁ rewall in the location shown using two #4 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws and two #4 ﬂ at washers. Be sure to apply some thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Attach the switch and charge jack to the mount and connect all of the leads. Use heat-shrink tubing to secure the connections. When attaching the co wl near the end of the building instructions, it will need to be cut open around these components in order to access them.

Install the Throttle Servo (Gas Engine)

Since most gas engine installations will require the rudder servos to be installed in the aft location to minimize additional ballast when balancing the model, the throttle servo can be installed into one of the unused forward rudder servo bays. If you determine that your engine installation requires the rudder servos to be installed in the forward position, an alternative throttle servo tray is provided. The tray can be glued or screwed on either side of the rudder servo bays. One side of the tray will need to be installed over the radio tray. (The installation of the forward radio tray is shown on page 20.) The additional shim shown in the picture is used to level the throttle tra y at the other end. The remainder of the throttle servo installation steps will still apply.

❏ 5. An ignition module switch and charge jack mount

has been provided to conveniently mount them to the ﬁ rewall. Glue the parts together as shown.

❏ 1. Place y our throttle servo into the aft rudder servo bay as

shown. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes to mount the ser vo. Install the servo into the servo bay using the hardware included with

the servo. Be sure to apply thin CA to the holes to harden the wood. Center the servo with your radio system (depending on the location of the receiver , a 6" [152mm] servo extension may be needed).

❏ 2. Determine the location of the throttle pushrod based

Use the following four images for steps 4 and 5.

❏ 3. Insert the outer pushrod tube through the hole in the

ﬁ rewall and slide it through the formers in the fuse toward the servo arm on your throttle servo. Mark and cut the pushrod tube to the necessary length. Use sandpaper to scuff the tube where it will be glued to the ﬁ rewall and the throttle pushrod tube support. Reinstall the tube into the plane and glue the forward end to the ﬁ rewall. Clip the throttle pushrod tube support near the aft end of the tube. Use the pushrod tube support to align the outer pushrod tube level with the throttle servo arm. Glue the pushrod tube support to the fuse former as shown and glue the tube to the support.

❏ 4. Thread the 2-56 x 1" [25mm] threaded rod appro ximately

3/8" [9.5mm] into one end of the nylon inner pushrod. Thread a nylon ball link onto the other end of the threaded rod. Insert the inner pushrod into the outer pushrod tube and connect the ball link onto the carburetor throttle arm. Mark where the inner pushrod will need to be cut to length.

❏ 5. Remove the inner pushrod tube and cut it to length at

the mark you made and re-install it. Clip the ball link onto the carburetor throttle arm. Cut the included .075" x 36" [1.85mm x 914mm] pushrod to approximately 6" [152mm] long to make it easy to work with inside the fuse. (Be sure that the piece you cut off includes the threaded end.) Thread the 6" [152mm] piece of pushrod into the nylon inner pushrod approximately 1/2" [13mm]. Mark where the 6" [152mm] pushrod needs to be bent in order to align with the outer hole of the throttle servo arm. (Be sure that the arm is positioned so it will open and close the carburetor correctly when the pushrod is installed.) Bend the 6" [152mm] pushrod at the

mark you made and cut off the excess wire 1/4" [6mm] beyond the bend. Enlarge the outer hole of the throttle servo arm using a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Connect the pushrod to the throttle servo using a nylon FasLink. T est the oper ation of the throttle servo and make any necessary adjustments to the pushrod length.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR INSTALLATION

Mount the Motor

The installation of a brand of out-runner brushless motor other than the Great Planes RimFire 63-62-250kV should be similar to the procedure listed below for the Great Planes model. Be sure to maintain the correct prop adapter distance from the ﬁ rewall regardless of which motor you choose to install. A template is provided on page 51 for installing the Great Planes Extra Large Brushless Motor mount.

❏ 1. Cut the template out on page 51 for mounting the Great

Planes Extra Large Brushless Mount. Use tape or spray adhesive to hold the template to the ﬁ rewall. Align the vertical and horizontal lines on the template with the embossed lines on the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 3. Use a 7/32" [5.6mm] bit to drill holes at the four marks

you made on the ﬁ rewall. To reduce tear-out, make pilot holes with a smaller bit ﬁ rst, then ﬁ nish the holes with the 7/32" [5.6mm] bit. Insert a 8-32 blind nut into the bac k of each hole. Use a 8-32 x 1" [25mm] SHCS and a few #8 ﬂ at washers to draw the blind nuts tight against the back of the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 2. Use a large T-pin or a wire shar pened on the end to

transfer each bolt hole mark on the template into the ﬁ rewall.

❏ 4. Attach the motor to the brushless motor mount using

four 3mm x 8mm machine screws, four 3mm ﬂ at washers, and threadlocking compound. You may need to remove the brass collar to ﬁ t the motor to the mount. Be sure and replace the collar after the motor is installed. If you haven’t done so already , install the prop adapter to the front of the motor using the hardware included with the motor and threadlocking compound.

❏ 5. Attach the mount to the ﬁ rewall using four 8-32 x 1" [25mm]

SHCS, four #8 ﬂ at washers and four #8 lock washers .

❏ 6. Loosen the motor mount assembly screws and adjust

the mount halves so that the face of the prop washer is 6-3/4" [171mm] from the ﬁ rewall. Use threadlocker and securely tighten all screws.

❏ 2. Glue the brushless battery tray cross brace to the

underside of the tray as shown. Make note of the location of the alignment key on the tray to determine the underside.

❏ 3. Glue the brushless battery tray support piece in the

location shown in the fuse.

Install the Battery & ESC Trays

❏ 1. Locate the three brushless battery tray pieces.

❏ 4. Apply a bead of epoxy or thick CA onto the top edge

and tab of the support piece. Fit the brushless battery tray into the fuse with the alignment key in the cutout on the left side of the ﬁ rst former. The tab on the support piece ﬁ ts into the slot at the aft end of the tray. From the included triangle stock, cut two pieces 5-3/4" [146mm] long and glue them along the sides of the tray as shown. Thoroughly glue the tray into the fuse by running a bead of epoxy or thick CA around the perimeter. Conﬁ rm that the tray is securely glued in place.

❏ 5. Brush on a coat of epoxy down the center of the battery

tray . The epo xy will provide a smooth surface for self-adhesiv e hook and loop material (not included). Make a battery strap out of the included non-adhesive hook and loop material by overlapping two halves by 2" [51mm]. The total length of the battery strap will be determined by the size and quantity of the LiPo packs you are using. We suggest starting out with a battery strap that is approximately 18" [457mm] long. This length will accommodate the largest batteries that will ﬁ t into the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF. Feed the battery strap through the strap holes in the battery tray. When it is time to install the batteries into the plane, apply a strip of self-adhesive hook and loop material to the bottom of the battery packs and to the battery tray. Slide the batteries in place and use the battery strap to hold them securely.

❏ 7. Glue the blind nut spacers to the rectangular mounting

plates. Be sure that the holes in the spacers align with the holes in the mounting plates.

❏ 8. Fit the tabs on the side pieces into the slots in the

tray and glue them in place. Cut two small pieces from the triangle stock and glue them in place as shown.

IMPORTANT: Before experimenting with different battery combinations and connecting multiple battery packs with adapter plugs, refer to the “Battery Precautions” on page 41.

❏ 6. Locate the plywood ESC tray pieces.

❏ 9. Apply a coating of epoxy to the underside of the ESC

tray. The epoxy will improve the adhesion of the hook and

loop material (not included). When the epoxy has cured completely, attach your ESC to the underside of the ESC tray with self-adhesive hook and loop material. Depending on the size of the ESC you are using, it can be properly secured to the tray using a rubber band or the included 8" [200mm] tie straps.

INSTALL THE RUDDER SERVOS

These two sections refer to installing the rudder servos in the forward position utilizing a pull-pull system and installing them in the aft position utilizing pushrods. If you have not yet decided which installation is necessary for your power system, consider the following for each type:

Glow Engine

The weight of the O.S. 1.60 FX and Pitts mufﬂ er (39 oz [1106g]) requires that the rudder servos be installed in the forward position utilizing a pull-pull rudder system to balance the airplane at the recommended C.G. with the addition of extra ballast at the nose of the plane. If you are installing an engine that is heavier than the 1.60 FX, you may wish to check the current C.G. of the plane before proceeding.

Gas Engine

Most gas engine installations (including the Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine) will require the rudder servos to be installed in the aft position. We suggest checking the balance before you proceed with the rudder servo installation if you are installing a lighter engine. The Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 weighs 64 oz [1814g] with the mufﬂ er, EI unit, prop bolt and prop washer (also consider the weight of the ignition battery pack you will be using).

❏ 10. Insert a 4-40 blind nut into each of the four blind nut

spacers. Attach the ESC tray to the aluminum brushless mount using four 4-40 x 3/4" [19mm] machine screws, four #4 ﬂ at washers and threadlocking compound. The screws should pass through the ESC tray side pieces, through a set of unused holes in the aluminum motor mount and into the blind nuts in the mounting plates. If the aluminum blocks used to hold the two aluminum motor mount halves together interfere with the plywood ESC mounting plates, you may need to remove the screws holding the mount together and move the aluminum blocks further away from the center.

Brushless Motor

Battery size and voltage will ultimately determine the optimum rudder servo position. However, the battery conﬁ gurations that we have tested result in a slightly tail heavy model, requiring that the rudder servos be installed in the forward position. We suggest checking the balance of the airplane at this time before proceeding with the rudder servo installation.

Checking the Current Balance of the Model

Check the balance of the model by installing the wing onto the fuse, sliding the cowl over the ﬁ rewall and taping it in place (it’s okay if the cowl is not on the fuse straight), and installing your propeller and spinner. These components only need to be loosely installed and are only for checking balance of the plane. Follow the balancing procedure described on page 43 of this manual. With the C.G. set at the recommended distance, experiment with the rudder servos by placing them both into the forward rudder servo tray, as well as resting them on the tail of the plane near the LE of the stab. The receiver battery pack should also be placed either onto the radio tray near the throttle servo , or above the position of the fuel tank.

Install the Rudder Servos in the

Forward Position

This is the recommended installation for glow engines.

❏ 1. Secure a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each rudder

servo. P osition the rudder servos into the servo tray as shown and mark the mounting hole locations. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole through the mounting holes of each servo. Install and remove a mounting screw from each hole and apply a couple drops of thin CA into the holes to harden the wood. After the glue has hardened, install the servos into the openings with the servo splines towards the front of the plane using the hardware that came with your servos. Center the servos using your radio system.

through the rudder. Using a #4 x 5/8" [16mm] self-tapping screw , install and then remove a scre w into each of the holes. Harden the holes with thin CA. Install the control horns with eight #4 x 5/8" [16mm] self-tapping screws.

❏ 2. Trim the covering from the rudder cable exit slots that

are located beneath the stab.

❏ 3. Locate the plywood mounting plates beneath the

covering on both sides of the rudder. Place a heavy duty nylon control horn on each side of the rudder, positioning them as shown, aligning them with the slots for the rudder cables. Mark the location for the screw holes. Drill through the marks you made with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit. Be sure you are drilling through the plate only! Do not drill all the way

❏ 4. Cut the provided pull-pull cable into two equal lengths.

Thread a 4-40 nut and a silicone clevis retainer onto each of the four brass pull-pull couplers and then thread the couplers into four 4-40 metal clevises tw elv e complete turns. Feed only one end of each cable through the hole in a brass coupler 1-1/4" [32mm] and fold it back onto itself. Slide a swage onto the cable over the short end, loop the shor t end around through the swage again and crimp the swage onto the cables using heavy duty pliers. The other ends of the cables will be connected to the clevises after being installed into the fuse.

❏ 5. Slide a 3" [76mm] piece of 1/16" [1.6mm] heat-shrink

tubing onto each pull-pull cable. Use heat to shrink the tubing onto the cable. Slide the heat-shrink tubing down the cable so that the center of the tubing is 17-1/4" [438mm] from the clevis pin. Apply a drop of medium CA glue to both ends of each piece of tubing to secure it in place. The heat-shrink tubing will prevent the metal cables from directly contacting each other where they cross inside the fuse which could cause radio interference.

❏ 6. Feed the pull-pull cables through the slots in the fuse.

Be sure that the other ends make it through the fuse to the rudder servos. Tur ning the airplane up on its nose and feeding the cable ends into the fuse makes this task easier. Connect the clevises on the cables to the outer holes in the rudder control horns.

The next two images are used for steps 8 and 9

Use these images for steps 7 and 8

❏ 8. Using eight 2-56 x 3/8" [9.5mm] machine screws, eight

#2 ﬂ at washers, and threadlocking compound, attach the servo extensions to the servo wheels. With a cut-off wheel, cut off the ends of the screws that protrude from underneath the servo extensions.

❏ 9. Drill out the inner holes of both servo extensions using a

7/64" [2.8mm] bit. Do not use any other size drill bit for this step. Secure a heavy duty screw-lock pushrod connector to each

arm in the holes you just drilled out with a metal retainer. Using a cut-off wheel, cut two 4-40 x 1/4" [6mm] SHCS to approximately 5/32" [4mm] long (cut off approximately three threads). Cutting these screws will prevent the screw heads from contacting the fuse former in front of the rudder servos. Loosely thread these two 4-40 SHCS into the screw-lock pushrod connectors on one of the servo arm extensions. Thread another two 4-40 x 1/4" [6mm] SHCS (uncut) into the screw-lock pushrod connectors on the other servo arm extension.

❏ 7. Two 3-7/8" [98mm] double aluminum servo arm

extensions are included for the rudder pull-pull system.

Locate the large servo wheels included with the rudder servos (different model servos may come with servo wheels that are larger or smaller than the ones shown in the picture. The actual size of the servo wheels being used is not critical). Fit the aluminum servo extensions to the undersides of the servo wheels and tape them in place. Use a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit to drill through the four mounting holes in the servo extensions into the plastic servo wheels. Remove the servo wheels from the extensions and enlarge the holes with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit.

❏ 10. With the servos centered using the radio and trims, align

the servo arms perpendicular with the fuse center line and parallel with each other and secure them to the rudder servos with the servo arm screws. The servo arm extension that contains the 4-40 SHCS you cut down in step 8 should be installed on

the forward rudder servo. Inser t the two rudder ser vo joiner rods (included with the kit) through the screw-lock pushrod connectors as shown and tighten all the 4-40 SHCS.

Install the Rudder Servos in the Aft Position

This is the recommended installation for gas engines.

❏ 1. Trim the covering from the aft rudder servo ba ys leaving

1/8" [3mm] around the opening. Use a trim iron to seal down the covering around the edges of the servo bays.

❏ 11. Connect the other two clevis ends with the brass

couplers installed onto the outer holes of the aft rudder servo extension. Chec k to be sure that the ele vator servo wires are not entangled in the rudder pull-pull cables. Slide a swage onto the ends of the pull-pull cables inside the fuse. Mov e the rudder to the neutral position and feed the ends of the cables through the holes in the brass couplers. The pull-pull cables will cross each other inside the fuse. With both pull-pull cables having tension and the rudder in the neutral position, crimp the swages onto the cable ends to secure them as you did in step 4. You can ﬁ ne-tune the tension on the lines by threading the clevises up or down on the couplers until satisﬁ ed. Then, tighten the 4-40 nuts against the clevises and slide the silicone clevis retainers over the clevises. Be sure that the rudder is in the neutral position when the cables are both tight and the rudder servos are perpendicular to the fuse. Note: If the rudder servo extensions contact the throttle

servo when using the forward radio tray, move the throttle servo all the way to the side of the tray and ﬂ ip the position of the throttle servo arm.

❏ 2. Locate the plywood mounting plates beneath the

covering on both sides of the rudder. Place a heavy duty nylon control horn on each side of the rudder, positioning them as shown. To avoid putting stress on the clevis pins, tilt the control horns at a slight downward angle (approximately 2 to 3 degrees). Mark the location for the screw holes. Drill through the marks you made with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill bit. Be sure you are drilling through the plate only! Do not drill all the way through the rudder. Using a #4 x 5/8" [16mm] self-tapping screw , install and then remov e a screw into each of the holes. Harden the holes with thin CA. Install the control horns with eight #4 x 5/8" [16mm] self-tapping screws.

❏ 3. Attach a 36" [914mm] servo extension to each rudder

servo. Secure the servo extensions with the included heatshrink tubing. Feed the servo extensions through the fuse and install the servos into the servo bays with the splines

facing forw ard using the mounting hardware included with the servos. Be sure to harden the servo mounting screws with thin CA. Attach the servo arms pointing down as shown.

❏ 4. Assemble the rudder pushrods using two .095" x 12"

[2.4mm x 305mm] pushrod wires threaded on one end, two 4-40 clevises, two 4-40 nuts, two solder clevises, and four silicone clevis retainers. Just as you did with the aileron and elevator pushrods, mark and cut the pushrods to length, solder the clevises to the pushrods, and attach the pushrods to the elevators. Secure the clevises with silicone clevis retainers. Be sure to use threadlocking compound on the pushrod threads.

❏ 1. If weight is needed at the nose of the model for balancing

purposes, install the auxiliary battery tray. Make a str ap by overlapping the mating ends of the included non-adhesive hook and loop material by approximately 1" [25mm]. The total length of the strap you make will be determined by the size of the receiver battery pack you will be using. Loop the strap through the slots in the tray that best match the width of the battery pack. Place the auxiliary battery tray over the opening on the fuse behind the motor mounting box. Mark the position of the four mounting holes in the tray onto the fuse and use a 3/32" [2.4mm] bit to drill pilot holes at your marks. Thread a #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw into each hole and remove it. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Attach the tray to the fuse using four #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and four #4 ﬂ at washers. Cut a piece of 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber (not included) to match the shape of the battery pack and use the hook and loop strap to secure the battery pack in place on the tray.

FINISH THE MODEL

Install the Radio System

Note: There are multiple locations to install the receiver and

receiver battery pack depending on the power system being used and the ballast needed to balance the airplane at the recommended point. A plyw ood auxiliary battery tray is included and can be secured to the top of the motor mounting box. A forward and aft radio tra y are also provided that will accommodate both components. Read through the radio installation steps and choose the location that best suits your setup.

❏ 2. If you have installed a brushless motor or gas engine,

you will need to install the aft radio tray. Position the tray in place as shown and use a 1/16" [1.6mm] drill bit to drill four holes through the two aft radio tray mounting blocks and the balsa rail along the fuse former. Thread a #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screw into each hole and remove it. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Secure the tray with f our #2 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws and four #2 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 3. Make straps from the included hook and loop material f or

your receiver and receiv er battery pack. Wrap the components in 1/4" [6mm] foam rubber and strap them to the aft radio tray. If you installed a brushless motor with the rudder servos in the forward position, the receiver and receiver battery pack will need to be installed on the top of the aft radio tray as shown in the second picture. Depending on the height of the components you are using, you may not have enough space between the tray and the underside of the canopy hatch to completely wrap the components in foam rubber. Because a brushless motor has very little vibration, foam rubber around the tops of the components is not necessary .

❏ 5. With the radio component locations determined,

connect the servos to the receiver. If you do not plan to use a programmable radio that is capable of mixing, a Y-har ness will be required for the aileron and rudder servos. The ele vator servos will require a reversing Y-harness. (A reversing Y-har ness will reverse the direction of one of the servos.) Cut small pieces from a rubber band to make straps that will hold the servo leads away from the pull-pull cables.

❏ 6. Feed the receiver antenna around the rudder servos (if

applicable), and into the receiver antenna tube. Use a piece of tape around the tube and antenna to prevent it from f alling out.

❏ 4. If you have installed a glow engine, the receiver battery

pack can be mounted either on the auxiliary battery tray (shown in step 1) or on the forward radio tra y. The O.S . 1.60 FX engine requires additional weight at the nose of the airplane, so only the receiver is installed on the forward radio tray in our setup shown here. Be sure that the location of the receiver will not interfere with the rudder servo arm extensions.

❏ 7. Install your receiver switch and charge jack (not

included) onto the side of the fuse in an open area. Be sure that the location you choose will not interfere with the pullpull cables or throttle pushrod.

Install the Cowl

❏ 1. In order to ﬁ t the cowl in place, the mufﬂ er will need

to be removed from the engine. Before you unbolt it, make a paper template for the location of the exhaust outlets, glow plugs, needle valve, and any other engine accessories needed and tape them to the fuse.

Note: The next few steps can be completed by taping the cowl into position while marking the locations for the cowl mounting blocks. However, having a helper on hand will make the job go quicker and much easier.

❏ 2. Locate the seven cowl alignment disks. Carefully glue

them together so that the perimeter of the large disks are ﬂ ush and the circular cutouts in the small disks are ﬂ ush with the circular cutouts in the large disks. The large disk with the small hole in the center should be at the bottom of the stack, followed by the three large disks with the circular cutouts in the center. Then glue the three small disks on top as shown. The small hole in the large disk at the bottom of the stack may need to be enlarged with a drill bit or reamer to match the crankshaft or prop bolt of the engine that you are using.

❏ 3. Slide the cowl onto the fuse. Fit the cowl alignment

jig you made in step 2 onto the engine (use the prop bolt if installing on a gas engine), so that the circular cutouts ﬁ t over the drive washer. Fit the front of the cowl around the smaller disks so it contacts the large disks in the alignment jig and push the jig up against the engine drive washer as shown. Rotate the cowl on the fuse so the paint aligns with the covering on the fuse. The alignment jig will accurately center the cowl on the engine and position it to the correct distance behind the spinner backplate.

❏ 4. Hav e a helper carefully hold the co wl in place (or tape the

cowl in place). Remove the alignment jig from the engine. Use

a felt-tip pen to mark on the ﬁ rewall the locations of the smooth spots between the louvers on the cowl. If you have difﬁ culty reaching through the front of the cowl to reach the ﬁ rewall, tape your pen to the end of a dowel rod or something similar.

For added strength, after the cowl mounting blocks have been securely epoxied in place, drill 1/8" [3.2mm] holes through the center of each block and through the ﬁ rewall. Insert an appropriate length of 1/8" [3.2mm] dowel (not included) into the holes and into the ﬁ rewall. Glue the dowels in place with CA and sand the dowels ﬂ ush with the face of the bloc ks. This modiﬁ cation is especially important when using a high vibration engine.

❏ 5. Center the cowl mounting blocks on the marks that

you made and trace around them onto the ﬁ rewall. (Choose one mark on each side of the plane that will not interfere with anything.) The outside of the blocks should be ﬂ ush with the fuse sheeting. Mark the former behind the ﬁ rewall at the top of the plane for two more blocks. (These should be evenly spaced apart and not interfere with the auxiliary batter y tray location.) The last two blocks should be placed near the bottom of the ﬁ rewall evenly spaced apart. When locating the bottom two blocks, consider the size of the cooling hole that will need to be cut out from the underside of the cowl (look ahead in this manual for details).

❏ 6. Remove the epo xy from the areas on the ﬁ rewall beneath

the cowl mounting block locations with 220-grit sandpaper. When satisﬁ ed, use 30-minute epoxy to glue the cowl bloc ks in position. A small dot of medium or thick CA glue will hold the blocks in place while the epoxy cures.

❏ 7. Fuelproof the cowl mounting blocks with epoxy.

❏ 8. Temporarily install the canopy hatch. Apply strips

of masking tape at least 6" [152mm] long from the cowl mounting blocks back along the fuse as shown. (Make the tape parallel with the length of the fuse.) Measure from the center of each cowl mounting block 5" [127mm] back and draw a straight line down the tape between your marks.

❏ 9. Put the cowl back onto the fuse along with the cowl

alignment jig. Use the jig to set the position of the cowl and realign the colors on the cowl with the covering on the fuse. Measure 5" [127mm] along the lines on the tape and mark the locations of the center of each mounting block onto the cowl. (Having a helper with this step will make the procedure easier.)

Install the Canopy Hatch

❏ 1. Glue the 1/4" [6mm] canopy hatch dowels into the front

of the canopy hatch so half of them protrude beyond the front of the hatch.

❏ 10. Drill 3/32" [2.4mm] holes through the cowl and into

the cowl mounting blocks at the marks you made. Remove the cowl and enlarge the holes in the cowl using a 7/64" [2.8mm] bit. This will prevent the cowl from splitting when the cowl mounting screws are installed. Thread a #4 x 1/2" [13mm] screw into each mounting block and remo ve it. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Using the template you made in step 1, make the necessary cutouts in the cowl (cooling hole and exhaust exit, glow plug access, needle valve access, etc.), using a rotary tool. Bolt the mufﬂ er to the engine and install the cowl onto the fuse using six #4 x 1/2" [13mm] self-tapping screws and six #4 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 2. Trim the covering from the canopy hatch mounting

holes in the fuse.

❏ 3. Glue a #4 ﬂ at washer to each of the four 4-40 x 3/4"

[19mm] SHCS used to mount the canopy hatch to the fuse. Gluing the washers in place will prev ent them from falling into the fuse when removing the screws. Put the canopy hatch in place and use the screws to secure it.

❏ 4. If you plan to install a pilot and the instrument panel

decal, do so before gluing the canopy in place. The picture shows the pilot GPMQ9006 (not included). The shoulders of the pilot will need to be cut slightly narrower to ﬁ t onto the canopy hatch bottom and the height of the pilot will need to be shortened by approximately 1/4" [6mm]. We cut a piece of plywood (not included) to replace the base of the pilot that was cut off. The plywood base can be glued inside the pilot ﬁ gure with medium or thick CA. Securely glue the pilot into place or use double-sided foam servo tape (not included) with a couple of screws through the underside.

Install the Belly Pan, Prop & Spinner

Spinner Instructions for O.S. Max 1.60 FX

❏ 1. Attach the wing to the fuse using the two 1/4-20 nylon

wing bolts. Trim the covering from the wing bolt holes in the belly pan. Put the belly pan into position on the underside of the wing, aligning it with the bottom of the fuse. Use a felt-tip pen to trace around the belly pan onto the wing. Remove a 1/2" [13mm] strip of covering from just inside the lines you drew. Use epoxy to glue the belly pan to the wing. Wipe away any excess epoxy with alcohol. The wing can now be removed from the fuse.

❏ 5. Align the canopy onto the canopy hatch. Drill 1/16"

[1.6mm] holes at each of the four plywood canopy mounting plates. (The plates can be seen on the inside of the cockpit compartment.) Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw into each hole and back it out. Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. Use canopy glue such as Pacer Formula 560 to glue the canopy to the canopy hatch. Finish the canopy installation by securing it to the hatch using four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws and four #2 ﬂ at washers.

❏ 2. Slide the spinner backplate onto the crankshaft. Ream

the propeller as necessary to ﬁ t the engine and push it onto the crankshaft (don’t forget to balance your prop!). Install the prop washer and mating prop nut onto the crankshaft and properly tighten the nut. If you are installing a Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine, use the included brass spinner backplate adapter.

❏ 3. Tighten the spinner adapter against the prop nut (not

used with a gas engine).

Apply the Decals

1. Use scissors or a sharp hobby knif e to cut the decals from the sheet.

2. Be certain the model is clean and free from oily ﬁ ngerprints and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket with a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water–about one teaspoon of soap per gallon of water. Submerse the decal in the soap and water and peel off the paper backing. Note: Ev en though the decals have a “sticky-back” and are not the water transfer type, submersing them in soap & water allows accurate positioning and reduces air bubbles underneath.

3. P osition decal on the model where desired. Holding the decal down, use a paper towel to wipe most of the water a w a y.

4. Use a piece of soft balsa or something similar to squeegee remaining water from under the decal. Apply the rest of the decals the same way.

❏ 4. Secure the spinner to the adapter with the 5mm x 55mm

spinner screw . If the screw is too long, use a cutoff tool such as a Dremel rotary tool to shorten the screw . Thread the included 5mm nut onto the spinner screw before cutting. When the nut is removed, it will straighten the threads on the scre w that may have been def ormed from the cutting process.

Note: The process for attaching the spinner to a Fuji-Imvac BT-43 EI-2 engine is the same as the 1.60 FX. Howe v er, you will use the spinner bolt included with the engine instead of the spinner adapter shown above. There is a longer 2-3/4" [70mm] spinner screw provided for use with gas engines.

❏ 5. An aluminum fuel line plug is included for the ﬁ ll line

to the fuel tank. Plug the line when you are done ﬁ lling or draining the tank. The ﬁ ll line can be pushed up and into the cowl when not in use.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Battery Precautions

IMPORTANT: If using multiple battery packs that are connected with an adapter, never charge the batteries together through the adapter. Always charge each battery pack separately. Charge the batteries, then read the following precautions on how to connect multiple packs f or ﬂ ying the model.

There are two ways to connect multiple battery packs: In Series and in Parallel.

❏ 1. Connecting batteries in “Series” means to connect the

(+)’s to the (-)’s and the (-)’s to the (+)’s. This combines the voltages of the batteries, but the capacity remains the same.

(

❏ 6. This completes the building instructions for the Sukhoi

SU-31 1.60 ARF!

❏ 2. Connecting batteries in “P arallel” means to connect the

(+)’s to the (+)’s and the (-)’s to the (-)’s. This combines the capacities of the batteries, but the voltage remains the same.

NEVER connect battery packs with different voltages

in parallel! Only combine them in series. Otherwise, the batteries with lower voltage will try to “equalize” with the batteries that have a higher voltage. Current will ﬂ ow from the higher voltage battery into the lower one, essentially “charging” the lower voltage battery pack. This situation will likely cause heat and possibly a ﬁ re.

NEVER connect battery packs with different capacities in series or in parallel.

❏ 3. Make certain that the control surfaces and the carburetor

respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram. If any of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use the servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos connected to those controls. Be certain the control surfaces have remained centered. Adjust if necessary.

Set the Control Throws

Check the Control Directions

❏ 1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver and center the

trims. If necessary, remove the servo arms from the ser vos and reposition them so they are centered. Reinstall the screws that hold on the servo arms.

❏ 2. With the transmitter and receiver still on, check all the

control surfaces to see if they are centered. If necessary , adjust the clevises on the pushrods to center the control surfaces .

Use a ruler to accurately measure and set the control throw of each control surface as indicated in the chart that follows. If your radio does not hav e dual rates, we recommend setting the throws at the low rate setting for your ﬁ rst few ﬂ ights.

Note: The throws are measured at the widest part of the elevators, rudder and ailerons.

These are the recommended control surface throws: High Rate Low Rate

ELEVATOR: 7/8" [22mm] up 1/2" [13mm] up 7/8" [22mm] down 1/2" [13mm] down

RUDDER: 2-3/4" [70mm] right 1-7/8" [48mm] right 2-3/4" [70mm] left 1-7/8" [48mm] left

AILERONS: 1" [25mm] up 5/8" [16mm] up 1" [25mm] down 5/8" [16mm] down

3D RATES 3D ELEVATOR 3-1/4" [83mm] up

3-1/4" [83mm] down 3D RUDDER 4-1/2" [114mm] right

4-1/2" [114mm] left 3D AILERONS 2-3/8" [60mm] up

2-3/8" [60mm] down

IMPORTANT: The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF has been extensively ﬂ own and tested to arrive at the throws at

which it ﬂ ies best. Flying your model at these throws will provide you with the greatest chance for successful ﬁ rst ﬂ ights. If, after you have become accustomed to the way the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF ﬂ ies, you would like to change the throws to suit your taste, that is ﬁ ne. Howev er, too much control throw could make the model difﬁ cult to control, so remember, “more is not always better.”

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a model ﬂ ies and may determine whether or not your ﬁ rst ﬂ ight will be successful. If you value this model and wish to enjo y it for man y ﬂ ights,

DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.

A model that is not properly balanced will be unstable and possibly unﬂ yable.

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-ﬂ y condition with all of the systems in place including the engine, landing gear, covering and paint and the radio system.

❏ 1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately

mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the fuse. The C.G. is located 5-11/16" [144mm] bac k from the LE of the wing at the fuse.

❏ 2. With the wing attached to the fuse, all parts of the

model installed (ready to ﬂ y) and an empty fuel tank, place the model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine, or lift it upside-down at the balance point you marked. If y ou are using a brushless motor, be sure to balance the airplane with the battery pack installed.

❏ 3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the

receiver battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted f orward or weight must be added to the nose to balance (also see rudder servo installation section). If the nose drops, the model is “nose heavy” and the receiver battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance (also see rudder servo installation section). If possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver to minimize or eliminate any additional ballast required. If additional weight is required, use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead. A good place to add stick-on nose weight is to the ﬁ rewall (don’t attach weight to the cowl–it is not intended to support weight). Begin by placing incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the bottom of the fuse over the ﬁ rewall until the model balances. Once you have determined the amount of weight required, it can be permanently attached. If required, tail weight may be added by cutting open the bottom of the fuse and gluing it permanently inside.

Note: Do not rely upon the adhesiv e on the back of the lead weight to permanently hold it in place. Over time, fuel and exhaust residue may soften the adhesive and cause the weight to fall off. Use #2 sheet metal screws, RTV silicone, or epoxy to permanently hold the weight in place.

❏ 4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,

recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

Balance the Model Laterally

This is where your model should balance for the ﬁ rst ﬂ ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up to 3/4" [19mm] forward or 3/4" [19mm] back to change the ﬂ ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model may then require more speed for tak eoff and mak e it more difﬁ cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become too difﬁ cult to control. In any case, start at the recommended balance point and do not at any time balance the model outside the speciﬁ ed range.

❏ 1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the

model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom of the fuse under the TE of the ﬁ n. Do this several times.

❏ 2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means

that side is heavy . Balance the airplane by adding weight to the other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterall y balanced

will track better in loops and other maneuvers.

PREFLIGHT

Ground Check

Identify Y our Model

No matter if you ﬂ y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if you ﬂ y somewhere on your own, y ou should alwa ys hav e your name, address, telephone number and AMA number on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club ﬂ ying sites and AMA sanctioned ﬂ ying events. Fill out the identiﬁ cation tag on page 49 and place it on or inside your model.

Charge the Batteries

Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your radio control system to charge the batteries. You should always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night before you go ﬂ ying and at other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.

CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your radio system state differently, the initial charge on new transmitter and receiver batteries should be done for 15 hours using the slow-charger that came with the radio system. This will “condition” the batteries so that the next charge may be done using the fast-charger of y our choice . If the initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries may not reach their full capacity and you ma y be ﬂ ying with batteries that are only partially charged.

If the engine is new, follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions to break-in the engine. After break-in, conﬁ rm

that the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly to full power and maintains full power–indeﬁ nitely . After you run the engine on the model, inspect the model closely to make sure all screws remained tight, the hinges are secure, the prop is secure and all pushrods and connectors are secure.

Range Check

Ground check the operational range of your r adio before the ﬁ rst ﬂ ight of the day. With the transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from the model and still have control. Have an assistant stand by your model and, while you work the controls, tell you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat this test with the engine running at various speeds with an assistant holding the model, using hand signals to show you what is happening. If the control surfaces do not respond correctly, do not ﬂ y! Find and correct the problem ﬁ rst. Look for loose servo connections or broken wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, poor solder joints in your battery pack or a defective cell, or a damaged receiver crystal from a previous crash.

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Balance the Propellers

Carefully balance your propeller and spare propellers before you ﬂ y . An unbalanced prop can be the single most signiﬁ cant cause of vibration that can damage your model. Not only will engine mounting screws and bolts loosen, possibly with disastrous effect, but vibration may also damage your radio receiver and battery. Vibration can also cause your fuel to foam, which will, in turn, cause your engine to run hot or quit.

We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes Fingertip Prop Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our ﬂ ight box.

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe injury to yourself and others.

• Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat, sparks or ﬂ ames, as fuel is very ﬂ ammable. Do not smoke near the engine or fuel; and remember that engine e xhaust gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide . Therefore , do not run the engine in a closed room or garage.

• Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to operate engines.

• Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.

• Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand; the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.

• Keep y our face and body as well as all spectators awa y from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you start and run the engine.

• Keep these items away from the prop: loose clothing, shir t sleeves, ties, scarves, long hair or loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.

• Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine. Do not use your ﬁ ngers to ﬂ ip the propeller. Make certain the glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop off or otherwise get into the running propeller.

• Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.

• The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or r ight after operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not leak onto a hot engine, causing a ﬁ re.

2) I will not ﬂ y my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator . I will give right-of-way and a v oid ﬂ ying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary , an observer shall be utilized to supervise ﬂ ying to avoid having models ﬂ y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the ﬂ ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately ﬂ y my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.

• To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing

off the fuel line or following the engine manufacturer's recommendations. Do not use hands, ﬁ ngers or any other body part to try to stop the engine. To stop a gasoline powered engine an on/off switch should be connected to the engine coil. Do not throw anything into the propeller of a running engine.

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe injury to yourself and others.

• Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to operate electric motors.

• Use safety glasses when running electric motors.

• Do not operate the motor in an area of loose grav el or sand; the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.

• Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you operate the motor.

5) I will not ﬂ y my model unless it is identiﬁ ed with my name and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This does not apply to models while being ﬂ own indoors.

7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).

Radio Control

1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground check before the ﬁ rst ﬂ ight of a new or repaired model.

2) I will not ﬂ y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a qualiﬁ ed ﬂ ier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.

3) At all ﬂ ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be established in front of which all ﬂ ying takes place with the other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with ﬂ ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the ﬂ ight line. Intentional ﬂ ying behind the ﬂ ight line is prohibited.

4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies currently allowed by the F ederal Comm unications Commission.

• Keep these items away from the prop: loose clothing, shir t sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.

• The motor gets hot! Do not touch it during or right after operation.

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)

Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety Code refer to Model A viation magazine, the AMA web site or the Code that came with your AMA license.

General

1) I will not ﬂ y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,

or model ﬂ ying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been pre viously, successfully ﬂ ight tested.

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three

miles of any pre-existing ﬂ ying site except in accordance with the frequency sharing agreement listed (in the

complete AMA Safety Code).

9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a powered model in ﬂ ight; nor should an y part of the

model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the ground, except while landing.

IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)

Since the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF qualiﬁ es as a “giantscale” model and is therefore eligible to ﬂ y in IMAA events, we’ve printed excerpts from the IMAA Safety Code which follows.

What is Giant-Scale?

The concept of large or giant-scale is generally considered to apply to radio controlled model aircraft with minimum wingspans of 80 inches for monoplanes and 60 inches for m ulti-wing aircraft. Quarter-scale or larger replicas of person-carrying aircraft with proper documentation (minimum 3-view drawing) which do not ﬁ t the size requirements will also be permitted.

SECTION 1.0: SAFETY STANDARD

1.1 Adherence to Code: The purpose of this Safety Code

is to provide a structure whereby all participants, including spectators, will be aware of the inherent dangers in the operation of radio controlled aircraft. This code is meant to serve as a minimum guideline to all participants. It is understood that the ultimate responsibility for the safety of any aircraft lies with the owner(s), pilot(s) and spectator(s) involv ed in any e vent. It is the responsibility of all participants to exercise caution when operating, or observing the operation of all radio controlled aircraft. The pilot/owner of an aircraft will not be dissuaded from taking whatever steps they deem necessary, in addition to this code, to insure that their aircraft is safe.

1.2 The most current AMA Safety Code in effect is to

be observed.

SECTION 3.0: SAFETY REVIEW

SECTION 5.0: EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF (kill switch)

5.1 All magneto spark ignition engines must have a coil-

grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the engine. This will also prevent accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be readily available to both pilot and spotter/helper. This switch is to be operated manually and without the use of the radio system.

5.2 Engines with battery powered ignition systems must have a switch to turn off the power from the battery pack to disable the engine from ﬁ ring. This will also prev ent accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be readily available to both pilot and spotter/helper. This s witch shall be operated manually and without the use of the radio system.

5.3 There must also be a means to stop the engine from the transmitter. The most common method is to completely close the carburetor throat using throttle trim, however other methods are acceptable. This requirement applies to all glow/gas ignition engines regardless of size.

SECTION 6.0: RADIO REQUIREMENTS

6.1 All transmitters must be FCC type certiﬁ ed.

6.2 FCC Technician or higher-class license required for 6 meter

band operation only.

Additional IMAA General Recommendations

The following recommendations are included in the Safety Code not to police such items, but rather to offer basic suggestions for enhanced safety. It is expected that IMAA members will avail themselv es of technological adv ances as such become available, to promote the safety of all aircraft and participants.

3.4 Flight Testing: All giant-scale aircraft are to ha v e been ﬂ ight

tested and ﬂ ight trimmed with a minimum of six (6) ﬂ ights before the model is allowed to ﬂ y at an IMAA Sanctioned ev ent.

3.5 Proof of Flight: The completing and signing of the

Declaration section of the Safety Review form (see Section

3.2) by the pilot (or owner) shall document, as fact, that the

noted aircraft has been successfully ﬂ ight tested and proven airworthy prior to the IMAA event.

SECTION 4.0: SPOTTER/HELPER

4.1 Spotter/Helper Deﬁ nition: An assistant to aid the pilot

during start-up and taxing onto the runway. The spotter/ helper will assist the pilot in completing a safe ﬂ ight.

4.2 Each pilot is required to hav e a spotter/helper at all IMAA

sanctioned events. The event Safety Committee should be prepared to assist those pilots who do not have a spotter/ helper to make sure that every registered pilot has the opportunity to ﬂ y at a sanctioned event.

Servos need to be of a rating capable to handle the loads that the control surfaces impose upon the servos. Standard servos are not recommended for control surfaces. Servos should be rated heavy-duty ounces of torque. For ﬂ ight-critical control functions a minimum of 45 inch/ounces of torque should be considered. This should be considered a minim um for smaller aircraft and higher torque servos are strongly encouraged for larger aircraft. The use of one servo for each aileron and one for each stab half is strongly recommended. Use of dual servos is also recommended on larger aircraft.

On-board batteries should be, at a minimum, 1000mAh up to 20 lbs., 1200mAh to 30 lbs., 1800mAh to 40 lbs., and 2000mAh over 40 lbs. ﬂ ying weight. The number and size of servos, size and loads on control surfaces and added features should be considered as an increase to these minimums. Batteries should be able to sustain power to the on-board radio components for a minimum of one hour total ﬂ ying time before recharging.

Dependable, redundant and fail-safe battery systems are recommended.

The use of anti-glitch devices for long leads is recommended. There is no maximum engine displacement limit, as it is the

position of this body that an underpowered aircraft presents a greater danger than an overpowered aircraft. Howe v er, the selections of engine size relative to airframe strength and power loading mandates good discretionary judgment by the designer and builder . Current AMA maximums f or engine displacement are 6.0 cu. in. for two stroke and 9.6 cu. in. for four stroke engines. These maximums apply only to AMA Sanction competition events (such as 511, 512, 515 and

520). All non competition events should be sanctioned as

Class “C” events, in which these engine size maximums do not apply.

CHECK LIST

During the last few moments of preparation your mind may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the ﬁ rst ﬂ ight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain checks and procedures that should be performed before the model is ﬂ own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Man y are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.

Generally , it is recommended that no attempt should be made to ﬂ y a radio controlled model aircraft with a gasoline engine in which the model aircraft weight would exceed 12 pounds per cubic inch of engine displacement (underpowered), or be less than 5 pounds per cubic inch of engine displacement (overpowered). Example: Using a 3 cu. in. engine, a model would likely be underpowered at an aircraft weight greater than 36 pounds. With the same engine, an aircraft weighing less than 15 pounds would likely be overpowered.

Servo arms and control horns should be rated heavy-duty . Glass ﬁ lled servo arms and control horns are highly recommended.

Control surface linkages are listed in order of preference:

1. Cab le system (pull-pull). A tiller bar is highly recommended

along with necessary bracing.

2. Arrow-shaft, ﬁ berglass or aluminum, 1/4" or 5/16" O.D.

bracing every six (6) to ten (10) inches is highly recommended.

3. Tube-in-tube (nyrod). Bracing every few inches is highly

recommended. Inner tube should be totally enclosed in outer tube.

4. Hardwood dowel, 3/8" O.D. Bracing every six (6) to ten

(10) inches is highly recommended. Hinges should be rated heavy-duty and manufactured

primarily for use in giant-sized aircraft. Homemade and original design hinges are acceptable if determined to be adequate for the intended use.

Clevis (steel, excluding hea vy duty ball links) and attachment hardware should be heavy duty 4-40 threaded rod type. 2-56 threaded size rod is acceptable for some applications (e.g. throttle). Clevises must have lock nuts and sleeve (fuel tubing) or spring keepers.

Propeller tips should be painted or colored in a visible and contrasting manner to increase the visibility of the propeller tip arc.

❏ 1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue

such as the cowl mounting blocks, wing saddle area, etc.

❏ 2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements

provided in the manual.

❏ 3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely

mounted in the fuse. Simply stufﬁ ng them into place with foam rubber is not sufﬁ cient.

❏ 4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has

a strain relief inside the fuse to keep tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.

❏ 5. Balance your model laterally as explained in

the instructions.

❏ 6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical

fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.

❏ 7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will

turn freely.

❏ 8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place. ❏ 9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where

appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting screws, etc.).

❏ 10. Conﬁ rm that all controls operate in the correct direction

and the throws are set up according to the manual.

❏ 11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the

clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with the screws included with your radio.

❏ 12. Secure connections between servo wires and

Y-connectors or ser vo extensions and the connection between your battery pack and the on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat-shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.

❏ 13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have

used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).

❏ 14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the mufﬂ er with

high temp RTV silicone, threadlocking compound or J.B. Weld.

❏ 15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are

not kinked.

❏ 16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers). ❏ 17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner. ❏ 18. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone

number on or inside your model.

❏ 19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and

make sure it is fully charged.

❏ 20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before

your ﬁ rst ﬂ ight.

❏ 21. Range check your r adio when y ou get to the ﬂ ying ﬁ eld.

FLYING

The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is a great-ﬂ ying model that ﬂ ies smoothly and predictably. The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF does not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should be ﬂ own only by experienced R/C pilots.

Fuel Mixture Adjustments

nerves before the maiden ﬂ ight, shut the engine down and bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.

Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the ground. One of the most important things to remember with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply right rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed as your runway and ﬂ ying site will practically allow before gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator stic k, allo wing the model to estab lish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before turning into the trafﬁ c pattern.

A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should be richened so the engine runs at about 200 RPM below peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If, while ﬂ ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface ﬂ utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an aileron or elevator) or a ﬂ ying surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, ﬂ utter can actually cause the control surface to detach or the ﬂ ying surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an impending crash. The best thing to do when ﬂ utter is detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing power , then land as soon as saf ely possible . Identify which surface ﬂ uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of play. If it ﬂ uttered once, under similar circumstances it will probably ﬂ utter again unless the problem is ﬁ xed. Some things which can cause ﬂ utter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor ﬁ t of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of ﬂ utter; Flying an overpowered model at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your

Flight

For reassurance and to keep an eye on other trafﬁ c, it is a good idea to have an assistant on the ﬂ ight line with you. Tell him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desir able f or takeoff, most models ﬂ y more smoothly at reduced speeds.

Take it easy with the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF for the ﬁ rst few ﬂ ights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain conﬁ dence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level ﬂ ight. After ﬂ ying around for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow ﬂ ight and execute practice landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to ﬂ y around, executing various maneuvers and making mental notes (or having y our assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G. changes may be required to ﬁ ne tune the model so it ﬂ ies the way you lik e . Mind your fuel lev el, but use this ﬁ rst ﬂ ight to become familiar with your model before landing.

Landing

To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch do wnw ard to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as y ou turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your ﬁ nal turn toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and control. Le vel the attitude when the model reaches the runwa y threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to counteract torque) and climb out to make another attempt. When you’re ready to make your landing ﬂ are and the model is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches do wn. Once the model is on the

runway and has lost ﬂ ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.

One ﬁ nal note about ﬂ ying your model. Have a goal or ﬂ ight plan in mind for every ﬂ ight. This can be learning a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions (such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively attempting a maneuver and suddenly ﬁ nding that you’v e run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’ re going to do a loop, check y our altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top and make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A ﬂ ight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

Have a ball!

But always stay in control and ﬂ y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

WATERFALLS

With the model pointing straight up (almost in a hover), push full down elevator and full throttle. As the model rotates and begins to point downwards, reduce the throttle (to keep the model from being pulled downwards). As the model ﬂ attens out, add power back in to pull the model around. Most models will require rudder correction (usually right rudder) during this maneuver . Some planes will require aileron correction to keep the wings level.

UPRIGHT FLAT SPINS

Pull the nose up slightly and slowly decrease power. As the model slows down to a few mph, slowly add in full left rudder and power. Next, start adding in up elevator as needed to keep the model ﬂ at in the spin. Most airplanes will require some aileron as well to keep the wings lev el. This is one of the maneuvers to experiment on; try different C.G. positions and different amounts of throw and pow er to see how ﬂ at the spin will go. It is possible to maintain altitude in the ﬂ at spin and in some cases it is also possible to climb during the spin.

Make a copy of this identiﬁ cation tag and put it on or inside your model.

3D FLYING

Because of the power-to-weight ratio on 3D planes, straight and level ﬂ ight should be at reduced throttle and full power should only be used when the airplane is "loaded" during a maneuver. Learn to manage the throttle and experiment while in the maneuver . The power needed will depend on the maneuver being performed. C.G. also plays a large role in the 3D capability of models as well. Experiment, but keep in mind that being tail heavy is not always the best way to go.

Another thing to remember is maximum control throw is not necessary for all 3D maneuvers. Occasionally, too much throw can place the model too far into a stall, causing it to become uncontrollable. Practice your maneuvers at a higher altitude while you become accustomed to your particular plane’s stall characteristics.

INVERTED FLAT SPINS

This is the same as the up-right ﬂ at spin except most planes like to spin in the opposite direction, for e xample: right rudder and down elevator.

THE WALL

Fly straight across the ﬁ eld at a moderate speed and simply pull full up until vertical. Adjust the power as necessary to maintain a hover.

KNIFE EDGE TUMBLE

This is an impressive looking maneuver that really isn’t as difﬁ cult as it looks. (Before learning this maneuver you must be able to conﬁ dently Snap and Tumble your plane and stop the aircraft exactly, without over rotating.) Fly the model

Knife Edge from the right at a moderate airspeed, using just enough rudder to maintain Knife Edge, not climbing or diving. Perform one full right negative Tumble by maintaining your rudder setting while applying full throttle, full down elevator, and full right aileron, releasing in time to end again ﬂ ying Knife Edge to the right. Note that you may need to use some positive elevator and/or left aileron to stop the Tumble at exactly Knife Edge. This maneuver is easier to the right because torque helps stop the Tumble and it can be done at varied airspeeds with proper throttle and rudder modulation.

VERTICAL HOVER

Fly a straight pass across the ﬁ eld at 75ft high and 100ft out and pull the model vertical. Roll the model until the top of it is facing you and slowly begin to reduce power. As the model begins to slow down to 10mph or so, slowly add a little bit of power back in. You will have to adjust the throttle as needed, but make your adjustments smooth. Some r ight aileron may be needed to keep the model from torque rolling. Use the rudder and elevator to keep the nose pointing str aight up . Be patient as this maneuver will take a while to learn.

perform better with more elevator deﬂ ection and a farther forward C.G. while other planes prefer a fur ther aft C.G. and less elevator deﬂ ection. Elevator to ﬂ ap mixing can be used on airplanes with marginal wing area, and some planes won’t stall so elevator to spolieron mixing will be needed.

ROLLING HARRIER

Once you get comfortable with the up-right harrier, it’s time to work rolls into the mix. From an up-right harrier, add in left aileron and change from up elevator to down elevator when inverted. If you are comfortable with four point rolls and slow rolls, inputting rudder on the knife edges can improve the maneuver considerably. To turn the model, simply input the elevator or rudder a little sooner or later in the rotation. It’s all a matter of timing.

TORQUE ROLL

This is the same as the vertical hover but without the use of right aileron to keep the model from rolling. If needed, you can use a little left aileron to speed the roll up. As the model rotates around, the controls will appear to be reversed to y ou but only the orientation of the model has changed.

HARRIER

The harrier is nothing more than a high angle of attack ﬂ ying stall. Check the stall characteristics of your plane before proceeding with this maneuver. Bring your plane across the ﬁ eld at 75ft high and 100ft out away from yourself. Slowly pull back on the elevator while reducing throttle. The nose of the plane should come up. Depending on the plane/setup, you may have to make constant aileron (wing walking) and rudder corrections for this maneuver . As the nose of the plane comes up, start adding in a little bit of power to help maintain airspeed. The rudder is now used to turn the model. This maneuver will take some practice as there are a lot of small corrections made to keep most planes in the maneuver.

PINWHEEL

Climb vertically and bring the model to a vertical hover, but do not stop long enough to let the torque pull the model around (climbing or sliding slightly will not be noticeable to spectators but will keep air ﬂ owing over the ailerons and provide you roll authority to stop the torque). When the model is hanging, rock the plane left with rudder, then apply full throttle and full right rudder and hold both, completing 3/4 of a VERY tight Knife Edge Loop and ﬂ ying out Knife Edge. When done correctly, the plane pivots around the wing tip in a very small area. This maneuver can be done either direction.

This is one maneuver where less control is needed. Too much elevator and the model goes into an uncontrollable stall. The C.G. of the plane will have a large effect on the stability of the model during this maneuver. Some planes

ENGINE/MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATES

1.20 TO 1.80 ADJUSTABLE ENGINE/BRUSHLESS

MOTOR MOUNTING

TEMPLATE

FUJI-IMVAC BT-43 EI-2 MOUNTING TEMPLATE

Great Planes GPMA1412 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual