Great Planes GPMA1866 User Manual

WARRANTY

Great Planes®Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability exceed the
original cost of the purchased kit. Fur ther, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for
any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product.By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user
accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit
immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number,
e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will
be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.IT CONT AINS IMPOR T ANT INSTR UCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND
USE OF THIS MODEL.

GPMZ1866 for GPMA1866/1868 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2006

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 28 in [710 mm]
Wing Area: 209 sq in [13.4 dm2]
Weight: 12 – 13 oz [340 – 370 g]
Wing Loading: 8.3 – 8.9 oz/sq ft [25 – 27 g/dm2]
Length: 15 in [380 mm]
Radio: 3-channel minimum with elevon mixing, 2 micro servos,

micro receiver

2

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

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE .....................3

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

Radio Equipment & Electronics...................................3

Motor ...........................................................................4

Electronic Speed Control (ESC)..................................4

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

Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4

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

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

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

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................5

METRIC CONVERSIONS .................................................5

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

KIT INSPECTION..............................................................6

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

BEFORE Y OU BEGIN .......................................................7

ASSEMBLE THE AIRPLANE............................................7

Install the Wing Tips & Ducted Fan Unit......................7

Install the Servos.........................................................8

Install the Electronics ................................................10

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

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

Set the Control Throws..............................................12

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

PREFLIGHT.....................................................................13

Identify Your Model ....................................................13

Charge the Batteries .................................................13

Range Check.............................................................13

AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................14

CHECK LIST ...................................................................14

FLYING ............................................................................14

Takeoff.......................................................................14

Flight..........................................................................15

Landing......................................................................15

Welcome to the exciting world of EDF (Electric Ducted Fan)
airplanes. What you have in your hands could be called a
completely new generation of EDF airplanes and fans.
Historically, ducted fan airplanes have been complex and
costly. Only pilots with extensive experience knew how to
handle them. When designing this EDF, Great Planes set out
to make EDF planes that anyone can fly, while still delivering
the performance associated with them.What you have in your
hands is a fan/airplane design that only requires a 370 BB
brushed motor and a single 910mAh LiPo battery to push the
plane to straight-and-level speeds o ver 55 mph, and more than
65 mph after a short dive.This MiGLET ARF can also climb at
angles over 50 degrees and land at only 18 mph.The airplane
handles like a high-performance machine at high speeds and
control throws, but it is as easy to fly as any low wing airplane

at low speeds and control throws.Another great feature is the
extreme ease of launch as the fan thrust increases airspeed
immediately as the plane leaves the pilot’s hand.The MiGLET
ARF will change the way you think about EDF airplanes, fan
units and motors.This is the first design of many to come for
the Great Planes 370 EDF unit. Build the airplane per the
instructions and enjoy. Note: This model is also available with
the flying wing only (370 EDF unit not included, GPMA1868).

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
MiGLET ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the MiGLET 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.

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club.The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs.Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying 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
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.

1. Your MiGLET 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 MiGLET ARF, if not assembled and
operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.

PRO TECT YOUR MODEL,YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org

AMA

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so

may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases
the instructions may differ slightly from the photos.In those
instances the written instructions should be considered
as correct.

3.You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4.You must correctly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates correctly on the ground and in the air .

5.You must check the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the
model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they
show any signs of wear or fatigue.

6. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown this
type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your
first flights.If you’ re not a member of a club, your local hob by
shop has information about clubs in your area whose
membership includes experienced pilots.

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

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with

this battery. Failure to follow all instructions could cause
permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings, and
cause bodily harm!

• ONLY use a LiPo approved charger. NEVER use a
NiCd/NiMH peak charger!

• NEVER charge in excess of 4.20V per cell.

• ONLY charge through the “charge” lead. NEVER charge
through the “discharge” lead.

• NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C.

• ALWAYS set charger’ s output v olts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150° F [65° C].

• NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way or
puncture cells.

• NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.

• NEVER place on combustible materials or leave
unattended during charge or discharge.

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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

The MiGLET ARF requires a transmitter that supports elevon
mixing, a micro receiver , one 6" [152 mm] servo extension, and
two micro servos (9 g or less).If you already ha v e a tr ansmitter
you are going to use to fly the MiGLET AR F, you can get the
receiver and servos separately:

❏ Futaba

®

R114F 4-channel FM micro receiver w/o crystal

(low band – FUTL0442, high band – FUTL0443)

❏ Futaba FM single conversion receiver crystal for R114F

(low band – FUTL62**, high band – FUTL63**)

❏ (2) Futaba S3110 micro servo 7.7 g (FUTM0046)
❏ (1) 6" [152 mm] servo extension with “J” connector

(FUTM4506)

Or, you can purchase a complete system (including
transmitter) specially packaged for park flyers. If purchasing
a complete system, the Futaba 3FR Skysport single-stick
radio is suitable. It comes with a micro receiver and two
Futaba S3108 micro servos. The transmitter is also
equipped with a rechargeable NiCd battery pack:

❏ Futaba 3FR Skysport single-stick radio system including

transmitter, receiver, and servos (FUTJ53**)

❏ (1) 6" [152 mm] servo extension with “J” connector

(FUTM4506)

Note: The Futaba S3108M and S3110M have the same
specifications as the above mentioned servos, but are
equipped with the Futaba micro plug.These are suitable for
the MiGLET ARF, how e v er a receiver with micro plugs such as
the Futaba R124F (low band – FUTL0438, high band –
FUTL0439) and a micro plug servo extension (FUTM4508)
must also be used.

An 11.1V 910mAh lithium-polymer battery pack and suitable
charger are also required. Although there are different
battery packs and chargers available that will work with the
MiGLET ARF, the economical choices recommended by
Great Planes are:

❏ Great Planes 11.1V 910mAh LiPo (GPMP0605) battery pack
❏ Great Planes ElectriFly

™

DC peak charger (GPMM3010)

Radio Equipment & Electronics

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

LITHIUM BATTER Y HANDLING & USAGE

We, as the kit manuf acturer, provide you with a top quality ,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model, and
no representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

3

If you have purchased the version of the MiGLET ARF that
includes the HyperFlow™EDF unit, a 370 BB brushed motor
is also included so you will not need to purchase a motor. If
you purchased the MiGLET ARF without the EDF unit and
motor, or if you plan to install an optional brushless motor,
consult the Hyperflow EDF manual.This manual is available
at our web site at www.greatplanes.com, and contains
performance charts and motor requirement data that will be
useful in choosing a brushless motor.

An ESC (Electronic Speed Control) with BEC (Battery
Eliminator Circuitry) is required. The BEC allows both the
motor and the radio system to be powered by the same battery
(thus eliminating the on-board receiver battery). The Great
Planes ElectriFly C-25 Mini Brushed ESC (GPMM2025) is
recommended for use with the 370 BB brushed motor.

If using a brushless motor, be sure to choose an ESC
designed specifically for brushless motors and one that is
capable of handling the current draw of your application.

The only adhesive required to build the MiGLET ARF is
6-minute epoxy or f oam-saf e CA glue.Either one works well.

❏ Great Planes Pro

™

Epoxy 6-Minute Formula

4 oz. [113 g] (GPMR6042)

❏ Great Planes Pro Foam Safe CA- Thick Glue

1 oz. [28 g] (GPMR6072)

❏ Clear tape

This manual also refers to using a 3/8" [9.5 mm] brass tube
for cutting holes in foam, 1/16" [1.6 mm] and 3/64" [1.2 mm]
drill bits.

❏ K&S Round Brass Tube 3/8" (K+SR5135)
❏ Hobbico Pin Vise 1/16 Collet w/6 Bits (HCAR0696)

Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build the
MiGLET ARF.

❏ 2 oz. [57 g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113 g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Epoxy brushes (GPMR8060)

❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel

®

Moto-Tool

®

❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏ AccuThrow

™

Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏ CG Machine

™

(GPMR2400)

❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

• When you see the term

test fit

in the instructions, it means
that you should first position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, and then slightly modify or

custom fit

the part as necessar y for the best fit.

• Whenever the term

glue

is written you should rely upon
your experience to decide what type of glue to use.
When a specific type of adhesive works best for that
step, the instructions will make a recommendation.

• Whenever just

epoxy

is specified you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy.
When 30-minute epoxy is specified it is highly
recommended that you use only 30-minute (or
45-minute) epoxy, because you will need the working
time and/or the additional strength.

•

Photos

and

sketches

are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following
steps to get another view of the same parts.

Replacement parts for the Great Planes MiGLET ARF are
available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts
List that follows.The fastest, most economical service can be
provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the 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 [phone], or via facsimile at [phone],
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.

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

Optional Supplies & Tools

Adhesives & Building Supplies

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

Electronic Speed Control

Motor

4

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 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 [e-mail], or by
telephone at [phone].

Description How to Purchase

Missing pieces Contact Product Support
Instruction manual Contact Product Support
Full-size plans Not available
Kit parts listed below Hobby Supplier

Replacement Parts List

GPMA1868 ..........MiGLET Flying Wing Only

GPMA2749 ..........Canopy MiGLET

GPMG0311..........370 Motor

GPMG3910..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF w/o Motor

GPMG3911..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF w/ Motor

GPMG3940..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF Rotor Blade

GPMG3941..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF Misc. Parts

(Tail Cone, Intake, Stator, Spacer)

GPMG3942..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF Outer Duct

GPMG3943..........Hyperflow 370 EP DF Rotor Adapters

& Screws

Fuse = Fuselage

LE = Leading Edge

TE = Trailing Edge

" = Inches

mm = Millimeters

ESC = Electronic Speed Control

1" = 25.4 mm (conversion factor)

METRIC CONVERSIONS

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

5

1/64" = .4 mm
1/32" = .8 mm
1/16" = 1.6 mm
3/32" = 2.4 mm

1/8" = 3.2 mm
5/32" = 4.0 mm
3/16" = 4.8 mm

1/4" = 6.4 mm

3/8" = 9.5 mm

1/2" = 12.7 mm

5/8" = 15.9 mm

3/4" = 19.0 mm

1" = 25.4 mm
2" = 50.8 mm
3" = 76.2 mm

6" = 152.4 mm
12" = 304.8 mm
18" = 457.2 mm
21" = 533.4 mm
24" = 609.6 mm
30" = 762.0 mm
36" = 914.4 mm