GREAT PLANES Ultimate Biplane EP ARF, Ultimate! Biplane Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Wingspan: 33.5" [850mm]
Fuselage Length: 37" [935mm]
Wing Area: 383 sq in [24.7dm2]
Weight Range: 27.5-31oz [780-880g]
Wing Loading: 10.3-11.6 oz/sq ft [32-36 g/dm2]
Motor: 35-30-950kV RimFire Outrunner Motor
Radio: 4-Channel Minimum with Micro Receiver and Four Micro Servos

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 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 user­assembled 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

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2007

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.

Champaign, Illinois

[phone], Ext 5

[e-mail]

GPMZ1546 for GPMA1546 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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

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

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING AND USAGE ................3

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

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

Motor and Propeller Recommendations ....................4

Electronic Speed Control ...........................................4

Battery Pack and Charger .......................................... 4

Adhesive and Building Supplies ................................. 4

Optional Supplies and Tools ....................................... 4

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ...................................... 5

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

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

BEFORE YOU BEGIN ....................................................... 7

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS .................................................. 7

Install the Ailerons ...................................................... 7

Install the Aileron Servos and Pushrods .................... 8

Attach the Wings ........................................................ 9

BUILD THE FUSELAGE .................................................11

Assemble the Tail Section ........................................ 11

Install the Tail Servos and Pushrods ........................ 13

Install the Top Wing .................................................. 14

FINISH THE MODEL ....................................................... 16

Install the Landing Gear ........................................... 16

Install the Out-Runner Motor .................................... 17

Install the Electronics ............................................... 18

Install the Cowl ......................................................... 19

Final Assembly .........................................................20

Apply the Decals ...................................................... 21

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY ................................. 22

Check the Control Directions ................................... 22

Set the Control Throws ............................................22

Balance the Model (C.G.).........................................23

Balance the Model Laterally ..................................... 23

PREFLIGHT .................................................................... 24

Identify Your Model ................................................... 24

Charge the Batteries ................................................ 24

Balance Propellers ................................................... 24

Range Check ........................................................... 24

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................24

AMA SAFETY CODE ...................................................... 24

CHECK LIST ................................................................... 25

FLYING ............................................................................ 25

Takeoff ..................................................................... 26

Flight ........................................................................ 26

Landing .................................................................... 26

3D FLYING ...................................................................... 27

The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF is the third release in a line of
electric built-up, all-out performance 3D planes. The Ultimate
is a fantastic fl yer and can perform virtually any aerobatic
maneuver with authority. High-capacity LiPo battery packs
will allow you the convenience of electric fl ying, combined
with the same “ultimate” fl ight characteristics of planes much
larger in size, like the Great Planes Ultimate Bipe 1.60 ARF. In
addition to offering the fl ight performance of a large 3D plane
in a small package, the exciting trim scheme from the Ultimate
Biplane 1.60 ARF has been carried down to the Ultimate EP.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Ultimate Biplane EP visit the Great Planes web site at www.
greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the
Ultimate Biplane EP 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 governing 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 even 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 country. Contact the
AMA at the address or toll-free phone number below.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302

Tele: [phone]

Fax [phone]

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.

Scale Competition

Though the Great Planes Ultimate Biplane EP is an ARF and
may not have the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch­built competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless
and is therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale class
in AMA competition (we receive many favorable reports of
Great Planes ARF’s in scale competition!). In Fun Scale, the

2

“builder of the model” rule does not apply. Contact the AMA
for a rule book with full details.

If you would like photos of the full-size Ultimate Biplane for
scale documentation, or if you would like to study the photos
to add more scale details, photo packs are available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation

3114 Yukon Ave

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

www.bobsairdoc.com

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

9. WARNING: The cowl included in this kit is made of fi berglass,
the fi bers of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract
irritation. Never blow into a part 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 manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends
on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way
guarantee the performance of your completed model,
and no representations are expressed or implied as to
the performance or safety of your completed model.

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

LITHIUM BATTERY

HANDLING & USAGE

2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

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

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class
condition, and a correctly sized motor and components
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.

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.

WARNING!! Read the entire instruction sheet included with
the 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 volts to match battery volts.

• ALWAYS charge in a fi reproof location.

• NEVER trickle charge.

• NEVER allow 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.

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 a motor 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.

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

• ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

3

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the Ultimate Biplane
EP ARF that may require planning or decision-making before
starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.

Radio Equipment

A 4-channel radio system with four micro servos and a micro
receiver are required for this plane. The servos and receiver
shown in the manual are Futaba® S3110 micro servos and
the Futaba R114F micro receiver. The S3110 servo model is
currently being replaced with the S3114 which is suitable for
use in the Ultimate. Two 6" [150mm] servo extensions, two 16”
[406mm] servo extensions, and a Y-harness are also required.
Order numbers for these items are provided below.

❏ Great Planes LiPo 1250mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0609)

❏ Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0613)

❏ Great Planes LiPo 2100mAh 11.1V 20C Discharge

w/Balance (GPMP0617)

Do not use Great Planes LiPo 1500mAh 11.1V 3S 8C Discharge
(GPMP0831). This battery pack is not capable of supporting
the current draw of the recommended power systems.

A LiPo-compatible charger is required for these batteries,
along with a cell balancer:

❏ Great Planes PolyCharge4
❏ Great Planes Equinox

™

DC LiPo Charger (GPMM3015)

™

LiPo Cell Balancer (GPMM3160)

❏ Four Futaba S3114 Micro HT Servo (FUTM0414)
❏ Futaba R114F FM Micro Receiver (Low Band – FUTL0442,

High Band – FUTL0443)

❏ Futaba FM Single Conversion Short Crystal

(Low Band – FUTL62**, High Band – FUTL63**)

❏ Two Futaba C-25 Extension Slim Wire 150mm (FUTM4506)
❏ Two Futaba 16" Servo Extension J (FUTM3955)
❏ Futaba 6" Dual Servo Extension J (FUTM4130)

Motor & Propeller Recommendation

The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF requires a C35-30-950kV
brushless out-runner motor. The order numbers for this motor
and accompanying propeller are provided below.

❏ Great Planes RimFire

Motor (GPMG4590)

™

35-30-950 Brushless Out-Runner

❏ APC 11x3.8SF Slo-Flyer Propeller (APCQ5017)

Note: Motors from other manufacturers may work with the
Ultimate Biplane EP ARF. However, the included fi rewall
pieces are designed to work specifi cally with the Great
Planes motor listed.

Electronic Speed Control

A brushless electronic speed control is required for this
plane. We recommend using the Great Planes Silver Series
25A Brushless ESC 5V/2A BEC (GPMM1820).

Battery Pack & Charger

The Ultimate Biplane EP ARF has been tested with 11.1V
LiPo packs ranging from 1250mAh to 2100mAh. Order
numbers are provided for packs of this size. The lighter
1250mAh pack is suggested for maximum performance.

Adhesives and Building Supplies

This is the list of adhesive and building supplies required
to fi nish the Ultimate Biplane EP ARF. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.

❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❏ Pro 30-Minute Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Denatured Alcohol
❏ Drill Bits: 3/64" [1.2mm], 1/8" [3mm]
❏ #1 Hobby Knife (HCAR0105)
❏ #11 Blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
❏ Hobbico

®

Steel T-Pins 1" (100) (HCAR5100)

❏ Great Planes Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)
❏ Small Spring Clamps
❏ 220 Grit Sandpaper

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the Ultimate Biplane EP ARF.

❏ 21st Century
❏ 21st Century Iron Cover (COVR2702)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA Activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA Activator (GPMR634)
❏ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy Brushes (6, GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Hobbico Duster
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Rotary Tool such as Dremel
❏ Hobbico Flexible 18" Ruler Stainless Steel (HCAR0460)

4

®

Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

™

Compressed Air (HCAR5500)

®

with Cutoff Wheel

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

• When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means
that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom fi t
the part as necessary for the best fi t.

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

• Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either 30-
minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute epoxy. When 30­minute 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 stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust angles
have been factory-built into this model. However, some
technically-minded modelers may wish to check these
measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web
site at www.greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.”
Due to manufacturing tolerances which will have little or no
effect on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight
deviations between your model and the published values.

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

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site
at www.greatplanes.com. 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.

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

Replacement Parts List

Order Number Description How to Purchase

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

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

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

GPMA2970 ........... Fuselage ........................ Contact Product Support

GPMA2971 ........... Top Wing ........................ Contact Product Support

GPMA2972 ........... Bottom Wing ...................Contact Product Support

GPMA2973 ........... Tail Surfaces ................... Contact Product Support

GPMA2974 ........... Cowl ...............................Contact Product Support

GPMA2975 ........... Interplane Set ................. Contact Product Support

GPMA2976 ........... Cabane Set ....................Contact Product Support

GPMA2977 ........... Wheelpants ....................Contact Product Support

GPMA2978 ........... Landing Gear ................. Contact Product Support

GPMA2979 ........... Canopy ........................... Contact Product Support

GPMA2980 ........... Decal Sheet ................... Contact Product Support

GPMA2981 ........... Spinner ........................... Contact Product Support

GPMA2982 ........... Hardware Set .................Contact Product Support

5

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly,
contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

Great Planes Product Support

3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Telephone: [phone], ext. 5

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

KIT CONTENTS

17

15 16

11

10

5

1. Left Bottom Wing Panel w/Aileron

2. Right Bottom Wing Panel w/Aileron

3. Left Top Wing Panel w/Aileron

4. Right Top Wing Panel w/Aileron

5. Interplane Struts (2)

6. Horizontal Stabilizer

7. Elevator Halves (L&R)

8. Vertical Fin

9. Rudder

12

13

6

7

1 2

10. Spinner

11. Landing Gear

12. Wheels

13. Wheel Pants

14. Tail Skid

15. Cowl

16. Fuselage

17. Canopy

6

6

14

8

43

9

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin assembly, closely inspect all of the covered
components. Carefully remove the control surfaces that are
taped in place. Use a covering iron with a covering iron sock
on low/medium heat to tighten the covering in any areas that
are loose, disconnected, or wrinkled.

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

Install the Ailerons

❏ 1. Test fi t a CA hinge halfway into each hinge slot in the

top and bottom wing panels and ailerons. If the hinges are
diffi cult to insert or the covering needs to be cut open over
the slots, use a sharp hobby knife to slightly enlarge the slot
or slit open the covering. To improve the adhesion of the
CA hinges, we recommend trimming the covering from just
above and below the hinge slots.

❏ 2. Push a small T-pin through the center of each CA hinge.

The pins will keep the hinges centered during assembly.
Insert the hinges into the hinge slots in the wing panels. Fit
the ailerons onto the other ends of the hinges and align the
outside tips of the ailerons with the wing tips.

❏ 3. Remove the pins from the hinges and push the ailerons

against the trailing edges of the wing panels. Defl ect the
ailerons down to their maximum throw (beveled leading
edge of aileron is against the trailing edge of the wing) and
apply 7-8 drops of thin CA glue to each hinge. Do not use
CA accelerator on the hinges. Flip the wing panels over and
apply the same amount of CA to the other side of each hinge.
Allow the CA a minute or two to harden and then tug on each
aileron to confi rm they are well secured to the wings.

7

Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

❏ 1. Trim the covering from the aileron servo bays on the

underside of the bottom wing panels as shown.

❏ 4. Feed the servo leads through the servo bays and out

the cutouts in the wing root ribs. Position the servos in the
servo bays with the splines toward the LE. Glue the aileron
servos to the servo shims with medium or thick CA. Attach a
6" [150mm] servo extension to each aileron servo. Use tape
to secure the extension to the servo lead.

❏ 2. Glue two aileron servo shims together, being sure to

keep the edges fl ush. Make two sets of these.

❏ 3. Trim approximately 1/16" [1.6mm] of covering from the

perimeter of the aileron servo bays. Glue the aileron servo
shims to the wing panels centered over the servo bays.

❏ 5. Use your radio system to center the aileron servos. Servo

arms are provided to fi t the splines of most micro servo models.
Locate two double-sided servo arms that fi t the model servos
you are using. Test fi t a double-sided servo arm onto each
aileron servo. Determine which way the arm fi ts closest to being
parallel with the aileron hinge line. Cut off the unused sides of
the arms, leaving the sides that point to the wing tips.

❏ 6. Locate four adjustable clevises from the hardware

package. Slide a clevis onto one end of each 2x215mm

8

carbon fi ber pushrod. Loosely thread a 2x4mm self-tapping
screw into each clevis. The screw head should be in the
recessed end of the hole in the clevis. Hook the clevis to the
outer holes in the servo arms.

❏ ❏ 9. Attach a clevis to the outer hole of the control horn and

slide the pushrod through the clevis connecting the aileron
to the servo. Position the aileron in the neutral position and
tighten the screws in the adjustable clevises (be sure that
the pushrod is positioned so the excess pushrod can be cut
off from one end and re-used). Cut off the excess pushrod
beyond the control horn clevis. Save the excess pushrod. It
will be used to join the top and bottom ailerons together. If
you haven’t done so, secure the servo arm to the servo using
the screw included with the servo.

❏ ❏ 7. Cut the bottom from a control horn tab leaving

approximately 5/32" [4mm] remaining on the control horn.
Using the pushrod as a guide, position a control horn on
the aileron in line with the outer hole of the servo arm and
the holes in the control horn over the hinge line. Press the
control horn tab into the aileron making an indentation. Cut
a 1/16" [1.6mm] slot at the indentation 4-5mm deep using a
sharp hobby knife. Be careful not to cut through the top of
the wing.

❏ 10. Repeat steps 7-9 for the other bottom wing panel.

Do not use the excess 2x215mm pushrod for the other
aileron pushrod! Use another 2x215mm pushrod to make

the second aileron pushrod.

Attach the Wings

❏ ❏ 8. Glue the control horn in place with medium or thick

CA glue.

❏ 1. A fuselage stand is included to simplify gluing the wings

to the fuselage. Glue the stand and wing supports together
as shown. The arrows on the long side pieces should point
toward the front (tall end).

❏ 2. Trim away the covering that overlaps onto the wing

root ribs.

9