Maxford USA Albatros D.III Instruction Manual

ALBATROS D.III

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

(Shown with optional pilot bust, motor and propeller.)

Specifications:*

Wingspan ............................................................................................ Upper – 40 inches

Lower – 39 inches

Wing Area ................................................................................... Upper – 265 sq. inches

Lower – 152 sq. inches

Length ................................................................................................................. 30 inches

Flying weight ..................................................................................................... 30~33 oz.

Brushless motor

(Recommended motor: Maxford USA C2812-1200 or equivalent)

Brushless electronic speed control w/BEC (Not included) .................... 18 A for 3S Li-Po

(Recommended electronic speed control: Maxford USA Uranus 18 A or equivalent)

Propeller (Not included) .......................................................................................... SF 9×6

Battery
Radio system

(Recommended servos: Maxford USA SG-90 or equivalent)

(Not included) ................................ 11.1V, 1,300~2,100 mAh, 15C Li-Po battery

(Not included) .................................................. 166 Watts, 1,200 RPM/V

(Not included) .......................... Minimum of 4 channels with 4 mini servos

*(Dimensions and weights are approximate.)

Entire Contents © Copyright 2008

Congratulations on your acquisition of Maxford USA’s version of the Albatros D.III from World War I.

The Albatros D.III was a single-seat biplane used by the Imperial German Army Air Service and the Austro-Hungarian Air
Service during the First World War. It was heavily armed with twin synchronized, forward-firing 7.92 mm LMG 08/15
machine guns and powered by a 180 hp Mercedes 6-cylinder inline, water-cooled engine (unusual for the time), and its
streamlined radiator, mounted on the top wing, was offset slightly to starboard so that combat damage would not result in
scalding water being released over the pilot.

The prototype D.III first flew in August 1916 and was quickly recognized for its outstanding maneuverability and rate of climb.
Like most fighters, the D.III was prone to spinning. However, its recovery was straightforward, and German aces including
Manfred von Richthofen, Ernst Udet, Erich Löwenhardt, Kurt Wolff, and Karl Emil Schäfer credited the D.III as being both
pleasant and easy to fly. Nearly all pilots of the time used unique combinations of colors and markings to identify their
individual aircraft, as illustrated by the aircraft pictured below, circa 1917:

Because of the D.III’s V-shaped interplane struts, pilots of the British Royal Flying Corps often referred to the D.III as the
"V-strutter" and they accorded it a very high level of respect, especially after their horrific losses during “Bloody April” of
1917 to the superior Albatros D.III fighters.

More than 1,800 Albatros D.IIIs were built between 1916 and 1918, and Albatros D.IIIs continued to be successfully deployed
throughout the balance of war, even after such newer fighters as those pictured below were introduced:

Albatros D.V Fokker Dr.I Fokker D.VII

Enjoy the pride of ownership and of flying this high-quality model of the famous Albatros D.III!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important safety precautions ................................. 3

Warranty, liability waiver, and return policy ........ 3

This Albatros D.III model’s special features ........ 4

Parts list ................................................................ 4

Power system ........................................................ 5

Tail group, machine guns & windshield .............. 5

Ailerons and wings ............................................... 7

Rudder & elevator servos, landing gear,
cabane struts, receiver, spinner,

and final adjustments ......................................... 9

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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

TO PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS

1. This product should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions much like a full-

scale airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, this product, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
cause injury to you or spectators and damage to property. Maxford USA provides you with a high-quality, thoroughly
tested model airplane kit with assembly instructions. However, the quality and capabilities of your finished model
airplane depends on how you build it, and your safety depends on how you use and fly it. Any testing or flying of this
model airplane is done entirely at your own risk.

2. Assemble the model airplane according to the instructions. Take time to build it STRAIGHT, TRUE and STRONG.

We recommend that you do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unworkable model.
In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written instructions should be
considered as correct. If you have any question about the instructions, before you proceed with assembly of this
product, contact us at [phone], Monday through Friday, except national holidays, between 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Pacific time.

3. Install the R/C system and other components in such a way that this model airplane passes all ground safety/range tests

and ensure that all controls operate smoothly and correctly.

4. Check the operation of this model airplane before every flight to ensure that all equipment is still operating correctly

and that the model has remained structurally sound. Also, before every flight check the clevises and other connectors;
replace any found damaged or defective.

5. If you are not an experienced R/C pilot or have not flown this type of model before, we recommend that you get the

assistance of an experienced R/C pilot.

6. Throughout the lifetime of this model, use only the supplied Maxford USA or same-sized motor, electronic speed

control, and a new or well-maintained R/C radio system and recommended Li-Po battery.

7. While this kit has been flight-tested to meet or exceed our rigid performance and reliability standards in normal use, if

you plan to perform any extremely high-stress flying, such as racing or advanced aerobatics, or if you plan to install a
larger motor than included, you (the buyer or user of this product) are solely responsible for taking steps to reinforce
the high-stress points and/or substitute hardware that is more suitable for such increased stresses.

8. LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE: WARNING!!

battery. Failure to follow all instructions could result in permanent damage to the battery, its surroundings, and bodily
harm! If you crash this model airplane, check whether the Li-Po battery is damaged.
Do NOT attempt to use and do not attempt to re-charge a damaged Li-Po battery.
ONLY use a Li-Po approved charger.

(NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH charger!)

ALWAYS set the charger’s output to match the battery’s

voltage and mAh ratings.

ALWAYS charge through the battery’s “charge” connector.

(NEVER charge through the “discharge” leads.)
ALWAYS charge in a fireproof location.
NEVER place on combustible materials or leave unattended

during charge or discharge.

9. This model of the Albatros D.III includes some carbon-fiber reinforced or fiberglass parts. Be warned that carbon-

fiber and fiberglass dust may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. So, if you grind, drill or sand such parts,
always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves, and never blow into such a part to remove carbon-fiber
or fiberglass dust, as the dust may blow back into your eyes.

Read the entire instruction sheet included with the

NEVER charge in excess of 4.2V per cell.
NEVER discharge below 2.5V per cell.
NEVER allow battery temp. to exceed 150° F (65° C).
NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C (for example,

in the case of a 1,300 mAh battery, that’s 1.3 amps).
NEVER trickle charge.
NEVER disassemble or modify pack wiring in any way

or puncture cells.
ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

.

WARRANTY, LIABILITY WAIVER, AND RETURN POLICY

Maxford USA guarantees this kit to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time of purchase. All of our
products have been inspected in our factory and are checked again when shipped from our warehouse. However, Maxford
USA cannot directly control any of the materials you may use nor your final-assembly process. Therefore, Maxford USA
CANNOT in any way guarantee the performance of your finished model airplane.

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[Continued on next page.]

Furthermore, in purchasing this product, you (the buyer or user of this product) exempt, waive, and relieve Maxford USA from
all current or future liability for any personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, and if you (the buyer or user of this
product) are involved in any claim or suit, you will not sue Maxford USA or any of its representatives.

If you do not fully accept the above liability and waiver, you may request a return merchandise authorization number (RMA#)
as explained in item 2, below.

If you think there is any shipping damage or missing part(s), please review our after-sales service and return policy as outlined
below.

1. Inspect your order upon delivery for any shipping damage or missing part. If you find a problem you must contact us

within 10 days from receipt of your purchase by calling [phone], Monday through Friday, except holidays,
between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5 PM Pacific time. During this telephone conversation, and with your support, we
will determine how to resolve your concern. (Note: Maxford USA Li-Po batteries are sold without warranty and are
not eligible for return or credit.)

2. To request an RMA#, call [phone], Monday through Friday, except holidays, between the hours of 8:30 AM to

5 PM Pacific time. If we elect to issue you an RMA#, you must clearly mark this RMA# on the outside of the package.
(No return or exchange will be authorized after 10 days from the date of your receipt of the product; any package
delivered to us without a Maxford USA RMA# is subject to being returned to the sender, as received, with return
postage payable upon delivery.) Returned merchandise must be in its original condition as received from Maxford
USA, with no assembly or modification, in the original packing materials, complete with all manuals and accessories.
Return shipping and insurance charges must be prepaid by you, the buyer.

3. Returned merchandise that is accepted by Maxford USA for credit is subject to a 10% to 20% restocking fee. (The

final amount will be determined by Maxford USA upon receipt and examination of the returned merchandise.)

Return Address:

Maxford USA RC Model Mfg, Inc.
15247 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723-3917

(IMPORTANT: If issued by Maxford USA RC Model Mfg, Inc.
print the RMA# on the package near the above address.)

THIS ALBATROS D.III MODEL’S SPECIAL FEATURES

• Scale dummy-engine, wing-mounted radiator and machine guns.

• Shock-absorbing, spring-loaded landing gear and tail skid.

• True-to-scale, large-sized spinner.

• Completely pre-covered & pretrimmed, with all control surfaces prehinged

and all mounting openings predrilled/precut.

• Each aileron is separately operated by its own, in-wing servo.

• The battery hatch is strongly secured by a rare-earth magnet.

PARTS LIST

1. Items you must supply to complete the Albatros D.III:

• Outer-rotor motor, matching electronic speed control with BEC, and SF 9x6 propeller.

• 3 cell 1,300~2,100 mAh, 20C Li-Po battery and appropriate Li-Po battery charger.

• Electrical connectors for battery to electronic speed control (ESC) and ESC to motor, with heat-shrink

tubing, and elevator and rudder mechanical/servo connectors (i.e., Du-Bro E/Z Connectors or equivalent).

• 4 ea. SG-90 or equivalent mini servos with servo Y-connector and 3 ea. 12” servo-wire extensions.

• Receiver and transmitter (minimum of 4 channels for aileron, rudder, elevator and throttle).

• Thin cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA), 5-minute epoxy, windshield adhesive, double-sided foam tape,

black electrical tape, masking tape, and misc. common hand tools.

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