Maxford USA Bleriot XI Instruction Manual

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The above photo shows an optional U35425 motor, propeller,

dummy engine and simulated vintage-style spoked wheels.

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1/6 SPORT-SCALE ARF R/C MODEL AIRPLANE

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XII

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On July 25, 1909, French aviator, inventor and engineer Louis Charles Joseph Blériot (pictured at below center) made the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft, a Blériot XI. This historic achievement not only won Blériot a lasting place in history but assured the future of his aircraft manufacturing business. The Blériot XI was eventually sold with various wingspans and as single- and two-seat versions, marketed as trainers, sport/touring, military, and racing/exhibition aircraft with several different types of engine, including the famous Anzani 3-cylinder fan (or semiradial) engine. Like its predecessor, it was a tractor-configuration monoplane, with a partially covered box-girder fuselage built from ash with wire cross bracing.

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Harriet Quimby (pictured at above right) was America’s first licensed woman pilot. In 1912 she flew

a Blériot XI from England to France across the English Channel. The first Blériot XIs entered military service in Italy and France in 1910, and a year later, some of those were used in action by Italy in North Africa – the first use of an aircraft in a war – and in Mexico. The Royal Flying Corps received its first Blériots in 1912. During the early stages of the First World War, eight French, six British and six Italian squadrons operated various military versions of the aircraft, mainly in observation duties, but also as trainers, and in the case of single-seaters, as light bombers with a bomb load of up to 25 kilograms, just over 55 pounds in traditional American units.

Our radio-controlled Blériot XI is approximately 1/6 scale and suitable for a 3 or 4 channel radio.

Important safety precautions ...…………..........

2 V.

Special features ………………………......

II.

Warranty, liability waiver & return policy ...

3 VI.

Assembly instructions ..………............

III.

Specifications ..……………………………………....

4 VII.

Setup & adjustments ..…………………

IV.

Parts List ….……………………………………………

4 VIII.

Preflight checks …………………………..

Addendum ….…… Please see attached – and check at www.MaxfordUSA.com for updates.

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Like the original, it features a balanced all-moving vertical rudder and a lifting horizontal tailplane that is fitted with full-flying elevator surfaces at each end that rotate together on a torque rod extending through the fixed inner section. The Blériot XI, like many early aircraft, was designed with wingwarping, which may be replicated for some radio-control models but only by a very few experienced modelers. Wing-warping is not used in this model; instead, to enhance flight performance and safety, we have added ailerons, which are not scale, but are easy for most beginner and intermediate pilots to control. Advanced scale pilots who value appearance and are comfortable with slow turns may use tape to fix the ailerons to the wing and fly with rudder, elevator and throttle only. (Factory-original Mylar is available to order for covering the ailerons.) We tested a few different versions using different types and combinations of composite materials to make this Blériot XI a stable sport-aerobatic flyer.

There have been lots of customers, such as Dennis K. Crouch and Wayne Wlocka, who recommended we develop the Blériot XI. We thank them for their good advice and hope this ARF brings the fun of flying to all our valued customers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & ASSEMBLY TIPS:

(IMPORTANT – READ THIS SECTION BEFORE YOU BEGIN ASSEMBLY)

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

depend on how you assemble 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 this model airplane according to these instructions. Do not alter or modify the model

beyond the assembly and power-system options covered in these instructions, as doing so may

result in an unsafe or unworkable model. If the instructions differ from the photos, the written

instructions should be considered correct. If you have any question or concern about these

instructions, before you proceed with assembly of this product, contact your dealer or speak to a

Maxford USA customer service representative at 562-529-3988 (Monday through Friday, except

national holidays, 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time).

3. While this kit has been flight-tested to meet or exceed our rigid performance and reliability

standards in normal use, if you elect to perform any extremely high-stress flying, such as racing or

advanced aerobatics, or if you install a much larger power system than specified, you (the buyer or

user of this product) are solely responsible for taking any and all necessary steps to reinforce the

high-stress points and/or substitute hardware that is more suitable for such increased stresses.

4. Throughout the lifetime of this model, use only the Maxford USA-recommended power system and

a new or well-maintained radio-control system.

5. It is your responsibility to install the receiver and connect the R/C components in such a way that

this model airplane passes all applicable safety/range tests and that the power system and

controls operate correctly and smoothly.

6. Recheck 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 all electrical, control and structural connections; do not fly without replacing any that

you find damaged or worn.

7. Before you begin assembly of this model airplane, read all instructions and test-fit each part to

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ensure you fully understand the instructions and that no parts are missing, damaged or

unsatisfactory. (Note: Temperature and/or humidity differences between the factory, our

warehouse and your home or workshop may dictate the need for slight adjustments to the wing,

and/or the vertical or horizontal tail surfaces to ensure proper alignment; however, we recom-

mend you contact us before you attempt any such adjustments.)

8. To help ensure the security of the optional servo connections, we recommend use of

optional Maxford USA servo-extension safety clips.

9. If you are not an experienced R/C pilot or have not flown this type of model before,

we strongly urge you to get assistance from an experienced R/C pilot.

10. You may use 30-minute epoxy to attach critical parts permanently (such as where the elevators

attach to their torque rod) and apply a threadlock compound to secure all airframe components

from vibration.

11. If you have any concern about the security of any factory fabrication procedure(s), you may apply

30-minute epoxy around the perimeter of such part(s) as an extra safety precaution.

12. This model may include some plastic, fiberglass and/or carbon-fiber-reinforced parts. If you drill,

grind or sand any such part, always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber gloves to

guard yourself from eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritation; never blow into the part as the dust

may blow back into your face.

13. Check the Mylar covering material’s joints and surfaces; if necessary, carefully use an iron (do NOT

set the iron’s temperature too high) to secure the edges and to tighten any loosened areas.

Recheck and retighten from time to time.

14. Read all instructions included with your electric power system’s motor, speed control (ESC),

battery and charger. Failure to follow instructions could result in bodily harm and/or permanent

damage to the motor, ESC, battery and surroundings! If you crash this model airplane, check

whether the battery is damaged. Do NOT attempt to use or recharge a damaged battery.

II. LIMITED WARRANTY, LIABILITY WAIVER & RETURN POLICY:

Maxford USA guarantees this kit to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time

of purchase. All our products have been inspected in our factory and are checked again when

shipped from our warehouse. However, Maxford USA cannot directly control the materials you

may use or your final assembly process. Therefore, Maxford USA cannot in any way guarantee the

performance of your finished model airplane. 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 below in item 2. If you think there is a missing,

damaged or unsatisfactory part, please read our after-sales service and return policy:

1. Inspect your order upon delivery for any missing, damaged or unsatisfactory part(s). If you

believe there is a problem, you must call us at 562-529-3988 (Monday through Friday except holidays, between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM Pacific time) before you begin assembly and within 10 days from receipt of your purchase. During this telephone conversation, and with your support, we will determine how to resolve your concern.

2. To request a return-merchandise authorization number (RMA#), call 562-529-3988 (Monday

through Friday except holidays, between the hours of 9 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

product’s original packing materials, complete with all manuals and accessories. Return

 Prebuilt and precovered fuselage,

horizontal tailplane, elevators, rudder and wing.

 Included aileron option, complete with all

associated hinges, servo-mounting hatches and linkages.

 Top- and bottom-side wing wire supports.  Scale-looking, shock-absorbing

landing-gear assembly and wheels.

 Hardware package, including simulated

wing wires and fuselage boom wires.

 This illustrated Instruction Manual.

Optional seat (only)

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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 15939 Illinois Avenue, #B-C Paramount, CA 90723

IMPORTANT: Print the RMA# issued by Maxford USA on your package near our address.

III. SPECIFICATIONS:

 Wingspan ..................................................................................................................................................... 51 inches

 Wing area ................................................................................................................................... 552 square inches

 Length ............................................................................................................................................................ 42 inches

 ARF weight ................................................................................................................................................. 3 pounds

 Ready-to-fly weight ............................................................................................................. 4 pounds 6 ounces

 Power system ...... Min. of 400W outrunner motor, 60A ESC, and 4 cell 3,000 mAh Lipo battery

 Propeller ....... 11-inch diameter x 6- or 7-inch pitch or larger, per your power system’s maker

 Radio ......................................................................... Min. of 3 channels (4 channels if ailerons are used)

 Servos ........................................................................... 2 mini servos (4 mini servos if ailerons are used)

(Dimensions and weights are approximate.)

IV. PARTS LIST:

1. Included items

2. Items you must supply

 Epoxy and cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives, threadlock compound and petroleum jelly.

 Common hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

 Mininum of three-channel radio system with two mini servos. (Using ailerons requires a four-

or-more channel radio plus two additional mini servos and one 6-inch Y harness.)

 Minimum of 400-Watt outer rotor motor with compatible electronic speed control, battery and

an 11-inch diameter x 6- or 7-inch pitch propeller or as required by your motor.

3. Optional items you may add

 Simulated Anzani 3-cylinder

fan semiradial engine.

 Pilot seat and installation set

(only), or pilot seat with a preglued pilot figure and installation kit.

 Vintage-style spoked wheels.

(ARF comes with solid wood wheels.)

V. SPECIAL FEATURES:

Optional motor, propeller, and

3-cylinder Anzani fan engine

Right end of

the horizontal

tailplane.

Elevator

Rudder

Right-

side

eel

levator

Right-side elevator’s torque rod

Right end of the horizontal tailplane.

Adjustable

for motor’s

depth

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 Unique product – The only ARF

available on the market made of balsa, plywood and composite materials.

 All-moving rudder and

all-moving twin elevators.

 Shock-absorbing landing gear.

 Shock-absorbing and steerable

tail wheel.

 Customer’s option of scale pilot seat,

pilot and dummy engine.

 Optional scale-looking spoked wheels.

VI. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

A. TAIL SECTION:

1. Use your radio or a servo tester to center the elevator and

rudder servos. (You may be interested to learn about servo testers at http://www.maxfordusa.com/servo.aspx.)

2. Attach EZ-Link connectors to the output arms of the rudder

and elevator servos and use the hardware provided with your servos to install them in the fuselage.

3. Mark the center of the approx. 16 1/4-inch long by

4mm-diameter composite elevator torque rod. Then, while inserting the torque rod through its opening in the horizontal tailplane, position the three wooden elevator control-horn parts in the center of the torque rod. (NOTE: Do NOT glue the wooden control-horn parts together or to the torque rod at this time.)

4. Center the torque rod within the horizontal tailplane. Mark where the torque rod exits each end

of the horizontal tailplane. Help prevent the torque rod from being accidently glued to the horizontal tailplane by applying petroleum jelly liberally to the torque rod on each side of the opening for the elevator’s control horn and where the torque rod exits at both ends of the horizontal tailplane.

5. Test-fit the left- and right-side

elevator panels onto the exposed ends of the elevator torque rod. Remove the elevators from the torque rod.

6. Being careful to not allow any glue

to enter the horizontal tailplane, apply CA adhesive or epoxy along the outer length of the right-side elevator’s torque rod. Immediately insert this torque rod into the right-side elevator. Check to be sure the torque rod remains centered in the horizontal tailplane and is able to rotate freely within the horizontal tailplane.

(NOTE: Do not to get any glue inside the horizontal tailplane. In the event of a minor gluing

Horizontal tailplane

Left

elevator

Right

elevator

Bolts and nuts shown on 1/4-inch squares

Position the elevator horn at

90 degrees to the flat surface

Approx. 3/8-inch (1 cm) long bolt, approx. 1 3/16-inch (3 cm) long bolt, matching self-locking nuts and approx. 1/2-inch (13 mm) tall plastic spacer. NOTE: Do not shorten the approx. 1 3/16-inch (3 cm) long bolt.

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accident, it may help to use a little acetone on the end of a Q-tip as a solvent.)

7. Allow the CA adhesive or epoxy to set fully or cure inside the elevator. When the CA adhesive or

epoxy has set or cured, check that the torque rod remains centered within the tailplane.

8. Being careful not to allow any glue to enter the horizontal tailplane, apply CA adhesive or epoxy

along the outer length of the left-side elevator torque rod. Immediately insert the torque rod fully into the left-side elevator. Check that the torque rod remains centered within the horizontal tailplane and able to rotate freely within the horizontal tailplane.

9. As shown below, before the CA adhesive or epoxy has fully set or cured, place the horizontal

tailplane, torque rod and elevator assembly on a flat surface with their flat lower surfaces facing down and aligned to each other. Allow the CA adhesive or epoxy to set or cure fully.

10. With the horizontal tailplane, torque rod and elevator assembly on a flat surface (with the lower

surfaces facing down as shown above), center the three elevator control-horn parts on the torque rod and point the control horn straight up.

11. Firmly press the three wooden elevator control-horn

parts together on the torque rod. Apply thin CA adhesive to secure the elevator control horn parts to each other and to the torque rod.

12. Check that the torque rod is still able to rotate freely

within the horizontal tailplane.

13. As shown below, attach the horizontal tailplane beneath the tail booms.

+ 14 hidden pages

Maxford USA Bleriot XI Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual