PARKZONE F-27 Stryker Instruction Manual

ParkZone™products are distributed exclusively by

Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, IL 61822

© 2004 Horizon Hobby, Inc.

www.parkzone.com

6404

PKZ1205

6 05482 14170 0

6404

Instruction Manual

Charge-and-Fly™Park Flyer

FM Radio: 3 proportional channels
Battery: 8.4V 900mAh Ni-MH
Charger: DC peak detect
Wing: Durable EPP foam

Wing Span: 37 in (950mm)
Length: 27 in (700mm)
Weight: 21 oz (580g)
Motor: 480 Power direct drive

F-27 Stryker Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of the ParkZone

™

F-27 Stryker™. Your Stryker has come with everything
needed to get you in the air—all in one box! You will
only need to attach the vertical fins, attach the nose,
and charge the battery prior to flight.

We at ParkZone are committed to giving you the
most enjoyable flight experience you can have.
In order to ensure a safe and successful flight,
we ask that you do not fly until you have read
these instructions thoroughly.

Your F-27 Stryker comes with a fully proportional
3-channel FM radio system with full control of throttle,

steering and pitch. If you have not successfully flown
one of HobbyZone’s Zone 1 or 2 aircraft, or any other
radio controlled aircraft, we strongly recommend that
you seek the help of an experienced radio control pilot
during your beginning flights.

Crash damage is not covered under the warranty!

Your F-27 Stryker comes with special software that
gives you the ability to change flight modes as you
gain more experience and become more advanced
in your flying. There are two independent modes to
select from. This is done easily with a switch on
the transmitter.

Step 1

Step 2

Transmitter

1. Insert 8 new “AA” batteries (supplied) into the
transmitter, observing proper polarity.

2. Turn switch on to ensure the batteries have been
installed correctly. Once this is confirmed, turn
radio off.

2

Charging the Aircraft Battery

Your ParkZone charger uses unique peak detection
circuitry that ensures an accurate charge every time and
protects your Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries from the dangers
of over-charging. During the charge cycle, it continuously
monitors the charge curve and automatically switches to
trickle charge when the peak is detected.

Important: The F-27 Stryker airplane battery should be
charged shortly before flying. If you charge the battery
12 to 24 hours prior to flying, you will need to “re-peak”
the battery before you fly by repeating the charging steps.

3

Step 2

Step 3

300mAh 6V Ni-MH .4 amps 40 minutes
600mAh

4.8V–8.4V Ni-MH

.8 amps 40 minutes

900mAh

7.2V–8.4V Ni-MH 1.2 amps 40 minutes

BA TTERY CAPACITY

MAX. CHARGE RATE

CHARGE TIME

Note: Charge times are
estimates only for fully
discharged battery
pack. Actual charge
times may vary.

continued

DC Peak Detection Charger Features:

• Variable charge rate from 0.3–1.2 amps

• Trickle charge

• Uses automobile 12V power outlet

• Charges 4- to 7-cell Ni-Cd and Ni-MH
battery packs

• LED charge indicator

Charging the Aircraft Battery:

1. Using the dial on the side of the charger, select

the charge rate to 1.2 amps.

Battery Capacity: 8.4V 900mAh Ni-MH
Typical Charge Time: 40 minutes

2. Connect the battery pack to the charger.

3. Connect the charger to the 12V power outlet in

your automobile. The LED will continually blink
while the battery charges.

4. Charging is finished when the LED indicator

glows steadily. You should also notice at this time
that the battery is warm to the touch.

Note: Damage to the charger and battery
will occur if you exceed the maximum charge
rate recommended.

Note: Do not leave the charger and battery

unattended during the charge process. While
charging, place the battery on a heat resistant
surface and constantly monitor the temperature
of the battery pack. If the battery becomes hot at
any time during the charge process, discontinue
charging immediately. Do not allow children to
charge battery packs without adult supervision.

Attaching the nose

1. Locate the nose inside the box.

2. Trial fit the nose without peeling the paper off of
the tape. This will give you a good idea of what the
fit will be like.

3. Peel the paper off the tape and carefully attach
the nose.

4. To add support, apply the included decals to the
side and bottom of the nose/fuselage

4

Step 5

Motor Test

1. Make sure the throttle slider is in the
“off” position.

2. Turn on transmitter.

3. Remove battery cap from top of the fuselage
(see above).

4. Plug the flight battery into the inside of
the fuselage.

5. Secure battery inside fuselage cavity and replace
battery cap.

6. Your F-27 Strykerhas a built-in throttle-arming
feature which needs to “see” the throttle slider
in the off position before it will spin the propeller.
Advance the throttle forward and the propeller
should spin at a high speed. The throttle-arming
feature will need to be activated each time the
battery is plugged into the airplane.

Attaching the vertical fins

You will need to attach the two vertical fins
to the fuselage. These fins will help to give the
F-27 Stryker™ stability.

1. Locate both fins from box.

2. Install the fins into the slots on fuselage.

Adult Supervision Required

WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller and
hold the plane securely. A moving propeller can cause
severe injury.

ON

OFF

Step 4

Note: Double-sided tape is on the
front edge of both fins. Peel the paper
from the tape in order to secure the
vertical fins into the fuselage.

Battery cap

5

Step 6

Elevon Test

Warning: Keep everything clear of the propeller

before starting the control test in the event that you
accidentally turn on the motor.

Your F-27 Stryker

™

features two large elevons that

provide directional control.

To test the elevons to ensure they function correctly,

follow these simple steps:

1. Turn on transmitter.

2. Install and plug in fully charged aircraft battery. With

the stick at neutral and both trim levers centered, the
elevons should be at neutral. If this is not the case,
you can make small adjustments to the trim levers.

3. Give the transmitter full right on the stick. As you are

looking from the tail of the aircraft, the right elevon
should deflect upward, and the left downward
(in image 1).

4. Give the transmitter full left on the stick. The
left elevon should deflect upward and the
right downward.

5. Pull back on the stick and the elevons should both
deflect equally upward (in image 2).

6. Push forward on the stick and the elevons should
deflect equally downward.

If you encounter any problems with your F-27 Stryker
responding properly to the transmitter, do not fly.
Call Horizon Hobby’s Product Support staff at
1-877-504-0233.

Right

Left

Elevator
Trim

Aileron
Trim

6

Step 7

Mode Change Flight Control System

Your F-27 Stryker™ is equipped with Mode Change
Flight Control™ software that allows you to choose two
ways to fly. A switch on top of the transmitter allows
you to easily select the desired mode.

Mode A. In this mode, you will be limited in the amount
of travel of the control surfaces (elevons), allowing for
smooth and more manageable control. We recommend
that you begin flying in this mode until you become
more familiar with the F-27 Stryker. A label on the
transmitter will show the position of the switch
(pushed back away from pilot) when in Mode A.

Mode B. The travel of the elevons are no longer limited.
This mode is absolutely ideal for extreme aerial combat
with an optional Sonic Combat Module™ (HBZ4020),
pylon racing, inverted flight and other outrageous flying
maneuvers. However, your F-27 Stryker will also be
much easier to crash in Mode B as well. This mode is
recommended for advanced pilots only. The transmitter
label will show the position of the switch (all the way
toward pilot when holding transmitter) when in Mode B.

Note: It is possible to change the flight modes during
flight. This should be done at higher altitudes.

Step 8

Choose a Large, Open Grassy Field

• A large, open grass field is required to fly your

F-27 Stryker. The Stryker can achieve speeds of up to
50 mph, so it covers ground fast. The bigger the
field, the better.

• It is essential to have a minimum of 300 feet of

clear space in all directions from the pilot. If you
ignore this direction, you will have problems.

• Make certain that you do not fly near trees, buildings,

or other areas that can restrict your view or interfere
with your flying.

Transmitter decal

7

Step 10

Range Test

You will need two people to perform the range test:
one to hold the plane and the other to give input to
the transmitter.

Warning: The person holding the plane should be
sure the propeller does not come into contact with any
part of their clothing or body.

1. One person holds the transmitter, while the other
person walks 100 paces away with the airplane.

2. Be sure the throttle slider is in the “off” position.

3. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and
turn the transmitter on.

4. Plug the airplane battery into the fuselage.

5. As soon as the throttle slider is advanced, the
propeller should spin quickly.

6. As the first person moves the transmitter controls
at the same time, the other person watches to be
sure the airplane’s motor and tail controls operate
smoothly.

Step 11

Seek Assistance from an Experienced
Radio Control Pilot

VERY IMPORTANT

The 3-channel control system is designed for
the experienced radio control pilot and is not intended
for the first-time flyer. It is best to have HobbyZone

®

Zone 2 experience. First-time pilots of the ParkZone

™

F-27 Stryker™should seek the assistance of an experi­enced RC flyer until the additional third channel
(pitch control) has been competently mastered.

Crash damage is not covered under the warranty.

Step 9

Choose a Calm Day

You want to fly! However, you need to make sure
that your initial flights especially are done with little
to no wind (less than 7mph).

To check wind conditions:

1. Tie the included red ribbon to the
transmitter antenna.

2. Hold the transmitter antenna so that it is
parallel to the ground and note how much the
ribbon moves in the wind. If the ribbon hangs
down, conditions are right to fly. However, if
the angle between the antenna and the ribbon
is less than 20 degrees, it is too windy to fly.

20 º

100 paces

8

Step 13

Flying

1. After launching, your F-27 Stryker™ will climb
at full throttle. Keep the throttle full on until
you have reached an altitude of about 50 feet.
At this same time, make sure that you are
continuing to keep the airplane directed
into the wind.

2. Make right and left adjustments as necessary to
keep the plane headed directly into the wind.
After you have reached 50 feet of altitude, you
can begin to make directional changes that
you desire.

3. Use the trim levers on the transmitter to help
with trimming for level flight. If you still need
some additional trim adjustment to the elevons,
you can detach the clevis from the control sur­face horn and turn the clevis in or out in order
to raise or lower the elevon until the desired
adjustment is made.

4. Remember—control range is 2,500 feet. Do not
allow the plane to get too far away from you. When
the plane is further in the air, it is harder to see and
the winds are stronger as well.

5. Always keep the plane upwind from you, so it
will not be carried away from you by the wind.

6. Flying in too much wind is by far the number one
reason for those who are inexperienced to crash or
have fly-aways.

7. Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the way
back on the stick (up elevator), or your plane may
enter into a stall. Climb by giving small amounts
of elevator.

8. Damage/bends to the wings or tails can greatly
affect flight control. Replace the damaged
parts immediately.

Step 12

Hand Launching the F-27 Stryker

1. Make certain that the aircraft battery is fully charged.

2. Make sure the throttle slider is in the OFF position
before turning on the transmitter.

3. Turn on the transmitter. Make certain transmitter

switch is on correct mode.

4. Plug in aircraft battery.

5. Place the fingers of your launching hand into the
molded place on the bottom of the aircraft.

6. With the power off, throw your F-27 Stryker

™

firmly

with a slight angle upwards, directly into the wind.

7. After throwing, immediately give full throttle.

8. Keep steering into the wind and hold at full throttle
until you have reached an altitude of at least 50 feet.

9. When you have reached this safe altitude, it is safe to
steer in the desired direction as well as adjust the
throttle input to help control altitude and speed.

WIND

9

Step 14

Throttle Adjustment

1. Climb to an altitude of 150 feet or more with full
throttle.

2. To achieve and maintain a level “cruising”
altitude, reduce the power by moving the throttle
slider down to approximately 50% of full-on. The
thottle slider is proportional, so you can add or
reduce throttle in small increments as needed to
maintain the altitude that you desire.

3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle.

4. To increase altitude, increase throttle.

Step 13

continued

Sharp Turns

In order to make a sharper turn, move the stick in
the desired direction and add some up elevator (pull
back on stick). The plane will make a sharper banking
turn.

Note: With the throttle slider set at low or off
(gliding), the plane will not turn as fast as when
you are flying at or near full throttle.

Sharp Turn

Throttle
Lever

Full
Throttle

Reduced
Throttle

Approx. 50% Throttle

Full
Throttle

Off

Full

On

10

Reduce power at 10 feet.

Step 15

Using Elevator

Your F-27 Stryker

™

is equipped with a third channel
for elevator (pitch control). Pulling back on the stick
provides up elevator. This allows for better flares for
landing, better climb rates, more effective turns, and
better aerobatics. However, pulling too far back on the
elevator to climb too quickly could cause the airplane
to enter a stall (make the nose of the plane come
down). To avoid crashing from a stall, always maintain
enough altitude to recover.

Just after a stall has occurred, the nose of the airplane
will fall and the plane will look like it is diving. To pull
out of a stall, simply pull back slowly on the stick (par­tial up elevator) once your F-27 Stryker has built up
airspeed. Remember, pulling back too quickly or for too
long will once again cause the airplane to enter a stall.
Effectively avoiding and recovering from stalls requires
experience. Always seek the help of an experienced
radio control pilot if you are not familiar with pitch
control. Failure to do so, could result in a crash and
significant damage to your airplane.

Step 16

Landing Your F-27 Stryker

When you begin to notice that your F-27 Stryker no
longer climbs well under full power (normally after
approximately 10–15 minutes), the battery is getting
low and it is time to land. Bring in your Stryker directly
into the wind and toward the desired landing spot.
Gradually reduce throttle to reach an altitude of approxi­mately 10 feet). At this point, reduce even more thottle
and your plane should glide in softly for a soft landing.

Note: Your F-27 Stryker should be landed on a smooth
surface (such as grass) since there is no landing gear.
Landing on rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete
can damage your Stryker and is not recommended.

Expert Tip: As you get better and more experienced at
flying, try adding a bit of “up” elevator just prior to
landing to “flare” the plane. With some practice, your
landings should become smooth and on target.

WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the airplane or
injury may occur. Remember, there is a spinning pro­peller on the plane that can cause injury! Also, be sure
to cut power to the motor right before you land to
prevent damage to the propeller.

11

Step 17

Aerobatic Flight

Your F-27 Stryker™comes out of the box with the
controls set for softer responses and at the outer holes
of the control surfaces. However, once you get used to
the flight characteristics and want to perform more
aerobatic maneuvers you can change the amount of
throw that is permitted by moving to the inner holes
of the control horns.

After making any adjustments, always turn on the
transmitter and center the transmitter trim levers, making
sure the control surfaces are adjusted evenly.

Note: By making these changes, the controls

will be much more responsive. But this makes the
airplane much less forgiving and easier to stall.
Remember, crash damage is not covered under
the warranty.

X-Port

Your F-27 Stryker comes equipped with
HobbyZone’s exclusive X-Port™feature. This allows you
to add the Sonic Combat Module™(HBZ4020) to your
F-27 Stryker for incredible aerial combat.

With the SCM, you can engage in aerial combat with
other X-port equipped aircraft. When you successfully
“hit” another person’s SCM equipped aircraft, a high
pitched sound is emitted. This signals that their motor
is disabled for approximately 10 seconds, while they
maintain the ability to steer. This will allow them the
opportunity to make a safe landing or position them­selves to counterattack. Simply attach the SCM on

the designated space on the top of the fuselage. The
firing button is at the top of the transmitter. When the
button is pushed, a high-pitched sound will be
heard signaling the SCM has been activated.

Step 18

Range is about 80 feet

12

Warnings and Safety

1. Read and follow this manual completely, observing all
instructions and safety directions. Otherwise, serious
injury and damage can occur.

Think safety first.

2. Keep propeller away from body parts, even when it
isn’t spinning, as it could be turned on accidentally.
Beware of hair becoming entangled in the propeller,
especially while launching the F-27 Stryker.

3. Do not fly when it’s too windy or you may lose control
and crash, causing injury or damage. Never fly near
people, vehicles, train tracks, buildings, power lines,
water, hard surfaces or trees. Never allow anyone to
attempt to catch the airplane while it’s in flight or
serious injury can result.

4. Adult supervision is recommended for ages 14
and under.

5. Battery charging: Only use a battery charger intended
for use with the flight battery. Never leave charger
unattended while charging, to help prevent overcharg­ing. Place the battery on a heat resistant surface;
do not lay it on carpet or upholstery while charging.

6. Never cut into the battery charger or airplane wires or
serious injury can occur. Causing the battery to “short
out” (crossing negative and positive bare wires) can
cause fire, serious injury and damage.

7. Hold the plane securely, and keep all body parts away
from the propeller when the flight battery is plugged
in. When you finish flying the F-27 Stryker, always
unplug the battery before you turn off the transmitter.

8. Never fly on the same frequency as another RC
vehicle in your area. The frequency of the F-27 Stryker
is shown on stickers on the back of the transmitter.

Step 19

Repairing Damage

If you happen to crash and your F-27 Stryker™ is in need of repair, you
can use CA or epoxy. The foam will bond quite nicely with careful repair
work. However, if damage is severe, or if the wings and/or tail is bent, it is
best to replace these parts prior to your next flight. See page 15 of this
manual for a detailed listing of replacement parts.

13

Success Tips

1. Don’t fly in winds over 7 mph!

2. First-time pilots should always get help from an

experienced radio control pilot during first flights.

3. Choose your flying field carefully–grass and soft

ground with 600-foot diameter is optimal for flying
and will lengthen the life of the F-27 Stryker

™

. Make
sure there are no obstacles that will get in your way
when flying, such as trees or buildings. Make sure
you do not fly where pedestrians could be hurt by the
airplane.

4. Remember that holding the right stick full over for too
long can cause the airplane to spiral dive and crash.
At the very first sign of the F-27 Stryker beginning to
spiral down, immediately release the stick, and give
the opposite turn control to the spiral. After this is
done and you once again have control of the airplane,
pull back on the elevator to level flight and level
the wings.

5. Don’t attempt to fly or do maneuvers beyond your
flying abilities without seeking the assistance of an
experienced pilot.

6. If you’re gliding with the motor off, allow the
F-27 Stryker more area for turns.

7. At your flying field, position yourself to keep the sun
at your back and out of your eyes. Wear sunglasses
on bright days.

8. Keep the F-27 Stryker upwind, especially on windy
days, to prevent it from “flying away.” The wind is
normally stronger at higher altitudes than it is on
the ground.

9. Keep your plane in front of you so you don’t have
to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid flying
directly overhead.

14

Due to the nature and operation of this product, the
warranty does not extend beyond the initial preflight
testing. Carefully check the parts and operation BEFORE
your first flight.

Damage incurred during flying, landing, crashing or
modification is not covered under the warranty.

Warranty: Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product to

be free of defects in material and workmanship. If you
discover defects during the very first preflight testing
(Steps 1–6 & 9–10), please call our Product Support staff
toll-free at 1-877-504-0233. If you are directed by them
to return the product to our Service Center, you will be
provided with a RA (Return Authorization) number. If, in
our opinion after inspecting the product, we determine
it to be defective, we will repair or replace it at
our discretion.

If you are directed by our Product Support staff to return
the airplane, please follow these instructions.

1. Unplug the battery from the airplane.

2. Pack the complete ParkZone™ F-27 Stryker

™

(all components in the original box) and place
in a sturdy shipping carton for protection.

3. Include your complete name and address informa­tion inside the carton, as well as clearly writing it
on the outer label/return address area. Include
detailed information explaining the nature of the
problem(s) encountered.

4. Please date your correspondence and be sure your
complete name, address and daytime phone num­ber appear on this enclosure. Please include your
original dated sales receipt.

Mail to the address below:

Horizon Service Center
Attn: ParkZone Dept.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822

Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures

Unit does not operate

1. Transmitter “AA” batteries are depleted or
installed incorrectly, indicated by a dim or unlit
LED on transmitter or the low battery alarm.

2. No electrical connection.

3. Flight battery not charged.

1. Check polarity installation or replace
with fresh “AA” batteries.

2. Push connectors together until they
“click.”

3. Charge battery fully.

Aircraft keeps turning in

one direction

1. Elevons not set up correctly.

2. Vertical fins have moved/changed.

1. Check elevons; review control surfaces.

2. Re-attach/straighten vertical fins.

Aircraft will not climb 1. Battery is not fully charged.

2. Elevon trim may be incorrect.

1. Charge battery fully shortly before
flying.

2. Adjust elevator trim.

Aircraft keeps

pitching up steeply

1. Wind is too gusty or strong. 1. Postpone flying until the wind calms
down.

Aircraft will not trim
correctly with levers

1. Trim levers on transmitter not enough

to correct

1. Remove clevis from control horn and
turn clevis in or out in order to raise
or lower elevon to desired position.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

Troubleshooting

15

Item Description Retail

PKZ1002 Propeller (7&8 cell high pitch) $2.99
PKZ1130 Mini Servo (5W) w/Arms: F-27 $9.99
PKZ1202 Decal Sheet: F-27 $6.99
PKZ1205 Instruction Manual: F-27 $ .99
PKZ1212 Battery Hatch: F-27 $3.49
PKZ1213 Complete Hatch Set: F-27 $7.99
PKZ1214 Double-Sided Tape (400mm): F-27 $1.99
PKZ1216 480 Motor w/Leads: F-27 $10.99
PKZ1218 Clevis and Pushrod (2): F-27 $2.49
PKZ1220 Vertical Fins (2): F-27 $7.99
PKZ1232 Elevons (2) w/Control Horns: F-27 $3.99
PKZ1234 Motor Mount w/Hardware: F-27 $3.29
PKZ1241 TX: CH 1, 26.995: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1242 TX: CH 2, 27.045: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1243 TX: CH 3, 27.095: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1244 TX: CH 4, 27.145: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1245 TX: CH 5, 27.195: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1246 TX: CH 6, 27.255: F-27 $32.99
PKZ1251 ESC/RX CH 1, 26.995: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1252 ESC/RX CH 2, 27.045: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1253 ESC/RX CH 3, 27.095: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1254 ESC/RX CH 4, 27.145: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1255 ESC/RX CH 5, 27.195: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1256 ESC/RX CH 6, 27.255: F-27 $29.99
PKZ1267 Bare Fuselage (unpainted): F-27 $19.99
HBZ1013 8.4V 7C 900mAh Battery Pack Ni-MH $29.99
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (1.2 Amp) $19.99
HBZ1058 Transmitter Antenna $4.99
HBZ6057 Transmitter Battery Cover $2.50

F-27 Stryker Option Parts:

HBZ2004 Propeller (6 cell low pitch) $2.99
PKZ1023 *9.6V 8C 900mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack w/Lead $29.99
HBZ1012 7.2V 6C 900mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack $24.99
HBZ4020 Sonic Combat Module $23.99
HBZ4025 Stealth Tartget w/Sensor $23.99

NOTE: Some replacement parts are also HobbyZone replacement parts and may reflect that in packaging.

* 9.6V 8-cell battery pack must be charged with a hobby-quality charger. The charger that comes
with the F-27 Stryker™ will not properly charge this battery pack. We recommend the E-Flite Pinnacle
Plus (EFLC2020).

Replacement Parts

Keep your F-27 Stryker in the air! Stock up on these replacement parts. Check www.parkzone.com
to find your local hobby store or to buy online.