Sapac F-16 Operation And Assembly Instructions

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SCALE RADIO

CONTROLLED ELECTRIC

POWERED

FF--1166 D

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C

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D FF

A

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OPERATION AND ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

The SAPAC F-16 is supplied as a Receiver Ready version.

The package includes the Ducted Fan & Brushless Motor. The

servos are pre-installed for you along with the ESC ( Speed

Controller ) The matching LiPo Battery and 12 Volt DC. Balance

Charger is also included.

This model requires a minimum of a 4 Channel radio system

with “Elevon” Mixing..

These models are simple to assemble, factory painted in injection Moulded Foam

and are great fun to fly, with real “Jet like” qualities.

This model is not a toy.

Please read carefully and follow instructions to ensure correct assembly of this

model aircraft.

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INDEX

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

WARRANTY................................................................................................................................................... 3

WARNINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 3

KIT CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................ 4

ASSEMBLING THE AIRCRAFT........................................................................................................ ...............5

INSTALLING MAIN WING............................................................................................................................. 5

INSTALLING THE STEERABLE NOSE WHEEL AND LANDING GEAR ..................................................... 6

INSTALLING THE ELEVONS, VERTICAL FIN AND TAIL CONE................................................................. 6

INSTALL THE CANOPY................................................................................................................................7

CENTER OF GRAVITY PLACEMENT ............................................................................................................. 8

SPEED CONTROLLER SET UP................................................................................................................... 8

SETTING UP THE TRANSMITTER.................................................................................................................. 9

CONTROL SURFACE DIRECTION .............................................................................................................. 9

RANGE CHECKING BEFORE FLIGHT......................................................................................................... 9

CHARGING THE BATTERY............................................................................................................................. 9

GETTING READY TO FLY............................................................................................................................. 10

TIPS FROM THE PRO’S................................................................................................................................. 11

INTRODUCTION

The F-16 is a scale Electric Ducted Fan jet airplane developed by SAPAC to simulate the famous Fighting
FALCON. The combination of the B2836 out-runner brushless motor, the SAPAC ducted fan, and a 3cell
2200mah 15C Li-Po battery gives it great power and long battery life. Assembly is simple, and with stable
and reliable flight characteristics it is the perfect model for pilots of intermediate experience.
The F-16 can be transported in one piece so you can get in to the air FAST when you arrive at you favourite
flying location.

BASIC DIMENSIONS

Wingspan……………………………………..700mm
Fuselage total length………………………...1035mm
Wing loading…………………………………57g/sq.dm
Wing area…………………………………….13.4sq.dm
Flying weight…………………………………768g

SPECIFICATIONS:

Servo RX READY VERSION..……………3x.8g servos
ESC RX READY VERSION……………….40A
Battery RX READY VERSION ..………….3S 2200MAH 15C rating
Motor………………………………………...B2836 KV3200
Fan …………………………………………..5 vane 70mm dia.

PERFORMANCE

• The battle plan colour scheme enhances the rugged good looks of this famous jet fighter.

• Perfect for intermediate and senior level flyers. At both high and low speeds, The F-16 has great

stability, handling, and performs well in medium winds, and also during high alpha flying.

• It has the lowest wing loading compared to other jets of comparable size. This light wing loading
provides a good stable glide and it will easily performs loops, inverted flight, rolls and other aerobatic
tricks.

• The modular construction of the fuselage allows for easy assembly with reliable operation, and easy
maintenance.

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Please Read Carefully Before Commencing

This model is not a toy. It is a highly detaile d functional scale model. We hop e that this product will bring you hours of
enjoyment and entertainment. Due to the sophisticated technical nature of this product, it is important t hat you carefull y
review all of the following warnings, cautions, and warranty terms. Likewise you should review and follow the follo wing
instructions for usage.
Due to the fact that Tates Performance Hobbies is constantly improving the quality and functional characteristics of it s
products some details, colours, and functions may differ slightly from the images presented on the box and in the
instructions.

WARRANTY

Tates Performance Hobbies guarantees that this model is free from defects both in m aterial and craftsmanship on the
date of purchase. This guarantee does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. Tates
Performance Hobbies liability will under no circumstanc es exceed the original cost of the purchased model. Moreover,
Tates Performance Hobbies reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
If upon purchasing this product the buyer finds defects to the product as a result of the manufacturing process we
recommend that you return this product to the place of purchase to exchange or refund the product.
Given that Tates Performance Hobbies has no control over the final assembl y or use of this product, Tates Performance
Hobbies shall assume no liability for damage c aused resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled
product. By using this product the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the purchaser of this product is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, they are
advised to return this model within 14 days to the place of purchase. The product must be in complete and unuse d
condition along with receipt of purchase at the moment of return.

WARNINGS

1. Never leave the model in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.

2. Never fly this model near an AIRPORT, check with your local airport authorities for minimum distance to

available sites.

3. Never use this model near power lines, radio towers, or other locations where there is known high radio wave or

electromagnetic activity.

4. Do not allow water or liquid to touch the model or any of the components.

5. Store the model in a cool dry location as high humidity can damage the model and its components.

6. Protect the model from bumps, jolts, and concussions from other hard objects as this could damage the model.

7. Keep the model clean of dust, mud and dirt.

8. Never place foreign objects on top of the model

9. Use the model ONLY in wide open spaces that are free of people, or at your local RC flight club.

10. NEVER use the model near populated pedestrian areas. This could lead to damage of property or injury to

bystanders.

11. Prior to take off, always check that transmitter and receiver batteries are fully charged and are fresh. As battery

voltage decreases, the distance that the radio signal travels decreases, and control over the model could fail.

12. Please dispose of used batteries and electronic components in accordance with your mu nicipal and federal

regulations relating to these types of products.

13. Keep in mind that those in your vicinity may also use radio control models. Please check prior to take off that

you are using a unique frequency to all those arou nd you. Not doing so may cause you and others to lose
control of the model.

14. If the model does not properly respond to control inputs, land immediately and do not attempt to use the model

until the cause has been determined and fixed.

15. After flying, switch off the power on the model and then the transmitter.

CAUTIONS

1. This product is not suitable for children under 14 years of age, adult supervision of children under this age is

highly recommended.

2. This kit contains a number of small parts which are fragile and may act as choking hazards.

3. Please store and assemble this model well out of the reach of small children.

4. Only use batteries of the same or equivalent type.

5. The power supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.

6. Do not use new and old batteries together. Do not mix different brands or kinds of batteries.

7. Make sure to insert batteries with correct (+) and (-) polarity.

8. If the model gets wet, dry it, and do not use, to avoid short-circuiting that may cause hazards.

9. Do not put fingers, hair, or clothes into the shafts or rotating parts of the model.

10. NEVER LEAVE CHARGING BATTERIES UNATTENTED!!!!!!

PRODUCT CONTAINS SMALL PARTS - KEEP AWAY FROM YOUNG CHILDREN
NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE UNLESS SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT
COLORS, SPECIFICATONS AND CHARACTERISTICS MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM PICTURE AND DESCRIPTON
ON THE BOX AND MANUAL.

Tates Performance Hobbies may be contacted by E Mail on – [e-mail]

or Phone [phone]

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CONTENTS – Receiver Ready Version.

(The ARF version includes the Fan and Motor, but does not have the
servos installed, ESC controller, Battery or Charger)

KIT CONTENTS

SAFETY PROCEDURES BEFORE FLIGHT

Before each flight check your transmitter and flight pack battery for proper charge
levels to make sure you attain maximum flight time and safety.

Always switch on your transmitter first and move the right hand throttle stick to the
low throttle position to avoid accidentally starting the motor. Then only connect the
plane battery to the aircraft when you are going to fly. Match the red and black wires
up correctly. When you have finished the flight, unplug the LiPo flight battery before
turning off the transmitter. If the plane battery is connected without the transmitter
being on, it can pick up signals from other radio transmitters and cause your plane to respond
unintentionally, controls will start to move as well as the motor revving up! This is not a malfunction of the
system, but a standard behaviour for all radio controlled models.

Before turning on your transmitter, make sure no other people are flying other aircraft on the same frequency
you are using. This will cause interference and result in crashing the other pilot’s aircraft. The frequency of
your model may be determined by looking at the small orange label attached to the module in the back of the
transmitter. It will show a number, this the frequency of your radio in Mhz. make sure you do not operate the
model when another model of any type, or R/C car is on this frequency.

After switching on your transmitter and plane check the positions of the control surfaces on your plane.
Initially they all should be in a neutral position. Adjust to the correct position when needed by turning the
“quick link” connectors attached to the push rods which operate the control surfaces.

Check if the controls are moving in the correct direction for the directions the sticks are moved. Do this for
ALL control surfaces! See transmitter setup below.

Avoid flying in bad weather conditions. Since you are flying a relatively light aircraft, it is not recommended to
fly in high winds as the plane can travel downwind very quickly and become very difficult to retrieve!

Always keep the aircraft within visual range. It is very important that you can see which direction the plane is
going. Also keep the plane away from people and objects.

If you notice that the plane is starting to loose power then it is suggested you land and recharge the LiPo
pack. If you continue flying and the power is suddenly lost, it will be hard to control and land the plane in a

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controlled manner and could result in a crash and damage to the plane! The battery may also be damaged if
it is over discharged.

You can only become a good pilot if you realise that it is most important to operate your aircraft in a secure
and responsible manner. An out of control aircraft can cause damage to people and property!

LIMITATIONS OF FLYING AREA

Only fly your plane in areas that are suitable or selected for remote controlled aircraft. You must realise that
certain public areas are not allowed to be used for flying remote controlled aircraft. Check with your local
Council for approval before flying on sports ovals or parkland!

Keep your plane away from high power/ high voltage cables as they can cause interference of the radio
control system. Interference can result in loosing control of your plane, ultimately leading to a crash.

Don’t fly over or towards spectators or their vehicles. Don’t fly over buildings or houses. Fly where there is
enough space to safely land anywhere in the surrounding area. Don’t fly where there are lots of trees in the
area. (Trees are magnets to model aeroplanes!)

Stay away from busy roads. Flying in these areas can distract drivers and lead to an accident.
Don’t fly within a 6 kilometre radius of any airport or where full sized aircraft are flying.

ASSEMBLING THE AIRCRAFT

Before starting, cover your work top with something soft like a bath towel so that the fragile surface of the
model does not get damaged while you are working on it. Additionally, if you obtain a polystyrene box from
your greengrocer and cut a semi-circular hole in the opposite ends, it will make a useful stand on which to
securely rest the model.

CAUTION! To avoid damage, do not connect the battery before you finish the assembly.

INSTALLING MAIN WING

Use supplied glue, Epoxy or Foam Safe CA and apply on both surfaces of wing join and fuselage. Hold in
place with hands till dry as per photos.

Apply glue to wing tip. Fit to end of wing, and hold till dry. Refer to above photo

TIP: We recommend using Epoxy or CA glues as they are generally more reliable than a contact type
glue. If using contact glue supplied, apply to both surfaces then let dry till tacky then fit parts
together.

NOTE: DO NOT USE TAPE TO HOLD JOIN WHEN REMOVED IT WILL REMOVE PAINT.

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INSTALLING THE STEERABLE NOSE WHEEL AND LANDING GEAR

Apply glue to landing gear mount plates. Fit to underside of wing around 130mm back from the leading edge
of the wing. Place in position with slot in bracket to front of plane. Refer to above photo.

Press the main undercarriage leg in to brackets on main wings to complete.

Slide front nose wheel through balsa nose block located near intake.
Fit servo and connect up push rod for steering. Refer to above photo.

Once fitted lock front wheel with allen key.

LANDING GEAR COMPLETE

INSTALLING THE ELEVONS, VERTICAL FIN AND TAIL CONE

Apply glue to elevator control horn. Slide over shaft on elevator and hold in position with the arm to the
bottom of the elevator witch is the light grey side. Make sure you do a left and right hand side elevator. Refer
to photo above.

Apply glue to plywood disc and glue into the moulded hole in the fuselage where the elevator rod will go
through. Then hold the plywood washer in place as per photo above until dry ( DO NOT get glue in the inside
of the hole or rod bearing, as this will cause the Elevons to stick or jam ). Also apply glue to inside of the
fuselage where elevator rod will exit. Fit and hold oval ply wood washer in place. Refer to picture above.

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Drill hole through the two ply wood washers to allow elevator rod to go in.
Slide elevator in to fuselage.
Glue plywood washer on to the elevator rod on the inside of the fuselage. This will prevent the elevator
coming out in flight. Refer to photo above.
Fit supplied linkage from servo to elevator. Refer to photo above.
Note – You may use a small self tapper- screwed into the rod as well to secure ply disc and avoid possible
control failure

ELEVONS ASSEMBERLY COMPLETE

Apply glue to fin and fin slot in fuselage. Refer to photo above.
Slot fin in to fuselage and hold till dry.

VERTICAL FIN COMPLETE

TIP: We recommend using Epoxy or CA glues as they are generally more reliable than a contact type
glue. If using contact glue supplied, apply to both surfaces then let dry till tacky then fit parts
together.

NOTE: DO NOT USE TAPE TO HOLD JOIN WHEN REMOVED IT WILL REMOVE PAINT.

Apply glue to tail cone and tail of fuselage fit and
hold. Refer to photo.

TAIL CONE COMPLETE

INSTALL THE CANOPY

Glue clear canopy to black base and hold till dry. Glue white hook to underside of canopy base, as per
photo. Glue black latch cone to underside of canopy base as per photo.

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The canopy is held in place by a rubber band all ready fitted in the fuselage.
Connect rubber band to white hook on canopy. To fit canopy slide the front in first then the rubber band
holds the back in place. Refer to photo.

TIP- Although the undercarriage works well off short grass and pavement surfaces. The model will fly
faster with them left off, due to less drag, and looks more scale like in the air. The supplied landing
skids as shown above, may be added for landing in this situation.

CENTER OF GRAVITY PLACEMENT

All of the parts are located in set positions for the C.G. to be correct. If C.G. is not correct add weight ( like
some clay or nails ) to tail or nose to achieve correct balance.

SPEED CONTROLLER SET UP

If you have purchased the ARF version you
will need to supply and fit your own speed
controller. There is a rear hatch under fan unit
to access wires from motor. Refer to you
speed control instructions on how to wire your
speed controller to the fan unit

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SETTING UP THE TRANSMITTER

CONTROL SURFACE DIRECTION

The F-16 fly’s on a delta mixing system refer to you radio manual on how to set up you control surfaces.

RANGE CHECKING BEFORE FLIGHT

Before your first flight, it is a very good idea to check whether you will have the maximum range possible.
This is achieved by getting a helper to hold the plane while you walk away from the plane while the set and
plane both turned on and the aerial on the transmitter fully down. With everything set up correctly you should
be able to walk 20 to 30 paces away before the servos begin to twitch around. If you only achieve a short
distance before erratic behaviour of the servos or motor then you must not fly and check out and rectify the
problem before attempting to fly. Re-routing the aerial away from the battery and servo/ motor leads will
often help!

CHARGING THE BATTERY

The LiPo battery provides power for the receiver, the servos and the motor.
The model operates on a “LiPo” battery (similar to your mobile phone batt.). Do not discharge these batteries
until “flat” - As soon as the model starts to loose power – Re charge the battery fully. Always charge the
battery before storage.

The battery is charged using the supplied “Balance Charger”.
The individual cells are charged separately to correctly balance the battery cells – so plug the 4 wire
connector into the purple charger.

The battery will take around 1.5 hours to charge from flat. The RED
light indicates all connections are correct and when the Green Charge
light (Indicates charging is underway) goes OFF - you know the
battery is fully charged.

The Charger operates on 12 Vlt DC. The included 240 to 12 Volt adapter may be used to power the charger
from your home power points. Attach the GREEN plug from the selection and fit to the adapter lead. If the
polarity is wrong – the RED charger light will not illuminate – reverse the connection to rectify. Plug the
adapter into the charger for charging. The charger may also be powered from a 12 Vlt. DC battery – like a
car battery, to enable charging away from the home. Attach the lead with “alligator” clips to the DC battery
( RED to + BLACK to - )

LEVEL FLIGHT UP ELEVATOR

LEFT AILERON

RIGHT AILERON

DOWN ELEVATOR

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Then plug into the Purple charger for charging.
It is highly recommended to use a fireproof dish or bowl to contain the battery while charging - see photo –
this is a safety precaution in case of a fire. Always Charge the battery outside if possible and never leave
unattended. Disconnect the battery if it gets hot.
Note – some variations may occur to actual chargers and adaptors used.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS for LiPo Batteries

• Never leave Lithium Polymer batteries unattended whilst charging.

• Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries inside a model; hot batteries can cause fires.

• Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries inside a motor vehicle.

• Never charge Lithium Polymer batteries on any surface which can catch fire e.g. wooden benches.

• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.

• Do not allow batteries to get wet.

• Do not use the batteries with positive and negative terminals reversed.

• Do not short circuit the battery.

• Do not pierce the battery or subject it to heavy knocks or impacts.

• Do not use or store the battery inside motor vehicles during hot weather. Doing so may cause the

battery to overheat, risking fire or explosion.

• If your battery balloons in size, is punctured or is malformed, take precautions to get the battery to a non-
flammable area for at least one hour. IN CASE OF FIRE. After several hours place the battery in salt
water.

GETTING READY TO FLY

Always ensure that the transmitter is switched on, that the antenna is extended fully , that the throttle lever is
set at its lowest point ( stick to the bottom on the gimbal ) and the model is being held securely before
connecting the battery, this will prevent unexpected start ups which could cause injury.

OK, so having done that, the battery can be placed in its compartment under the nose and its red plug
connected to the socket inside. After a pause you will hear some “beeping” telling you that the battery, the
electronic speed control and the motor are all in communication. When the beeping stops, slowly advancing
the throttle will cause the motor to start and continue to speed up until full throttle is reached.

Having checked the motor, stop it by bringing the throttle lever back to full low and then, by moving the
elevator, aileron and rudder sticks, check that all surfaces move in the correct direction and by the required
amount. If any of these move in the wrong direction there are reversing switches on the front of the
transmitter to correct the situation, With the trims, (they are the small sliders alongside the sticks), in the
central position, check that the ailerons, rudder and elevator are properly aligned; if not, make adjustments to
the appropriate clevises. Having the surfaces properly aligned with the trims in the central position will
ensure that the model on its first flight will be near to being “in trim” and any minor out of trim condition will
then be correctable by use of the trim sliders. You may wish to engage the assistance of a modeller with
some R/C experience to guide you through this all important phase and also to cast his eye over the model
to ensure all is correct.

The first task is to range check the radio equipment. Go to an area clear of trees and metal fences, like the
middle of a sports field to ensure clear reception.

FIRST FLIGHTS

It will be VERY helpful if you are able to obtain help from an experienced model pilot during your first flights.
It is a very good idea to find a model club in your area or at least someone that can fly RC planes. They can
help with the final setup and flight testing of your plane. Making sure it is an enjoyable experience and not a
disaster!
Flying a radio controlled model aircraft is difficult, due to the good hand to eye co-ordination required. Good
eyesight is needed to see what the model is doing and a basic knowledge of the theory of flight is useful.

Practice – like anything worthwhile is required to master the skills for the hobby.
Accidents DO occur and damage WILL be caused to the model when this happens. So if you are not

prepared to accept this – do not attempt to fly this model.
That is the bad news ! But the development of new and exciting skills and the enjoyment of seeing your own

radio controlled model obeying your every command is well worth it !!

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This is a great hobby for all ages and abilities, so ENJOY !!
Now, if the day has arrived when there is practically no breeze and you have found an area about the same

size as a football oval with a smooth surface, place the model on the ground, facing directly into that slight
breeze and have your helper hold it.

After checking again that the control surfaces are moving in the correct direction, extend the transmitter
antenna, give your helper the nod and start your take off by slowly advancing the throttle to full power, at the
same time holding in some up elevator to prevent a nose-dive and being ready to apply aileron to correct any
tendency to roll .

Unless you have a long smooth surface to take off from – you are probably best to “hand launch” the model
with the help of a friend. The model is not designed to take off from grass, only smooth hard surfaces.

Hand launching is a good method to get your model airborne as there is less risk of getting caught up in
holes Etc. in the runway.

Have a helper hold the model above their head, gripping the fuselage around the middle, so it is evenly
balanced. While facing into any wind, run forward and “push” the model forward and slightly down so the
model can attain flying speed quickly. Do not “throw” the model as this can cause an unstable launch.

Once airborne and at about 100 feet altitude, commence your first turn by the application of aileron ( Right
hand stick ) and a small amount of up elevator ( pull back on the Left hand stick ) to hold the nose into the
turn. If you find that the model is getting too high, reduce throttle, then continue making turns left and right to
familiarise yourself with its flight characteristics, keeping the model within clear view at a distance of no more
than 200 metres. After a few minutes you’ll be ready to land, so reduce the throttle setting to about 10% and
prepare to land into the breeze at the end of a sweeping 180 degree approach, being ready to increase
power if you are about to land short, or reduce it further if the model is about to overshoot.

TIPS FROM THE PRO’S

If you have a computer flight simulator, it is a good idea to practice with it before actually flying.
It is a good idea to taxi the plane around on the ground with a moderate amount of throttle. This will help you

get use to the rudder ground controls.
You must learn to use only gentle movements of the controls. When using proportional radio control

systems, only slight corrections are necessary to change the direction of the plane.
Do not push the joysticks to maximum deflection for more than three seconds. This will result in a crash!
It is a very good idea to find a model club in your area or at least someone that can fly RC planes. They can

help with the final setup and flight testing of your plane. Making sure it is an enjoyable experience and not a
disaster!

Take off and land into the wind. Always try to keep the model in front of you.
Extra motor batteries are available – so one can be charging while flying with the other. After market

chargers are available to make charge times faster.
A complete range of spare parts are available from where you purchased this product. See the Instruction

manual for a listing of part sets.
Some parts may not be “in stock” at the time of enquiry.
If a part of the airframe is damaged or broken – most times it may be repaired by using Epoxy – like Araldite

or Foam Compatible Super glues like MERCURY foam safe – most other glues will melt the foam. The use
of tape – like duct tape and packing tape - is also very effective in repairing broken parts. If the part is not
repairable, then most parts are available separately.

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Other Models in the

SAPAC range

Typhoon – EP Ducted Fan

Wingspan 29.92in – 818 mm
Fuselage length 39.37in – 1076 mm
Wing loading 157oz sq.dm - 32.8 gm.dm
Wing area 1.937 sq.Ft.
Flying weight 2.277lbs- 1.032 kg
Servos 3 x 0.8g servos
ESC 30 A
Battery 3S 2200MAH 15C rating
Motor B2830 KV4000
Fan 6 vane 65mm dia.

TL-2000 – Scale EP
Sport Trainer

Wingspan: 1150mm
Length: 800mm
Wing Loading: 34.8g/dm
Flying Weight: 700g
Motor: Brushed with Gearbox
Prop: 3-blade 8X6
Speed Controller: 18A ESC
Battery: 3S 1200 Mah LiPo
Optional Floats Available.

JAS-39 – EP Ducted Fan

Wingspan: 899mm
Length: 1499mm
Wing loading: 51g/sq.dm
Flying Weight: 1.2kg
Thrust to weight 0.8 TO 1
Battery LiPo: 4S 3300mah 20C
Speed Controller: 80A ESC
Fan: 5 Blade 70mm
Servos: 4X 10g
Motor: Brushless B2836 KV2900

See Your Local Hobby Shop-

Distributed in Australia By :-

Tates Performance Hobbies

135 Shannon Ave Geelong West. VIC 3218

Ph 03 52224201 Fax [phone]

E Mail ; [e-mail]

Web : www.RCX.com.au ABN 80007437523

Importers and Distributors of Quality Radio Control Hobby Products