ank you for choosing the RV-8 ARF 35-40cc ARTF by SG MODELS. e RV-8 ARF
Instruction Manual.
35-40cc was designed with the intermediate/advanced sport yer in mind. It is a semi
scale airplane which is easy to y and quick to assemble. e airframe is conventionally
built using balsa, plywood to make it stronger than the average ARTF, yet the design allows
the aeroplane to be kept light. You will nd that most of the work has been done for you
already. e motor mount has been tted and the hinges are pre-installed. Flying the RRV-
8 ARF 35-40cc is simply a joy.
is instruction manual is designed to help you build a great ying aeroplane. Please read
this manual throughly before starting assembly of your RV-8 ARF 35-40cc Use the parts
listing below to indentify all parts.
WARNING
Please be aware that this aeroplane is not a toy and if assembled or used incorrectly it is
capable of causing injury to people or property. WHEN YOU FLY THIS AEROPLANE
YOU ASSUME ALL RISK & REPONSIBILITY.
If you are inexperienced with basic R/C ight we strongly recommend you contact your
R/C supplier and join your local R/C model Flying Club. R/C Model Flying Clubs oer a
variety of training procedures designed to help the new pilot on his way to successful R/C
ight. ey will also be able to advise on any insurance and safety regulations that may
apply.
KIT CONTENTS
1
3
5
2
3
2
14
9
6
10
7
12
11
4
8
2
13
Page 3
KIT CONTENTS
HINGING THE FLAP
SEA388 RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
1. Fuselage
2. Wing set (2)
3. Tail set (2)
4. Canopy
5. Cowling
6. Wing tube
7. landing gear
8. Fuel tank
9. Tail wheel
10. Pushrod
11. Ep Motor box
12. Pilot
13. Spinner
14. Wing tips bulbs
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Note : e control surfaces, including the ailer-
ons, elevators, and rudder, are prehinged with
hinges installed, but the hinges are not glued in
place. It is imperative that you properly adhere
the hinges in place per the steps that follow using a high-quality thin C/A glue.
Carefully remove the aileron from one of
the wing panels. Note the position of the
hinges.
1.
C/A Hinge
� 35-40cc gasoline engine.
� Computer radio 7 channel with 8
servos.
� Glow plug to suit engine.
� Propeller to suit engine 20x8-21x10.
� Protective foam rubber for radio
system.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES NEEDED
in cyanoacrylate glue.
Medium cyanoacrylate glue.
30 minute epoxy.
5 minute epoxy.
Hand or electric drill.
Assorted drill bits.
Modelling knife.
Straight edge ruler.
2mm ball driver.
Phillips head screwdriver.
220 grit sandpaper.
90° square or builder’s triangle.
Wire cutters.
Masking tape & T-pins.
read-lock.
Paper towels.
Remove each hinge from the wing panel
and ap and place a T-pin in the center of
each hinge. Slide each hinge into the aileron
until the T-pin is snug against the aileron.
is will help ensure an equal amount of
hinge is on either side of the hinge line when
the ap is mounted to the wing panel.
2.
T-pin
Hinge
Slide the wing panel on the ap until
there is only a slight gap. e hinge is now
centered on the wing panel and ap. Remove the Tpins and snug the ap against
the wing panel. A gap of 1/64” or less
should be maintained between the wing
panel and ap.
3
Page 4
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
Deect the ap and completely saturate
each hinge with thin C/A glue. e ap front
surface should lightly contact the wing during this procedure. Ideally, when the hinges
are glued in place, a 1/64” gap or less will be
maintained throughout the lengh of the ap
to the wing panel hinge line.
NOTE : e hinge is constructed of a special material that allows the C/A to wick
or penetrate and distribute throughout
the hinge, securely bonding it to the wood
structure of the wing panel and ap.
3.
Repeat this process with the other wing
panel, securely hinging the ap in place.
Aer both ap are securely hinged, rmly
grasp the wing panel and ap to make sure
the hinges are securely glued and cannot
be pulled out. Do this by carefully applying
medium pressure, trying to separate theM
ap from the wing panel. Use caution not to
crush the wing structure.
5.
Hinge
4.
CA glue
Turn the wing panel over and deect the
ap in the opposite direction from the opposite side. Apply thin C/A glue to each hinge,
making sure that the C/A penetrates into
both the ap and wing panel.
Note :
Work the aileron up and down several times to “work in” the hinges
and check for proper movement.
HINGING THE AILERON
Note : e control surfaces, including the ailer-
ons, elevators, and rudder, are prehinged with
hinges installed, but the hinges are not glued in
place. It is imperative that you properly adhere
the hinges in place per the steps that follow using a high-quality thin C/A glue.
Carefully remove the aileron from one of
the wing panels. Note the position of the
hinges.
1.
Using C/A remover/debonder and a paper
towel, remove any excess C/A glue that may
have accumulated on the wing or in the ap
hinge area.
4
C/A Hinge
Page 5
Remove each hinge from the wing panel
and aileron and place a T-pin in the center
of each hinge. Slide each hinge into the wing
panel until the T-pin is snug against the wing
panel. is will help ensure an equal amount
of hinge is on either side of the hinge line
when the aileron is mounted to the aileron.
2.
T-pin
Hinge
Slide the wing panel on the aileron until
there is only a slight gap. e hinge is now
centered on the wing panel and aileron.
Remove the T-pins and snug the aileron
against the wing panel. A gap of 1/64” or
less should be maintained between the
wing panel and aileron.
Deect the aileron and completely saturate
each hinge with thin C/A glue. e ailerons
front surface should lightly contact the wing
during this procedure. Ideally, when the
hinges are glued in place, a 1/64” gap or less
will be maintained throughout the lengh of
the aileron to the wing panel hinge line.
4.
CA glue
5.
6.
NOTE : e hinge is constructed of a special material that allows the C/A to wick
or penetrate and distribute throughout
the hinge, securely bonding it to the wood
structure of the wing panel and aileron.
3.
Hinge
Turn the wing panel over and deect the
aileron in the opposite direction from the
opposite side. Apply thin C/A glue to each
hinge, making sure that the C/A penetrates
into both the aileron and wing panel.
Using C/A remover/debonder and a paper
towel, remove any excess C/A glue that may
have accumulated on the wing or in the
aileron hinge area.
Repeat this process with the other wing
panel, securely hinging the aileron in place.
5
Page 6
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
Aer both ailerons are securely hinged,
rmly grasp the wing panel and aileron to
make sure the hinges are securely glued and
cannot be pulled out. Do this by carefully applying medium pressure, trying to separate
the aileron from the wing panel. Use caution
not to crush the wing structure.
7.
2.
3.
Note :
Work the aileron up and down several times to “work in” the hinges
and check for proper movement.
WING TIP BULBS
Please see below pictures.
1.
Lipo-3s
4.
Epoxy
5.
e green light for right wing tip, and
the red light for le wing tip. ey are
designed to operate on voltages 12 volts.
Connect four lights into switch circuit so
that optional the dierent ashes mode.
6
Page 7
6.
7.
Epoxy
INSTALL THE AILERONS
CONTROL HORN
Locate the aileron control horns. e taller
control horn is used for the ailerons, and the
shorter horn for the aps.
1.
Fiberglass control horn
Use sandpaper to scu the bottom of the
aileron and ap control horns. Use a paper
towel and isopropyl alcohol to remove any
oils or debris from the control horns.
8.
9.
2.
Check the t of the control horns to the
aileron and ap. ey should rest ush
against the control surface as shown.
3.
7
Page 8
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
Place low-tack tape 1/32 inch (1mm)
from the control horn slot. is will prevent epoxy from getting on the control
surface when the control horns are glued
in place.
4.
Remove the control horns from the
control surfaces. Apply epoxy to the slot
in the aileron and ap. Make sure the
epoxy gets into the slot for a good bond
between the surfaces and control horn.
6.
Epoxy
Before the epoxy fully cures, remove
the tape from around the control horn.
is will allow the epoxy to ow around
the control horn, creating a small let
between the control horn and surface for
a ished look and secure bond.
7.
5.
Epoxy
Apply epoxy to the area of the control
horns that st into the slots. Use enough
epoxy so the control horns will be fully
bonded to the ed surfaces.
INSTALL FLAP CONTROL HORN
TInstall the ap control horn using the
same method as same as the aileron control horns.
1.
Fiberglass control horn
8
Page 9
2.
3.
Minimum servo spec.
Torq ue : 333.00 oz-in (23.98 kg-cm) @
6.0V; oz-in (29.02 kg-cm) @ 7.4V
Install the rubber grommets and brass
collets onto the aileron servo. Test t the
servo into the aileron servo mount.
Because the size of servos dier, you
may need to adjust the size of the precut
opening in the mount. e notch in the
sides of the mount allow the servo lead to
pass through.
Use dental oss to secure the connection so they cannot become unplugged.
INSTALLING THE AILERON SERVOS
1.
3.
Using a small weight (Weighted fuel
pickup works well) and thread, feed the
string through the wing as indicated.
4.
2.
Attach servo lead to the aileron servo.
Attach the string to the servo lead and
carefully thread it though the wing. Once
you have thread the lead throught the
wing, remove the string so it can use for
the other servo lead.
9
Page 10
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
5.
6.
8.
9.
Tape the servo lead to the wing to prevent it from falling back into the wing.
7.
Reinstall the servo into the servo mount
and secure the servo inplace using the
wood screws provided with you radio
system.
10.
44mm
11.
10
Repeat the procedure for the other wing
half.
Page 11
INSTALLING THE AILERON PUSHROD
Please study images below.
1.
5.
INSTALLING THE FLAP SERVO
Repeat the procedure for the ap servo.
2.
3.
70mm
1.
INSTALLING THE FLAP PUSHROD
Repeat the procedure for the aileron
pushrod.
1.
4.
11
Page 12
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
2.
INSTALL HINGE FOR STABILIZER
AND ELEVATOR
Please study images below.
1.
4.
Epoxy
5.
2.
3.
6.
7.
12
Page 13
INSTALL ELEVATOR CONTROL HORN
1.
Fiberglass control horn
2.
5.
6.
3.
4.
7.
Epoxy
You can cut horizontal and vertical tail
holes, please see the image below.
8.
Epoxy
13
Page 14
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
9.
10.
13.
14.
11.
12.
15.
32mm
16.
14
Minimum servo spec.
Torq ue : 333.00 oz-in (23.98 kg-cm) @
6.0V; oz-in (29.02 kg-cm) @ 7.4V
Page 15
INSTALL HINGE FOR RUDDER AND
FIN
INSTALL RUDDER CONTROL HORN
Please study images below. Please study images below.
1.
2.
1.
10mm
Fiberglass control horn
2.
3.
4.
3.
Epoxy
4.
Epoxy
15
Page 16
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
5.
6.
HORIZONTAL TAIL INSTALLATION
Please study images below.
1.
Epoxy
2.
7.
8.
3.
4.
16
Page 17
6.
5.
3.
4.
M3x12mm
ELEVATOR PUSHROD INSTALLATION
Please study images below.
1.
2.
5.
INSTALL RUDDER CABLE AND SERVO
NOTE : servos arm is not provided
from manufacturer.
1.
70mm
17
Page 18
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
Tape the rudder balance tab to the top
leading edge of the vertical n in the
neutral position as shown. is ensures
the rudder is straight when the cables are
attached.
2.
read the rudder cable through a
brass swage tube, then the threaded co
pler, and back through the brass swage
tube on both sides. Pull light tension on
the cable through the coupler on both
sides as shown.
5.
6.
3.
4.
Loop the cable back through the brass
swage tube and tighten the second loop
through the brass swage tube as shown.
7.
Crimp the brass tube with a crimping
tool or pliers.
18
Page 19
8.
Cut o excess cable as shown.
9.
Feed one rudder cable through the pre
installed cable exit tube in the rear of the
fuse toward the front of the fuse. Repeat
for other side.
12.
read cable through brass swage tube.
13.
10.
11.
read cable through the threaded
coupler hole, and back through the brass
swage tube as shown.
Loop the cable back through the brass
swage tube and pull tight.
14.
19
Page 20
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
Crimp the brass swage tube with a
crimping tool or pliers.
15.
Cut o excess cable as shown.
16.
1.
2.
17.
3.
2mm
4.
C/A glue
TAILWHEEL INSTALLATION
Locate items necessary to install
tailwheel.
20
Page 21
5.
9.
M3x15mm
6.
7.
10.
11.
M3x15mm
8.
12.
21
Page 22
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
13.
INSTALLING THE MAIN LANDING
GEAR TO FUSELAGE
Please study images below.
1.
3.
4.
2.
5.
6.
M3x4mm
22
Page 23
7.
11.
8.
9.
12.
13.
10.
14.
M3x4mm
23
Page 24
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
15.
16.
19.
M3x15mm
20.
Loctite
17.
18.
21.
M3x15mm
22.
M4x20mm
24
Page 25
23.
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER SWITCH
24.
Loctite
M4x20mm
Install the switch into the precut hole in the
side, in the fuselage.
1.
2.
Trim and cut
25.
26.
3.
Switch
INSTALLING THE ENGINE SWITCH
1.
Trim and cut
25
Page 26
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
2.
1.
3.
Switch
4.
FUEL TANK INSTALLATION
2.
You should mark which tube is the vent
and which is the fuel pickup when you attach
fuel tubing to the tubes in the stopper. Once
the tank is installed inside the fuselage, it may
be dicult to determine which is which.
5.
MOUNTING THE ENGINE
1.
Slide the fuel tank into the fuselage. Guide
the lines from the tank through the hole in
the ewall.
26
Page 27
3.
2.
Remove mounting template from
rewall. Firewall shown with mounting
holes drilled ready for engine mounting.
6.
7.
4.
Use a 5.2mm bit to drill the engine
mounting holes.
5.
5.2mm
8.
M5x90mm
Tighten mounting bolts and secure
engine to rewall.
27
Page 28
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
9.
e re wall has the location for the
throttle pushrod tube (pre-drill).
Slide the pushrod tube in the rewall
and guide it through the fuel tank mount.
Use medium C/A to glue the tube to the
rewall and the fuel tank mount.
2.
3.
Connect the Z-bend in the 450mm
throttle pushrod to the outer hole of the
carburetor arm.
Slide the throttle pushrod wire into the
tube. Position the engine between the
mounts. Use four M4x30mm machine
screws to secure the engine to the mount
as shown.
THROTTLE SERVO INSTALLATION
1.
Attach throttle pushrod to the carburetor throttle arm with the ball link.
4.
160mm
Use a 1/4” bit to drill a pushrod exit
hole in the rewall in line with the engine
carburetor throttle arm.
Assemble ball link to threaded end of
pushrod.
28
Install adjustable servo connector in the
servo arm as same as picture below:
Page 29
5.
8.
Epoxy
servo arm
Install throttle servo into servo mount
ing tray
6.
Reinstall the servo horn by sliding the
connector over the pushrod wire. Center
the throttle stick and trim and install the
servo horn perpendicular to the servo
center line.
Move the throttle stick to the closed position and move the carburetor to closed.
Use a 2.5mm hex wrench to tighten the
screw that secures the throttle pushrod
wire. Make sure to use threadlock on the
screw so it does not vibrate loose.
9.
IGNITION INSTALLATION
7.
I read nylon tie through mounting
holes.
1.
29
Page 30
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
2.
Connect ignition module to pickup line of
engine. Secure with Safety Clip, safety wire,
tape or other method. Ensure the plugs
will not come apart from vibration or light
tension.
Secure ignition wire with nylon ties as
necessary.
5.
6.
3.
4.
7.
8.
30
Page 31
COWLING
Please study images below.
1.
2.
4.
Use a drill and drill bit to drill the holes
for the cowl mounting screws. Make sure
the cowl position is correct before drilling
each hole.
5.
Tape the cowl to the fuselage using
low-tack tape.
3.
Install the muer and muer extension
onto the engine and make the cutout in the
cowl for muer clearance. Connect the
fuel and pressure lines to the carburetor,
muer and fuel ler valve. Secure the cowl
to fuselage using the M3x12mm socket head
screws.Putting a small length of silicon fuel
tube under the head of the screw helps with
vibration.
6.
Loctite
31
Page 32
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
7.
8.
1.
M3x12mm
Recommend the items necessary to install
the electric power conversion parts
included with your model.
- Motor: 180cc - 195 KV
- Propeller: 27 x 10
9.
- ESC: 80-120A
- 12S- 14S Lipo
2.
3.
ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION
Locate the items neccessary to install the
electric power conversion included with
your model.
32
Page 33
4.
5.
Attach the electric motor box to the rewall centered with the cross lines drawn
on the electric motor box and rewall.
Using M5x35mm to secure the motor box
to the rewall. Please see pictures below.
8.
9.
6.
7.
M5x35mm and washers
Attach the motor to the front of the electric motor box using four 4mm blind nut,
four M5x35mm hex head bolts to secure
the motor. Please see picture shown.
10.
33
Page 34
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
11.
12.
14.
M5x25mm
15.
5mm
en, use 5mm drill bit to enlarge the
holes on the electric motor box.
13.
6.5mm
Attach the motor mount to the front
of the electric motor box using four
6.5mm blind nut, four M5x25mm hex
head bolts to secure the motor. Please see
picture shown.
160mm
16.
Attach the speed control to the side of
the motor box using two-sided tape and
tie wraps. Connect the appropriate leads
from the speed control to the motor. Make
sure the leads will not interfere with the
operation of the motor.
34
Page 35
17.
21.
18.
19.
22.
Battery
INSTALLING THE SPINNER
Install the spinner backplate, propeller
and spinner cone.
1.
20.
e propeller should not touch any
part of the spinner cone. If it does, use a
sharp modeling knife and carefully trim
away the spinner cone where the propeller comes in contact with it.
35
Page 36
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
2.
INSTALLATION PILOT AND CANOPY
Locate items necessary to install pilot
and canopy.
1.
2.
3.
Epoxy
A scale pilot is included with this ARF.
e Pilot included tting well to the cockpit. (or you can order others scale pilot
gures made by SG Models. ey are
available at SG Models distributors.)
If you are going to install a pilot gure,
please use a sanding bar to sand the base
of the gure so that it is at.
150mm
Epoxy canopy onto the fuselage. Trace
around the canopy and onto the fuselage
using a epoxy.
4.
Epoxy
Position the pilot gure on the canopy
oor as show. Locate the oval shaped on
the canopy oor and remove the covering. Use epoxy to glue this into the base of
the pilot gure and glue the cockpit panel
in place with C/A glue, please see pictures
as shown.
36
INSTALLING THE BATTERY-RECEVER
Plug the servos leads and the switch
lead into the receiver. Plug the battery
pack lead into the switch also.
Page 37
Wrap the receiver and battery pack in
the protective foam rubber to protect
them from vibration.
Route the antenna in the antenna tube
inside the fuselage and secure it to the
bottom of fuselage using a plastic tape.
1.
Receiver
Battery
3.
4.
ATTACHMENT WING - FUSELAGE
Attach the aluminium tube into fuselage.
1.
Wing tube
2.
5.
M4x20mm
6.
37
Page 38
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
Instruction Manual.
APPLY THE DECALS
1) If all the decals are precut and ready to
stick. Please be certain the model is clean
and free from oily ngerprints and dust.
Position decal on the model where desired, using the photos on the box and aid
in their location.
2) If all the decals are not precut, please
use scissors or a sharp hobby knife to cut
the decals from the sheet. Please be certain the model is clean and free from oily
ngerprints and dust. Position decal on
the model where desired, using the photos on the box and aid in their location.
BALANCING
1) It is critical that your airplane be
balanced correctly. Improper balance will
cause your plane to lose control and
crash. THE CENTER OF GRAVITY IS LOCATED 120MM BACK
FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF
THE WING AT THE WING ROOT.
*If possible, rst attempt to balance the
model by changing the position of the receiver battery and receiver. If you are unable to obtain good balance by doing so,
then it will be necessary to add weight to
the nose or tail to achieve the
proper balance point.
With the wings attached to the fuselage,
all parts of the model installed ( ready to
y), and empty fuel tanks, hold the model
at the marked balance point with the stabilizer level.
Li the model. If the tail drops when
you li, the model is “tail heavy” and you
must add weight* to the nose. If the nose
drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must
add weight* to the tail to balance.
1.
120mm
2) Mount the wing to the fuselage. Place a
piece of masking tape on the top of each
wing 88mm back from the leading edge
at the wing root.
3) With the model inverted, place your
ngers on the masking tape and carefully
li the plane. is is the point at which
your model should balance for your rst
ights. Later, you may wish to experiment
by shiing the balance up to 120mm forward or back to change the ying characteristics. Moving the balance forward
may improve the smoothness and arrowlike tracking, but it may then require
more speed for take o and make it
more dicult to slow down for landing.
Moving the balance a makes the model
more agile with a lighter and snappier
”feel”. In any case, please start at the location we recommend.
CONTROL THROWS
Ailerons:
High Rate :
Up : 80 mm
Down : 80 mm
Low Rate :
Up : 40 mm
Down : 40 mm
Elevator:
High Rate :
Up : 140 mm
Down : 140 mm
Low Rate :
Up : 70 mm
Down : 70 mm
Rudder:
High Rate :
Right : 120 mm
Le : 120 mm
Low Rate :
Right : 60 mm
Le : 60 mm
Flap:
Mid : 40mm
Full : 80mm
38
Page 39
70-140mm
70-140mm
Fuselage
Wing
60-120mm
60-120mm
40-80mm
40-80mm
40mm
80mm
39
Page 40
RV-8 ARF 35-40cc
FLIGHT PREPARATIONPREFLIGHT CHECK
Instruction Manual.
Check the operation and direction
of the elevator, rudder, ailerons and
throttle.
A) Plug in your radio system per the
manufacturer’s instructions and turn
everything on.
B) Check the elevator rst. Pull
back on the elevator stick. e elevator halves should move up. If it they do
not, ip the servo reversing switch on
your transmitter to change the direction.
C) Check the rudder. Looking from
behind the airplane, move the rudder
stick to the right. e rudder should
move to the right. If it does not, ip
the servo reversing switch on your
transmitter to change the direction.
1) Completely charge your transmitter and receiver batteries before
your rst day of ying.
2) Check every bolt and every glue
joint in the RV-8 ARF 35-40cc to en-
sure that everything is tight and well
bonded.
3) Double check the balance of the
airplane. Do this with the fuel tank
empty.
4) Check the control surfaces. All
should move in the correct direction
and not bind in any way.
5) If your radio transmitter is
equipped with dual rate switches
double check that they are on the low
rate setting for your rst few ights.
D) Check the throttle. Moving the
throttle stick forward should open the
carburetor barrel. If it does not, ip the
servo reversing switch on your transmitter to change the direction.
E) From behind the airplane, look
at the aileron on the right wing half.
Move the aileron stick to the right.
e right aileron should move up and
the other aileron should move down.
If it does not, ip the servo reversing
switch on your transmitter to change
the direction.
We wish you many safe and enjoyable ights
6) Check to ensure the control surfaces are moving the proper amount
for both low and high rate settings.
7) Check the receiver antenna.
It should be fully extended and not
coiled up inside the fuselage.
8) Properly balance the propeller.
An out of balance propeller will cause
excessive vibration which could lead
to engine and/or airframe failure.
40
with yourRV-8 ARF 35-40cc.
Page 41
If you have any queries, or are interested in our products,
please feel free to contact us
Factory : 12/101A - Hamlet 4 - Le Van Khuong Street - Dong anh Ward -
Hoc Mon District - Ho Chi Minh City - Viet Nam.
Oce : 62/8 Ngo Tat To Street - Ward 19 - Binh anh District - Ho Chi Minh