Tower Hobbies F40 Corsair Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

®

Tower

®

Hobbies
guarantees
this kit to be
free from defects
in both material and
workmanship at the

WARRANTY

date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover any
component parts damaged by
use or modification. In no case
shall Tower Hobbies’ liability exceed
the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the final
assembly or material used for final assembly, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage
resulting from the use by the user of the final
user-assembled product. By the act of using the
user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the
use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in
new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at
the address below:

Hobby Services • 3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1 • Champaign IL 61822 • USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information
as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description

of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the

problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

LENGTH

31 in [785mm]

WINGSPAN

39 in [990mm]

WING AREA

271 sq in [17.5 dm2]

WEIGHT

28 – 30 oz [795 – 850 g]

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL

BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.

IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE

ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

WING LOADING

14.9 – 15.9 oz/sq ft [45 – 49 g/dm2]

RADIO

4-Channel

MOTOR

1000 kV Outrunner, 30A ESC,

9 x 4.5 SlowFlyer Propeller

TOWER HOBBIES

Champaign, Illinois

[phone] ext. 5

[e-mail]

Entire Contents

© 2012 Tower Hobbies

TOWA 20 02

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

AMA .........................................2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .............................2

REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION .......................2

LiPo Battery Charger ............................3

KIT INSPECTION...................................3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ....................3

CONTENTS .......................................4

ASSEMBLY ........................................4

FINAL ASSEMBLY ..................................5

Hook Up the Controls............................5

Check the Control Throws ........................6

Check the C.G. .................................7

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .....................7

MOTOR/ESC OPERATION ..........................7

FLYING...........................................8

REPAIRS ..........................................8

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Tower Hobbies EP Corsair Rx-R™
(receiver-ready). Everybody likes a Corsair and the Tower Corsair

has enough detail to make a good presentation. The durability

and simplicity of EPO foam also make it the perfect every day

yer, suitable for R/C club ying sites or your favorite park. And

don’t let the Tower Corsair’s economy fool you—powered by a

3S 1800mAh battery, ight speed is more than “scale-like” and

vertical performance is virtually unlimited!

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
Corsair, visit the Tower Hobbies web site at www.towerhobbies.

com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the EP Corsair ARF.
If there is new technical information or changes to this model a

“tech notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.

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AMA

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The

AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership

provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights

and interests and is required to y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS…
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your EP Corsair should not be considered a toy, but rather a
sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a
full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the
Corsair, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly
cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.

2. You must assemble the Corsair according to the instructions.

Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unyable model. In a few cases the instructions may

differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

3. You must use an R/C radio system that is in good condition.

All components must be correctly installed so that the model

operates correctly on the ground and in the air. You must check
the operation of the model and all components before every ight.

4. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not own this type
of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance
of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your rst ights.
If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has

information about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.

5. While this kit has been ight tested to exceed normal use, if the
plane will be used for extremely high stress ying, such as racing,

or if a motor or battery larger than ones in the recommended range

is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce
the high stress points and/or substituting hardware more suitable

for the increased stress.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and yability of your nished model depends on how
you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model, and no representations

are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of
your completed model.

REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model.

REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION

No extraordinary tools or building supplies are required to nish
the EP Corsiar Rx-R—just a Phillips screwdriver and scissors
or a hobby knife. The Corsair is already equipped with servos,
ESC and motor, so the only other components you have to supply

are the following:

■ Minimum 4-channel transmitter and receiver

■ Flyzone 3S 11.1V 1800mAh LiPo battery (FLZA6024)

or similar

■ LiPo battery charger

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–––––––––

IMPORTANT: Two of the most important things you can do to

preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid ying near

full-scale aircraft and avoid ying near or over groups of people.

2

Note: If using a battery with a Deans® Ultra® connector, a Deans

Ultra Male-to-SuperTigre® ESC adapter (SUPM0040) will also

be required (or the connector on the ESC may simply be replaced
with a Deans Ultra Male connector).

LIPO BATTERY CHARGER

Most modelers may already have a suitable LiPo charger, but for
those that do not, the DuraTrax® Onyx 235 AC/DC Advanced Peak

Charger (DTXP4235) is one of the suitable chargers recommended.
The Onyx is perfect for 3S batteries used with the Corsair and
may be powered either by an external DC power source (such

as a 12V battery), or a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also has an
adjustable charge rate to charge your batteries in as little as a

half-hour or less (depending on the condition of your batteries

and the manufacturer’s specied charge rate). The Onyx can also
charge larger batteries and batteries other than LiPos, so it is a

versatile charger you can grow into. The 235 also has an LCD

digital display screen, so you can see how much capacity it took

to recharge the battery (required for monitoring the condition of

your batteries and calculating how long you can y).

NOTE: For use with the Onyx 235, LiPo batteries that come

with a SuperTigre connector (such as the Flyzone batteries
recommended) a banana plugs-to-SuperTigre charge lead
(SUPM0070) is required. And batteries that come with a Deans

Ultra connector require a Charge Lead with banana plugs/Deans

Ultra Male charge lead (GPMM3148).

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the Tower Hobbies EP Corsair Rx-R are
available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts
List that follows.

Parts may be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling

[phone], or via facsimile at [phone], but full retail

prices and shipping and handling charges will apply. Illinois

and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering
via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and expiration

date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services

and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1

personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the
Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal
check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason contact Product
Support by e-mail at [e-mail], or by

telephone at [phone].

––––

KIT INSPECTION

Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is
complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable
quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or
if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support.

When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names

exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.

Hobbico Product Support Ph: [phone] ext. 5
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Fax: [phone]
Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [e-mail]

–––––––––––––––––––––––

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order No. Description

TOWA6085
TOWA6086
TOWA6087
TOWA6088
TOWA6089
TOWA6090
TOWA6091
TOWA6092
GPMQ6630
SUPM1030
TOWM5500
TOWG2000

Wing
Fuselage
Horizontal Stabilizer
Cowl
Canopy Hatch
Landing Gear
(2) Wing Bolt
Spinner Hub
SlowFly 9 × 4.5 Propeller (2)
SuperTigre 30A Brushless ESC
Servo
1000 kV Motor

3

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CONTENTS

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4

5

ASSEMBLY

1

2

6

7

3

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1. Fuselage

2. Wing

3. Horizontal Stabilizer

4. Propeller

5. Prop Adapter / Spinner Hub

6. Hardware Package

7. Main Landing Gear / Wheels

1. Fit the horizontal stabilizer (stab) to the fuselage, tightly

❏

pushing it all the way forward into position. Then, secure the

stab with the screw.

4

2. Connect the elevator pushrod to the outer hole in the

❏

elevator horn and connect the rudder pushrod to the middle hole
in the rudder horn. Secure the pushrods with the pushrod retainers.

3. Insert the main landing gear wires into the wing.

❏

5. Apply the rougher, “hook” side of the included hook-and-

❏

loop material to the fuselage oor and the softer, “loop” side to

the battery.

4. Guide the aileron servo wire through the hole in the bottom

❏

of the wing, then t and bolt the wing to the fuselage with the

nylon bolt—once the head of the bolt bottoms out on the washer
tighten the bolt only an additional one turn.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

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HOOK UP THE CONTROLS

1. Temporarily mount the battery as far up into the front of

❏

the fuselage as it will go—most batteries in the 1800mAh size
range will need to be as far forward as possible to achieve the
correct C.G.

5

CHECK THE CONTROL THROWS

Recommended

Starting C.G.

2-1/2" [64mm]

Back From Wing LE

Forward Limit:

2-1/4" [57mm]

Aft Limit:

2-3/4" [70 mm]

2-1/2" [64mm] 2-1/2" [64mm]

2. Connect the servo wires and the ESC to your receiver and

❏

use the included double-sided foam mounting strip to mount the
receiver in the fuselage where it will not interfere with battery
removal and installation.

To prevent injury or damage caused by accidental starting
of the motor, the propeller should not yet be mounted.

3. Turn on the transmitter and connect the receiver battery.

❏

Make sure all the control surfaces are centered and if necessary,

adjust the pushrods in the screw-lock connectors. Double-check

that the screw in each connector is tight and secure.

4-CHANNEL RADIO SETUP

(STANDARD MODE 2)

RUDDER

MOVES

RIGHT

RIGHT AILERON

MOVES UP

LEFT AILERON

MOVES DOWN

/

LESS control throw

MORE control throw

MORE

control

throw

1. Use a small cardboard box or something similar to prop

❏

up the fuselage so the wings and stab will be level (or nearly

level). Measure the control surface throws and if necessary, use

the programming in your transmitter or change the location of
the pushrods in the servo arms or in the horns on the control
surfaces to get the recommended throws.

NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part (front-to-

back) of the elevators, rudder and ailerons. If your radio does
not have dual rates, we recommend setting the throws halfway

between the high and low rates.

LESS

control

throw

FULL

THROTTLE

4. Double-check that all the surfaces respond in the correct

❏

direction following inputs from the transmitter.

6

ELEVATOR MOVES UP

THESE ARE THE RECOMMENDED CONTROL SURFACE THROWS:

HIGH RATE LOW RATE

UP

3/8" [10mm]

12°

ELEVATORRUDDERAILERONS

RIGHT

1" [25 mm]

21°

UP

3/8" [10 mm]

14°

DOWN

3/8" [10mm]

12°

LEFT

1" [25 mm]

21°

DOWN

3/8" [10 mm]

14°

UP

1/4" [6 mm]

9°

RIGHT

3/4" [19mm]

13°

UP

1/4" [6 mm]

9°

DOWN

1/4" [6 mm]

9°

LEFT

3/4" [19mm]

13°

DOWN

1/4" [6 mm]

9°

CHECK THE C.G.

The C.G. (center of gravity) has a great effect on the way the

Corsair ies. If the C.G. is not correct the Corsair could be too

stable (reacting too slowly to control inputs) or too unstable
(reacting too quickly to control inputs) possibly causing a crash.

1. With the battery disconnected, mount the propeller collet

❏

adapter, propeller and prop hub to the motor—for now the
propeller hub needs to be only nger tight (in case the cowl

requires removal for adding ballast to the nose).

3. Adjust the location of the battery or add stick-on lead

❏

ballast to balance the model. The above example shows 1 oz. of
stick-on lead inside the cowl.

Recommended

Starting C.G.

2-1/2" [64mm]

Back From Wing LE

Forward Limit:

2-1/4" [57mm]

Aft Limit:

2-3/4" [70 mm]

2-1/2" [64mm] 2-1/2" [64mm]

4. Once the C.G. has been set tighten the propeller hub using

❏

a small screwdriver as a torque bar.

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe
injury to yourself and others.

■ Seek the assistance of an experienced pilot if new to electric
motors.

■ Wear safety glasses whenever in the proximity of a spinning
propeller.

■ Do not operate the motor in an area of loose gravel or sand;
the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.

■ Keep spectators as well as your own face and body out of
the plane of rotation of the propeller.

–––––––

2. Lift the model upside-down with your ngertips positioned

❏

on the recommended C.G. location which is on the forward of

the two molded-in lines on the top of the wing 2-1/2” [64mm]

back from the leading edge at the fuselage.

■ Keep all loose clothing, long hair or any other loose objects

such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out pockets
away from the propeller.

MOTOR/ESC OPERATION

Turning on the transmitter and operating the motor is intuitive

for most pilots who already have experience with electric motors,

but for those who may have little or no experience with electric
motors here are operating instructions for the ESC and motor
included with your Corsair:

When ready to run up the motor rst turn on the transmitter and

make sure the throttle stick is all the way down, then connect the

–––––––––––––

7

battery to the ESC. The ESC will send a single, short pulse to
the motor causing it to beep once (“beep”). To operate the motor
advance the throttle stick to the top, hold it there momentarily,

listen for another single beep (“beep”), then return the throttle

stick all the way down and the motor will sound two more quick

beeps (“beep beep”). You are now ready to y and the next time

the throttle stick is advanced the propeller will turn.

If the transmitter is not turned on before the battery and ESC are

connected (so the receiver is not receiving a signal) the motor will

beep rapidly (“beep beep beep beep…”) until either the battery

is disconnected or the transmitter is turned on. Then, the ESC

will resume its normal arming sequence.

If, when the battery is connected to the ESC, the throttle stick is

not all the way down the motor will beep steadily (“beep,” “beep,”

“beep…”) until either the battery is disconnected or the throttle

stick is returned to the off position at which time the ESC will
resume its normal arming sequence.

FLYING

The Corsair doesn’t exhibit any particular characteristics that

you need to be made aware of ahead of time, other than in calm

conditions it may help to carry a “click” or two of throttle when

landing to overcome the drag of the airframe. Done this way

the Corsair will gradually lose lift, gently touching down at the

correct moment. The Corsair handles well at reduced throttle

settings, but also ies rather “zippy” at full-throttle!

Flying “normally,” the Corsair consumes approximately 205mAh/

minute which should provide approximately 7 minutes of motor

run time on an 1800mAh battery—of course, the run time you

can expect depends on several factors such as the condition of

your batteries, your ying style and even the wind conditions
(ying on windy days seems to use more power than ying on

calm days).

To nd out for yourself how long you can y, set your timer to

a conservative 5 minutes. Fly until the timer sounds, then land.

Use a charger with a digital display to nd out how much capacity

it took to recharge the battery (indicating how much capacity
was used). To avoid over discharging your LiPos likely causing

reduced performance, the target is to use 80% of your battery’s
capacity, so multiply your battery’s capacity by .8 to nd out how
much you have available. Compare the capacity used to 80% of

your battery’s capacity and adjust your ight time accordingly.

For example: If using the recommended 1800mAh battery, your

target capacity available is 1440mAh (1800mAh x .8 = 1440mAh).

If you y for ve minutes and it takes 1000mAh to recharge your

battery, you still have 440mAh to go before you should land, so
adjust your timer to increase your ight time accordingly until

you reach your 1440mAh target. (You could also divide 1000mAh

by ve minutes to gure a current consumption rate of 200mAh/
minute. Divide 1440mAh by 200mAh/minute to conclude that

you can y for 7.2 minutes [7 min. 12 sec.]—but round down

to 7 minutes.)

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

It’s also a great idea to use a LiPo battery checker (HCAP0275)
to check the battery before each ight (to make sure you haven’t
inadvertently grabbed a discharged battery) and to check the
battery after ight to make sure you haven’t over discharged

your battery by ying too long. A safe, conservative, minimum
voltage is 3.65V – 3.7V PER CELL right after a ight.

REPAIRS

Parts damaged beyond repair can be purchased separately. The
full replacement part list is printed in the front of the manual

on page 3. Often though, parts can be repaired and you can get

your Corsair back into the air with a little glue and ingenuity.

The Corsair is made from injection-molded EPO (expanded

polyolen) foam which can be glued with just about anything.
Most people use regular CA. With CA no clamping is required,
but some prefer softer, more exible adhesives such as white
glue or canopy glue, but these kinds of glues will require clamps

or tape to hold the parts together while the glue dries.

One nal note about ying your model. Have a goal or ight plan
in mind for every ight. This can be learning a new maneuver(s),
improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or learning how

the model behaves in certain conditions (such as on high or low
rates). This is not necessarily to improve your skills (though it is

never a bad idea!), but more importantly so you do not surprise

yourself by impulsively attempting a maneuver and suddenly

nding that you’ve run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every
maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if

you’re going to do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind

direction (anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to

maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top, and make
certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A ight plan
greatly reduces the chances of crashing your model just because

of poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

Have a ball! But always stay in control and y in a safe manner.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

AMA Number

Phone Number

8

This model belongs to: