Hornet F/A18C Model Congratulations on purchasing the Hornet F/A18C RTF INSTRUCTION MANUAL Top Gun Park Flite are proud to present this high performance ducted fan sport scale model of the F/A 18 Hornet. This model is designed for intermediate to advanced model flyers and emulates the style, performance and character of its full size jet powered counterpart. Due to its high performance and large turning circle it is not a beginners model and should only be flown on recognised club sites. Supplied as an Almost Ready to Fly package with a powerful brushless motor coupled to a ducted fan, electronic speed control and all servos installed, the F/A 18 Hornet requires minimal assembly before installing the supplied LiPo flight battery and commencing flying. This model has been designed with the utmost care and attention to detail to produce a light weight, strong, and realistic looking model aeroplane with excellent flying characteristics. We feel that this model emulates the style, performance and character of its full size counterpart. This model is a high performance miniature aircraft that allows intermediate to advanced model pilots to perform both scale and aerobatic manoeuvers. The light weight, large wing area and powerful ducted fan motor assembly allow the model to fly both fast and slow, with high speed rolls and tight turns while maintaining full control. 2 These instructions assume a reasonable level of competence for both building and flying and we recommend that the model is flown at a recognised club with frequency control measures and suitable third party insurance. The owner pilot of this model should take note of regulations, and local bylaws before flying this aircraft. Please take time to read through these instructions before commencing assembly. We list operations in order of works to reduce the risk of damage during assembly. Please read through the warnings before use. A 14.8V lithium polymer (LiPo) battery is included as part of this package and these cells must be operated with care to prevent the risk of fire. LiPo Batteries are soft cased and can be easily damaged by sharp items, puncturing of the soft casing can cause fires and we recommend that they are stored and handled carefully. Use only a LiPo rated charger, set to a maximum of 4 cells (14.8v) and no more than 2 amp charge current. Remove battery from the aircraft and charge on a non flammable, non conductive surface Due to continual and ongoing product development the parts shown in the manual may differ from those supplied.
SECTION 1: KIT CONTENTS AND DESCRIPTION 1. Fuselage with ducted fan, motor, Electronic Speed Control (ESC), 4 Lipo BEC unit, elevator servos and steering servo. 2. Fuselage nosecone section 3. Two wing panels with factory hinged ailerons with control horns connected to factory installed servos 4. Two horizontal stabiliser panels with factory hinged elevators SPECIFICATIONS Wing span 780mm (30.71 ) Length 1160mm (51.65 ) Wing Area 12.5 Dm_ (194 sq inches) Weight 850 g (30 Ounces) Radio 4 Qty micro servos 45 Amp brushless ESC Motor Brushless motor 5 blade ducted fan 14.8v 2200mAh LiPo battery 5. Two vertical stabiliser-fin panels 6. Main and nose undercarriage assemblies with wheels and mounting hardware 7. Elevator pushrods, control horns, linkage and fixing hardware 8. Tube of adhesive 9. LiPo Battery 4 cell 11.1V 1300 mah (15c) 10. Self adhesive decals. 3
MAIN FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY. Supplied complete with ducted fan unit using high performance brushless in runner motor. 45Amp Electronic Speed Control (ESC) pre-wired to motor with extended leads to forward battery box and hinged cover. Nose cone supplied loose, for fixing to forward fuselage. WING PANELS. Supplied as two halves. Each wing half includes factory hinged aileron with control horn installed. Fzactory fitted aileron servos in each wing with pushrod connected between servo arm and control horn. Two horizontal stabiliser panels with factory hinged elevators Note Elevators are pre drilled to receive control horns. Two vertical stabiliser-fin panels. Supplied as handed pair. Lower section mates to fuselage upper corner. 4
Undercarriage assemblies. Two sets of lightweight wheels fixed onto wire torque rod undercarriage. ADHESIVE Four clamp plates and 8 fixing screws for securing to fuselage plates. Coil spring nose gear assembly. 5ml tube of foam safe adhesive. Note pierce end of tube with pin in screw on lid. Elevator pushrods, control horns, and fixing hardware. DECALS Two long pushrods with clevis connector. Two Control horns with back plates and fixing screws. Water slide decals for final decoration of model. BATTERY 14.8V (4 cell) 2200mAh (C) LiPo Battery rated at 15C max discharge. Fitted with 3.5mm gold plug and socket power connections and balance lead. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND FLY THIS MODEL Transmitter with 4 or more functions. Minimum 4 function full range receiver compatible with transmitter. LiPo rated charger, set to a maximum of 4 cells (14.8v) and no more than 2 amp charge current. 5
SECTION 2: BATTERY AND CHARGING Charger pictured for reference, but not included This slides into the collet located beneath the cockpit. WARNING: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery rated at 15C (33A) is included as part of this package, these cells must be operated with care to prevent the risk of fire. Align the flat in the wire with the grub screw. The coil will face forward and tighten with 1.5mm allen key. LiPo Batteries are soft cased and can be easily damaged by sharp items, puncturing of the soft casing can cause fires and we recommend that they are stored and handled carefully. Use only a LiPo rated charger set to a maximum of 4 cells (14.8v) and less than 2 amp (2000mAh) charge current. Remove battery from the aircraft and charge on a non flammable, non conductive surface SECTION 3: ASSEMBLY Locate the main undercarriage assemblies, clamp plates and fixing screws. Insert undercarriage into mounting plate located in fuselage side and fix in place with saddles and four self tapping screws. Note wheel is located towards the front of the fuselage. Locate the nose wheel and coil assembly. Locate the plastic nose cone and apply a bead of adhesive to its inside edge. Push onto the fuselage, wipe off excess adhesive and allow to dry. Locate the two horizontal stabiliser panels, control horns and fixings. 6
Position the control horn over the recess moulded in the elevator and fix in place with two screws and backplate. Locate the wing halves and fuselage assembly and dry fit the wings and fuselage together. Apply adhesive on one wing panel and the mating area on the fuselage. Press into position and use tape or bands to hold in place. Ensure that you have a handed pair before fixing to the fuselage. Test fit the two horizontal stabiliser panels onto rear of fuselage with control horns on underside. Wipe off any excess adhesive and allow to dry. Repeat the procedure to the other wing. Apply adhesive to the recess in the fuselage contact faces and press firmly together and use pins or tape to hold in place. Connect the aileron servo leads to the extensions located in the fuselage matching black to black and white to white (orange). Wipe off any excess adhesive and allow to dry. Locate the long elevator pushrods and slide the Z- bend through the middle hole in the servo arm. Push the clevis connector into the hole in the horn furthest from the elevator surface. Click the clevis connector closed. Repeat the procedure to both elevators. Tuck wires into slot and apply self adhesive tape over slot. 7
Repeat on opposite wing panel. SECTION 3: ASSEMBLY CONTINUED Locate the two vertical stabiliser-fin panels and test fit onto rear of fuselage noting that they slope outwards. Apply adhesive to the contact faces and press firmly together and use pins or tape to hold in place. Wipe off any excess adhesive and allow to dry. Apply the water slide decals using the pictures on the box and within the instructions for guidance. The decals are based on the 2006 year display team comprising the following officers; No 1 Cdr Steve Foley No 2 Lt Anthony Walley No 3 Lt Tom Winkler No 4 Maj Matt Shortal No 5 Lcdr Ted Steelman, No 6 Lcdr John Allisopn The construction phase is now complete and the following steps are final radio installation and set up. 8
SECTION 4: FINAL SET UP Open the radio hatch fixing and ease connection plugs out. The hatch is located in the forward fuselage just behind the nose gear. Fully un-coil the receiver aerial and route to the top of the fin using adhesive tape to hold in position. Connect the receiver to the servo leads in the radio bay. The servo leads are marked up for Futaba and leads project out of the aperture. Ensure that transmitter is switched on with throttle WARNING: With the battery connected and the model switched on the motor is now live. The Electronic speed controller (ESC) will go through its start up procedure and will emit a series of beeps while it configures throttle positions. The motor could start unexpectedly and we recommend that the model is restrained during handling. down. compatible radios. Insert receiver in the radio bay, Y leads are used to remove the need for mixing functions. Channel No 1 Ailerons Left and Right Channel No 2 Elevator Left and Right Channel No 3 Electronic speed Control (throttle) Channel No 4 Nose wheel steering Open the hinged battery bay door by turning the catches. Insert the battery and ensure that battery and ESC Connect the battery and ESC leads together Red- Red and Black-Black and close the battery cover using the catches to lock it in place. CHECK THE BALANCE. The model should sit level or slightly nose down when supported upside down from a point 85mm 90mm back from the point where the wing leading edge joins the fuselage. This corresponds to a point midway along the top surface air brakes panel line. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY WITH A REARWARD BALANCE POINT CENTRE OF GRAVITY POINT 9
SECTION 5: FIRST FLIGHT BEFORE THE TEST FLIGHT On completion of the model take time to test the model in the workshop. WARNING: Do not advance the throttle unless the model is restrained. With the powerful motor - fan combination, the model will accelerate across a smooth surface very quickly. Switch on the transmitter; connect the battery and double check that all surfaces operate in the correct manner without stalled servos. Check for adequate range with and without motor running. If everything is okay, take it to the flying field and rig it up again. Always follow the frequency control procedures of your local flying site and ensure that you have adequate third party insurance cover. Repeat the full pre flight inspection before flying. FLYING The F/A 18 Hornet is capable of 5 to 10 minute flight times and can R.O.G (Rise Off Ground) from smooth metalled or very short cut and smooth grass runways. A hand launch will be required If flying without undercarriage. The F/A 18 Hornet displays scale like flying characteristics and the take off run should be as long as possible, accelerate to maximum groundspeed before applying up elevator to take off and then climb out at a shallow angle. Climb to a safe height to explore the models performance, it is aerobatic and able to perform loops and rolls. Due to its light weight it should not be flown in wind greater than 10mph. Control throws set during assembly will produce a model capable of flying smooth scale like performance and medium to high speed aerobatic manoeuvers. The control surface movements can be increased by moving the clevis connectors nearer to the control surfaces. To reduce movements move the pushrod connections nearer to the servo on the output arms and further out along the control surfaces horns. ENJOY YOURSELF BUT ALWAYS FLY SAFE! 10
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS READ BEFORE USE Lithium Polymer batteries can be volatile. Whilst some of the instances listed below are rare, they can occur and it is important for you to be aware of how to handle such situations. Failure to read and follow the below instructions may result in fire, personal injury and damage to property if charged or used improperly. Top Gun Park Flite, its distributors or retailers assume no liability for failures to comply with these warnings and safety guidelines. By using this battery, the buyer assumes all risks associated with lithium batteries. If you do not agree with these conditions, return the battery immediately before use. The final use and preparation of the battery pack is ultimately beyond our control and those of our representatives and retaillers. Your decision to use this product incorporates your agreement that you have read and understood the safety precautions listed below and on each battery pack, and that you agree to accept full responsibility for any injury, loss or damage resulting from all circumstances surrounding your use or misuse of this product. GENERAL GUIDELINES AND WARNINGS 1) Only use the supplied specific Lithium Polymer charger. Do not use a NiMH or NiCd charger - Failure to do so may a cause fire, which may result in personal injury and property damage. 2) Never charge batteries unattended. When charging LiPo batteries you should always remain in constant observation to monitor the charging process and react to potential problems that may occur. 4) If at any time you witness a battery starting to balloon or swell up, discontinue charging process immediately, disconnect the battery and observe it in a safe place for approximately 15 minutes. This may cause the battery to leak, and the reaction with air may cause the chemicals to ignite, resulting in fire. 5) Since delayed chemical reaction can occur, it is best to observe the battery as a safety precaution. Battery observation should occur in a safe area outside of any building or vehicle and away from any combustible material. 6) Wire lead shorts can cause fire! If you accidentally short the wires, the battery must be placed in a safe area for observation for approximately 15 minutes. Additionally, if a short occurs and contact is made with metal (such as rings on your hand), severe injuries may occur due to the conductibility of electric current. 7) A battery can still ignite even after 10 minutes. 8) In the event of a crash, you must remove battery for observation and place in a safe open area away from any combustible material for approximately 15 minutes. 11) Never store or charge battery pack inside your car in extreme temperatures, since extreme temperature could ignite fire. CHARGING PROCESS 1) Never charge batteries unattended. 2) Charge in an isolated area, away from any flammable materials and inside a closed tin or lipo charge sack. In the unlikely event that the battery may fail and ignite, this procedure will ensure that a possible battery fire is contained and limiting any possible damage. 3) Let battery cool down to ambient temperature before charging. DISCHARGE Ensure that you adhere to the warning beeps on your transmitter and land the model accordingly. Do not fly until the battery is completely discharged as damage will occur. STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION 1) Store battery at room temperature between 40 and 80 degrees F for best results. 2) Do not expose battery pack to direct sunlight (heat) for extended periods. 3) When transporting or temporarily storing in a vehicle, temperature range should be greater than 20 degrees F but no more than 150 degrees F. 4) Storing battery at temperatures greater than 170 degrees F for extended periods of time (more than 2 hours) may cause damage to battery and possible fire. BATTERY LIFE Batteries that lose 20% of their capacity must be removed from service and disposed of properly. Discharge the battery to 3V/Cell, making sure output wires are insulated, then wrap battery in a bag for disposal. PRODUCT WARRANTY Product warranty is limited to original defects in material and workmanship. Warranty does not cover collateral damage. Due to the nature and use of the battery there is no term warranty. Misuse, abuse, incorrect charging and other inappropriate use of this product are not covered under warranty. 11
ADDENDUM REMOVAL OF UNDERCARRIAGE For an improved in flight performance and appearance the tricycle undercarriage can be removed. Removal of the undercarriage assemblies reduces both the weight and drag of the model increasing the power to weight ratio and top speed, the wing loading also drops slightly which improves manoeuvrability. The decision should not be taken lightly though. Without an undercarriage the model must be hand launched firmly into wind and belly landings will be the norm. While the aircraft can be built without undercarriage, we recommend that the model is assembled and flown with wheels initially to allow time to familiarise with the aircrafts performance. While the main wheels and nose gear can easily be removed and replaced, removal of the nose wheel steering servo requires minor surgery. Removal of the main gears is a simple task involving removal of the fixing screws, clamp plates and formed undercarriage assemblies. Similarly the nose wheel is removed by removing the grubscrew and pulling the wire out of the collet. To remove the steering servo slide a thin modelling blade between the canopy and fuselage to break the glue joints and remove the canopy Disconnect the nose gear steering servo from the receiver. Disconnect the steering push rod and slide a thin modelling blade between the servo and fuselage to break the glue joints. Remove the servo Refit the canopy with a few drops of adhesive. With the main wheels removed the wheel wells form an ideal finger and thumb hold for hand launching. 12
TOP GUN HORNET F18C SPARE PARTS LIST TGP0220B F/A-18C BLUE ANGELS RTF 70mm EDF TGP0220S F/A-18C SILVER RTF 70mm EDF TGP0221B F/A-18C BLUE ANGELS ARTF 70mm EDF TGP0221S F/A-18C SILVER ARTF 70mm EDF TGP0222B F/A-18C BLUE ANGELS AIRFRAME 70mm EDF JET TGP0222S F/A-18C SILVER AIRFRAME 70mm EDF TGP0225B F/A18-C FUSELAGE (BLUE) TGP0225S F/A18-C FUSELAGE (SILVER) TGP0226B F/A18-C MAIN WING SET (BLUE) TGP0226S F/A18-C MAIN WING SET (SILVER) TGP0227B F/A18-C VERTICAL TAIL SET BLUE TGP0227S F/A18-C VERTICAL TAIL SET SILV TGP0228B F/A18-C HORIZONTAL TAIL BLUE TGP0228S F/A18-C HORIZONTAL TAIL SILVER TGP0229B F/A18-C PVC PARTS SET BLUE TGP0229S F/A18-C PVC PARTS SET SILVER TGP0230 F/A18-C LANDING GEAR TGP0231 F/A18-C CONTROL RODS & PLASTIC TGP0112 F/A-18C 70mm DUCTED FAN UNIT TGP0524 F/A-18C 2200mah 14.8V 15C LIPO TGP0533 F/A-18C INRUNNER MOTOR TGP0553 F/A-18C 45A BRUSHLESS ESC TGE0001 ETRONIX 8.4G MINI SERVO DISTRIBUTORS OF QUALITY MODEL & HOBBY PRODUCTS Saxon House, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. B60 4AD. England Tel: +44 (0) 1527 575349 Fax: + 44 (0) 1527 570536 E-mail: info@cmldistribution.co.uk Web site: www.cmldistribution.co.uk 13