The provided document is an instruction manual for the RV-8 70cc FLS (Feather Light Series), a 35% scale model of the experimental Van's Aircraft RV-8. This remote-controlled aircraft is designed for both ARF (Almost Ready-to-Fly) and ARFSV (Almost Ready-to-Fly with Servos) versions, catering to a wide range of pilots from sport flying to advanced aerobatics.
Function Description:
The RV-8 70cc FLS is a high-performance, versatile RC airplane capable of classic 3D and precision aerobatic maneuvers. Its design, by World Champion Quique Somenzini, emphasizes a lightly loaded airframe, giving it a wide flight envelope and stable flight characteristics even at walking speeds with flaps down. The model is also designed to be float-ready, with an optional float set available to match its color scheme. It can accommodate multiple power systems, including both gas and electric setups.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Wingspan: 100 inches (2540 mm)
- Length: 90 inches (2288 mm)
- Gas Weight (DA-70 w/MTW TDH110 Canister): 23 lb. 3 oz. (10.5 Kg)
- Electric Weight (Potenza 65cc w/12S 6200mAh): 24 lb. 15 oz. (11.3 Kg)
- Engine/Motor Size: 60-70cc
Required Equipment (Radio Equipment & Servos):
- Transmitter: 8+ channels
- Receiver: 8+ channels, high-voltage capable
- Receiver Battery: (2) 2S 4000mAh 15C+ LiPos (FPZBR40002515 recommended)
- Receiver Battery Strap: (1) Flex Hook and Loop Strap, 300 mm long (FPMA1016)
- Aileron, Flaps, Elevators Servos: (6) Minimum 200 oz/in (14 kg/cm), Potenza DS22209HV high voltage servos recommended.
- Rudder Servo: Minimum 400 oz/in (28 kg/cm), Potenza DS494010HV brushless high voltage servo recommended.
- Servo Arms (Aileron, Flaps, Elevators): (6) 2-inch Single Arm, Potenza 2-inch Clamping Servo Arm – FPZA1036 recommended.
- Servo Arms (Rudder - Tail-mounted Push-Pull): 2-inch Single Arm, Potenza 2-inch Clamping Servo Arm – FPZA1036 recommended.
- Servo Arms (Rudder - Front-Mounted Pull-Pull): 4-inch Double Arm, Potenza 4-inch Clamping Servo Arm – FPZA1037 recommended.
- Servo Extensions:
- Ailerons: (2) 18-inch (460 mm)
- Flaps: (2) 9-inch (230 mm)
- Flaps & Ailerons (To the receiver or Aura): (2) 9-inch (230 mm)
- Elevators: (2) 48-inch (1220 mm)
- Rudder (Tail-mounted Push-Pull): 48-inch (1220 mm)
- Servo Extension Safety Clips: Flex Servo Connector Safety Clips (FPZA1040)
- Spinner: 5 inch (140 mm), Falcon 5-inch Carbon Fiber Spinner – FPMFAL5CGS recommended.
Required Equipment (Gas Engine Setup):
- Engine: 60cc to 70cc Gasoline two-stroke engine, Desert Aircraft DA-70 – FPMDA70 recommended.
- Exhaust: Follow engine manufacturer's recommendation and local noise restrictions. DA stock muffler set by Slimline – FPMDA70MUFFLER recommended for DA-70.
- Other Exhaust Options: MTW TDH110 Rear Discharge Canisters for DA-70, KS 60 mm drop 2 to 1 header for DA-70, KS86 Rear Discharge Canister for DA-60, MTW Flexible header 60 mm drop for DA-60.
- Propeller: Follow engine manufacturer's recommendation, Falcon Carbon Fiber 25x8W recommended for DA-70.
- Engine Standoffs: (4) 20 mm Aluminum Standoffs for DA-70 or (4) 30mm Aluminum Standoffs for DA-60, FPM1624 recommended for DA-70.
- Throttle Servo: High Quality, Metal Gear Digital Servo, Potenza DS22209HV high voltage servo recommended.
- Throttle Servo Extension: 18-inch (460 mm)
- Ignition Regulator: Follow engine manufacturer's recommendation.
- Ignition Strap: Flex Hook and Loop Strap, 200mm long (FPMA1012)
- Ignition Battery: 2S 2000mAh 15C+ Li-Po, FPZBR20002515 recommended.
- Ignition Battery Strap: Flex Hook and Loop Strap, 200 mm long (FPMA1012)
- Fuel Tank Strap: (1) FPMA1014 (2) Battery Hook and Loop Strap Small 260mm Long, (1) FPMA1013 (2) Battery Hook and Loop Strap Small 220mm Long.
- Fuel Dot: McFueler Fuel Dot (FPMAMCFUELER).
Required Equipment (Electric Setup):
- Motor: 60-70cc Brushless Motor Equivalent, Potenza High Performance 65cc 185KV Brushless Motor FPZM65CC recommended.
- ESC: 160A HV ESC, Castle Creations Phoenix Edge 160HV, 50V ESC recommended.
- Flight Batteries: 2 x 6S 6200mAh Li-Pos, Potenza 6S 6200mAh 40C Li-Pos recommended.
- Flight Battery Straps: (2) Flex Hook and Loop Strap, 300mm long (FPMA1016).
- Propeller: Follow motor manufacturer's recommendation, Mejzlik 25x125 recommended for the Potenza 65cc Brushless Motor.
- Motor Standoffs: (4) 2-1½ inch (63mm) Motor Standoffs.
- ESC Servo Extension: 18-inch (460 mm).
Optional Equipment:
- Aura 8 Professional: FPZAURA08PRO
- 24oz Lightweight Fuel/Smoke Tank (for smoke): FPM2019
- 32oz Fuel Tank (larger tank for longer flight times): FPM1623
- Holy Smokes G2 Smoke System: FPMHOLYG2
- Flex Innovations Premium Wing and Tail Bag Set: FPM2014
- ISDT D2 Dual Port AC 200W Charger: ISDTD2
- Premium Vinyl Graphics Set, RV-8 70cc FLS, Red Scheme (by Callie Graphics): FPM2022
- Premium Vinyl Graphics Set, RV-8 70cc FLS, Camouflage Scheme (by Callie Graphics): FPM2023
- McFueler Fuel Dot: FPMAMCFUELER
- RV-8 70cc Float Set, Red: FPM2016A
- RV-8 70cc Float Set, Camouflage: FPM2016B
- Flex 24x9 Two Blade Carbon Fiber Propeller: FPMPF249CF
- Falcon 25x8W Two Blade Carbon Fiber Propeller: FPMPF258WCF
- 2S 2000mAh 15C Li-Po Receiver Battery: FPZBR20002515
- 2S 4000mAh 15C Li-Po Receiver Battery: FPZBR40002515
- Potenza DS22209 High Voltage, Titanium Gear Servo: FPZDS22209HV
- Potenza DS49010 Brushless, High Voltage Servo: FPZDS49010BLHV
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for assembly, including control horn installation for ailerons, flaps, and elevators, main wing servo and linkage installation, rudder and tailwheel installation, elevator servo and linkage installation, vertical fin installation, stab mounting, landing gear installation, engine and throttle servo installation (for DA-70 and DA-60), ignition installation, fuel tank installation, exhaust and cowling installation, and electric power setup (motor, ESC, battery tray, cooling).
- Control Surface Throws and Exponential: Recommended starting points for control surface throws and exponential settings are provided for both low rate (sport flying/general aerobatics) and high rate (advanced aerobatics), including specific measurements for aileron, elevator, rudder, aileron > flap mix, and flap travel (half flap and full flap).
- Center of Gravity (CG): An acceptable CG range of 170 to 190mm (6-11/16 to 7-1/2 inches) AFT from the LEADING EDGE of the wing is specified, with Quique's preferred CG at 182mm (7-5/32 inches). Tips are given for achieving proper CG by adjusting battery placement.
- Radio System Integration: Instructions cover receiver and Aura Professional (optional) mounting, servo connections, and securing wiring.
- Canopy Removal: A unique canopy removal method is described: remove two screws, slide the canopy to the rear (do not lift up), then lift at the rear and continue moving it aft.
- Decal Application: Instructions for applying traditional clear decals or optional premium vinyl graphics kits (Red Scheme or Camouflage Scheme by Callie Graphics) are provided, using a wet application method to reduce bubbles and allow repositioning.
- Pre-Flight Checks: Emphasizes balancing propeller and spinner, re-checking all linkages and connections, verifying engine function, securing loose wiring, and ensuring batteries are fully charged.
Maintenance Features:
- Covering Maintenance: Recommends using a covering iron to tighten covering and a "Seal-It Pen" to permanently seal sharp edges or corners to prevent loosening in flight.
- Glue Joint Reinforcement: Suggests using thin CA to reinforce important glue joints like the motor box, firewall, and servo mounting rails.
- Hinge Installation: Detailed steps for hinge installation with epoxy, including using petroleum jelly on pivot points to prevent glue adhesion and ensure free movement.
- Thread Lock Application: Blue thread lock is recommended for metal-to-metal connections to prevent loosening from vibration.
- Cooling: Specific instructions for cooling are provided for both gas (removing plywood structure below motor box) and electric (utilizing front openings and rear lip of cowling) setups.
- Engine Baffle Installation: Instructions for assembling and installing engine baffles, including painting them for appearance and fuel/oil resistance, and securing them with colored silicone due to high vibration.
- Pull-Pull Cable Maintenance: Notes that pull-pull cables may stretch slightly in initial flights and require tension adjustment.
- Warranty: A limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 45 days after purchase, with specific exclusions for damage due to misuse, modification, or improper assembly.
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