Flex innovations Twin Otter 80E - User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Flex Innovations Twin Otter 80E!
Flex Innovations airplanes are now shipping with digital manuals. This ensures that you always have
the most up-to-date information, including any future modifications, upgrades or even future product
generations. It also makes your assembly and flying experience as accurate and enjoyable as possible.
You can find the most updated version of the manual at the link shown below or simply by scanning
the QR code with your phone. If you would like a printed version of the manual and did not order one
with your airplane you can also find information on how to order
one at the same location.
If you have experience assembling Flex Innovations Super PNP
aircraft then this quick assembly guide is for you. Inside you
will find general assembly sequence recommendations, radio
setup details and everything you need pre-flight. This
assembly guide is not comprehensive and assumes a certain
level of familiarity and comfort with the process.
For full details on how to put together your Twin Otter 80E, for
any last minute updates, for additional details such as parts
lists please follow the link or the QR code for the complete
manual.
Quick Assembly Guide
https://www.flexinnovations.com/product/twin-otter-80e-super-pnp/
DESIGNE
D BY:

Summary

Introduction

Completion Items

Lists necessary components like Li-Po battery, transmitter, and receiver for assembly.

General Tips for Quick Assembly Guide

Offers tips on using the guide and notes on thread locker and night versions.

Assembly Sequence

Landing Gear Assembly

Instructions for installing the main and nose landing gear, including fairings.

Tail Assembly

Steps for attaching the tail assembly and reinforcement rod to the fuselage.

Horizontal Stabilizer Installation

Guides on installing the horizontal stabilizer tube and halves onto the aircraft.

Rudder and Elevator Linkages

Details on installing servo arms and pushrods for rudder and elevator control.

Motor and ESC Installation

Steps for mounting motors, installing x-braces, and connecting ESCs.

Wing Installation

Instructions for installing wing struts, panels, connecting wiring, and securing wings.

Radio Configuration

Aura Flight Modes

Describes pre-configured Aura flight modes (Sport, Advanced) and gyro settings.

Transmitter Radio Settings

Details end points, reversing, sub-trim, and channel assignments for transmitters.

Aura Configuration and Setup

Default Aura Connections

Lists default Aura port connections for servos and receiver input.

Aura 8 Auto-Detect Process

Explains the Aura Auto-Detect process and LED indicators for system recognition.

Battery Connection and ESC Arming

Steps for connecting the battery, arming ESCs, and motor initialization tones.

ESC Throttle Calibration

Procedure for calibrating ESC throttle range for correct motor response.

Final Radio and Servo Setup

Finalizing servo arm positions, pushrods, and motor rotation direction.

Control Direction Test

Transmitter Command Verification

Chart showing transmitter stick commands and expected control surface movements.

Aura Sensor Direction Test

Gyro System Verification

Illustrates how the aircraft should react to movement for correct gyro function.

Completion and Flight Readiness

Final Assembly and Component Installation

Instructions for installing propellers, spinners, nose cone, and cowlings.

Center of Gravity (CG) Verification

Guidance on verifying and adjusting the aircraft's center of gravity for stability.

First Flight and Quick Trim Procedure

Steps for performing the maiden flight and executing the Quick Trim procedure.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Flex Innovations Twin Otter 80E is a versatile twin-engine aviation aircraft designed for a wide range of flying styles, from gentle touch-and-goes on land or water to wild 3D aerobatics. This quick assembly guide provides essential information for experienced users familiar with Flex Innovations Super PNP aircraft, focusing on assembly sequence recommendations, radio setup details, and pre-flight checks. For comprehensive details, including parts lists and troubleshooting, users are directed to the full digital manual available online via a provided link or QR code.

Function Description:

The Twin Otter 80E is a remote-controlled aircraft designed for both sport flying and advanced aerobatics. It features a robust airframe capable of rough field operations and is equipped with a sophisticated Aura flight control system. The aircraft's twin-engine configuration provides ample power and allows for advanced maneuvers, including differential thrust in Flight Mode 3 for enhanced control. The design emphasizes a balanced airframe suitable for various flying preferences.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Battery Compatibility: Requires a 5200-6200mAh 6S 22.2V 40C+ Li-Po battery (6200mAh, FPZB62006S40 recommended).
• Transmitter Requirement: Minimum 8-channel transmitter.
• Receiver Compatibility: Serial capable receiver, e.g., Spektrum 4651T or Futaba R2001SB. A current list of compatible receivers is available on the Flex Innovations wiki.
• Flight Modes (Aura Profile):
  • Flight Mode 1: Sport (Gyro Off): Gyro off for safety, general flying with tuned rates and expos.
  • Flight Mode 2: Sport (Gyro On): Gyro set to low for sport flying, with tuned rates and expos.
  • Flight Mode 3: Advanced (Gyro On): Gyro set to moderately high for advanced aerobatics and 3D flight, with highest rates and expos. Differential thrust is enabled (if activated via switch).
• Control Surface Mixing: Flaps are coupled with ailerons for maximum roll rate and authority in all flight modes. Rudder to aileron and rudder to elevator mixing is pre-configured in the Aura. Flap to elevator mixing is also configured in the Aura Flap System, with a slower flap movement speed.
• Center of Gravity (CG): Recommended CG is between 3-5/16 and 3-3/4 inches (85mm - 95mm) from the leading edge of the wing. Deviating from this range, especially a tail-heavy configuration, will negatively impact performance.
• Motor Rotation: Left motor is Counter-Clockwise (CCW), and the right motor is Clockwise (CW) when viewed from the tail of the airplane.
• Linkage Hardware: M3x12mm self-tapping screws for main gear cover, M3x6mm screws for servo arms, M2x10mm machine screws for linkages, M4x6mm flat head screws for motor x-braces, M4x22mm button head screws for motor mounting, M2x7mm self-tapping screws for nose cone, M2x13mm self-tapping screws for cowlings, M3x10mm screws for spinners.
• Adhesives: 15-minute Epoxy recommended for foam fairings, 30-minute epoxy for tail assembly, CA or Epoxy for exhaust.
• Propellers: L and R labeled propellers, installed with provided washer and nut.
• Wing Struts: Secured with pin keepers and retaining pins.

Usage Features:

• Digital Manuals: Flex Innovations provides digital manuals to ensure users always have the most up-to-date information, including future modifications, upgrades, and product generations.
• Quick Assembly Guide: This guide is tailored for experienced users, offering a streamlined assembly process without excessive detail.
• Aura Flight Control System: The integrated Aura system provides stability and enhanced control, with pre-configured flight modes for different flying styles.
• Auto-Detect Receiver Functionality: The Aura 8 automatically detects the receiver type and configures itself, indicated by sweeping LEDs.
• ESC Throttle Calibration: A specific procedure is outlined for calibrating the ESCs to the throttle stick range, ensuring proper motor response. This must be done without propellers and spinners installed.
• Differential Thrust: Available in Flight Mode 3, this feature allows for advanced maneuvering but requires careful handling, especially during ground operations, as motors can spool up with rudder input. It is recommended to assign the differential thrust disable switch to the throttle hold.
• Night Version (Optional): For aircraft equipped with lights, a dry assembly and light testing are recommended before permanent bonding.
• First Flight and Quick Trim: Instructions are provided for maiden flights in Flight Mode 2 and a "Quick Trim" procedure using a bind plug in Aura Port S3 to save trim settings.
• Control Direction Test: Comprehensive charts illustrate proper control surface deflections for transmitter commands and sensor-based corrections, emphasizing that both tests must pass before flight. Reversing controls in the transmitter or Aura Config Tool is explicitly prohibited for corrective action.

Maintenance Features:

• Thread Locker Usage: Thread locker is recommended for metal-to-metal connections (e.g., wheel collets, prop adapters, motor mounting screws, servo arm screws) but explicitly prohibited for plastic parts, as it can weaken and cause failure.
• Adhesion Preparation: Surfaces for bonding (e.g., carbon fiber rod, tail assembly) should be lightly scuffed with sandpaper (220 grit) and cleaned with rubbing alcohol to aid adhesion.
• Paint Protection: When taping parts during adhesive drying, tape should only be applied to white areas to avoid stripping paint from colored surfaces.
• Failsafe Reset: After ESC throttle calibration, it is necessary to reset the failsafe according to the radio documentation, which may require a re-bind.
• Regular Checks: Users are advised to regularly check and tighten screws, especially thumb screws securing the wings, using a Phillips screwdriver before flight.
• Support: In case of control reversal issues or any other problems, users are instructed to contact support@flexinnovations.com.

Flex innovations Twin Otter 80E Specifications

General

Brand	Flex innovations
Model	Twin Otter 80E
Category	Toy
Language	English