The Futaba Sky Leaf Samba f is an electric R/C airplane designed for radio control enthusiasts. This instruction manual provides comprehensive guidance for assembly, safe operation, and maintenance to ensure maximum enjoyment and proper flying.
Function Description:
The Sky Leaf Samba f is a sophisticated, working model airplane that functions much like a full-size aircraft. It is designed for electric radio control (R/C) flying, offering performance capabilities that require careful assembly and operation. The model is intended for use with a 5-channel minimum R/C system with mixing functions, such as Futaba 6K, 10J, 14SG, 16SZ, 18SZ, or 18MZ -T/R Set. It utilizes micro servos for control surfaces, specifically 4 micro servos for the servo-less version. The airplane is powered by an electric motor, with the O.S. OMA-3820-1200 Motor being the recommended option, controlled by an electronic speed controller (ESC) like the Futaba MC951H/A. A Lipo Battery (3-cell, 2,000 ~ 2,600mAh) provides power, and a suitable Lipo Battery Charger is required. Propellers ranging from 10x7 to 11x7 inches and a 2-inch spinner are specified.
The assembly process involves installing various components such as the wings, horizontal stabilizer, elevator, rudder, motor cowl, main gear, tail gear, receiver, and battery. Control horns and linkages are set up for precise control of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. The manual emphasizes the importance of correct control throws and center of gravity (CG) adjustment for stable and enjoyable flight.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Airplane Name: Sky Leaf Samba f
- Overall Length: 48 inches (1220mm)
- Wing Span: 48 inches (1220mm)
- Wing Area: 457 in² (29.5d ㎡)
- Wing Thickness: Symmetrical 13%
- Weight: 35.3oz ~ 42.3oz (1000g ~ 1200g)
- Design/Test Flight: Futaba's Pilots
- Recommended Motor: O.S. OMA-3820-1200 Motor
- Recommended Motor Controller: Futaba MC951H/A
- Recommended Lipo Battery: 3-cell, 2,000 ~ 2,600mAh
- Recommended Propeller: 10x7 ~ 11x7 inches
- Spinner: 2 inches
- Servo (S3776SB - S.BUS2 servo):
- Speed: 0.11sec/60° (6.0V)
- Torque: 2.4kgf·cm (6.0V)
- Size/Weight: 0.86 × 0.43 × 0.86 inches / 0.35oz (21.8 × 11.0 × 21.9mm / 10.0g)
- Operating Voltage: 4.0V ~ 6.0V (No dry battery use)
- Servo Extension Code:
- 100mm × 4
- 400mm × 1
- 500mm × 1 (for 200mm servo cable)
Usage Features:
The Sky Leaf Samba f is designed for electric R/C flight, with specific recommendations for optimal performance.
- Control Throws: The manual provides recommended dual rates (D/R) and exponential (EXPO) settings for ailerons, elevator, and rudder for both "Low Rate" (general flying) and "High Rate" (3D flight).
- Low Rate: Aileron: 40% D/R, -45% EXPO; Elevator: 50% D/R, -20% EXPO; Rudder: 100% D/R, -30% EXPO.
- High Rate: Aileron: 120% D/R, -90% EXPO; Elevator: 130% D/R, -80% EXPO; Rudder: 120% D/R, -40% EXPO.
- CG Adjustment: The center of gravity is critical for stable flight, recommended at 4.4 inches (112mm) from the leading edge of the wing. Battery position adjustment is suggested as a primary method for CG tuning.
- Flight Recommendations: First flights should be done in "Low Rate" for easier control. For 3D flight, "High Rate" with negative EXPO is recommended for smoother control around the neutral stick position.
- Safety Precautions: Emphasizes flying in spacious, safe outdoor areas, avoiding strong winds, and ensuring all components are in good working order before each flight. It also warns against operating the model near people, homes, schools, hospitals, airports, roads, high voltage lines, or communication facilities.
Maintenance Features:
The manual outlines several maintenance and care guidelines to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the Sky Leaf Samba f.
- Assembly Quality: Stresses the importance of building straight, true, and strong, as the quality of the finished model depends on the builder's skill.
- Component Checks: Regular checks of the R/C radio system, motor, and all components are required before every flight.
- Battery Care:
- Always charge the battery before each flying session.
- Do not recharge damaged, deteriorated, leaking, or wet batteries.
- Avoid short-circuiting, repairing, deforming, modifying, or disassembling the battery or charger.
- Do not drop the battery into fire or expose it to direct sunlight or hot places.
- Charge in a well-ventilated area, away from combustible environments.
- Store batteries and charger in a dry place with temperatures between 0°C and 30°C (32°F and 86°F) when not in use for a long time, and remove batteries from the transmitter and aircraft.
- If battery liquid gets into eyes, wash immediately with tap water and seek medical attention.
- If battery liquid gets on skin or clothing, flush with water.
- Isolate terminals with tape when recycling or disposing of batteries to prevent short circuits.
- Motor and ESC: Do not touch the motor or motor controller during and immediately after use, as they can become hot. Disconnect motor wiring when making adjustments to prevent unexpected rotation.
- Covering Film: If the covered film becomes wrinkled due to temperature variations, it can be smoothed out using an iron covered with a cloth, starting at a low temperature setting and gradually increasing it to avoid damage.
- General Care: Keep R/C components away from small children. Use glues and adhesives in well-ventilated areas. Do not expose the model directly to fuel, oil, or exhaust gas. Avoid adding extra devices not suggested by the factory, as this may affect performance.
- Warranty: Futaba guarantees the kit to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the date of purchase, but this warranty does not cover damage from use or modification. Futaba is not responsible for damage resulting from the use of the user-assembled product. The product is not repairable by Futaba service center if damaged.