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GREAT PLANES SPITFIRE - User Manual

GREAT PLANES SPITFIRE
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WARRANTY
Great Planes
®
Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability
exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Great Planes 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.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE
OF THIS MODEL.
GPMZ1478 for GPMA1478 V1.0Entire Contents © Copyright 2007
Champaign, Illinois
(217) 398-8970, Ext 5
airsupport@greatplanes.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Wingspan: 39 in [990mm]
Wing Area: 272 in
2
[17.5dm
2
]
Weight: 40 – 48 oz [1130 – 1360g]
Wing Loading: 21 – 25 oz/ft
2
[65 – 78g/dm
2
]
Length: 35.5 in [895mm]
Radio: 4-channel minimum w/4 to 5 micro servos and standard
size receiver
Engine: .25 cu in [4cc] two-stroke, 35-30-1450kV RimFire
out-runner motor
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the GREAT PLANES SPITFIRE and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Product Overview and Warranty

Product Specifications

Details the model's wingspan, weight, dimensions, and required components.

Manufacturer Warranty and Support

Outlines the product warranty terms and provides contact information for support.

Introduction and AMA Information

Introduction to the Combat Spitfire ARF

Welcomes the user and describes the model's suitability for sport or combat flying.

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

Explains the importance of AMA membership for liability protection and provides contact details.

Safety and Pre-Build Decisions

Important Safety Precautions

Lists critical safety guidelines for assembling and operating the model.

Radio Equipment Requirements

Specifies the minimum required radio system, channels, and servos for the model.

Recommended Power Systems

Suggests suitable glow engines and brushless motors for the aircraft.

Required and Optional Items

Additional Required Items

Lists necessary hardware, accessories, adhesives, and building supplies.

Optional Supplies and Tools

Lists helpful but not essential tools for building the model.

Propeller Selection

Recommends a specific propeller size for the recommended engines.

Building Aids and Parts Information

Building Aids and Notes

Provides tips on using a building stand and important assembly techniques.

Ordering Replacement Parts

Explains how to obtain spare parts for the model and contact information.

Reference Information

Common Abbreviations

Defines frequently used acronyms and terms found in the manual.

Metric Conversions

Provides a conversion chart for measurements between inches and millimeters.

Kit Contents and Inspection

Kit Inspection Procedure

Guides users on checking the kit for completeness and part quality before building.

Kit Contents List

Lists all parts included in the kit with corresponding identification numbers.

Wing Preparation and Aileron Installation

Preparations Before Wing Assembly

Initial steps for preparing the model and control surfaces for assembly.

Installing the Ailerons

Instructions for attaching the ailerons to the wing panels using hinges.

Installing Aileron Servos and Pushrods

Describes mounting servos in the wing and preparing for pushrod installation.

Aileron Servo and Pushrod Setup

Connecting Aileron Servo Extensions

Attaching servo extensions and securing wire connections.

Mounting Aileron Servos

Installing servos into the wing bays and securing them properly.

Preparing and Installing Servo Arms

Modifying servo arms and centering servos for control linkage.

Aileron Control Horns and Linkages

Installing Aileron Control Horns

Marking, drilling, and attaching control horns to the ailerons.

Connecting Pushrods to Ailerons and Servos

Assembling and connecting pushrods between control horns and servo arms.

Wing Joining Procedure

Preparing Wing Joiners

Laminating and fitting the plywood wing joiners for strength.

Joining Wing Panels

Epoxying the two wing panels together using the wing joiner.

Installing Wing Bolt Plate

Aligning and preparing the plate for securing the wing to the fuselage.

Fuselage Stabilizer Installation

Horizontal Stabilizer Installation

Positioning and marking the horizontal stabilizer onto the fuselage.

Wing Attachment for Alignment

Temporarily attaching the wing to aid in stabilizer alignment.

Cutting Covering for Wing Mounting

Trimming film to prepare for wing bolt plate attachment.

Vertical Fin, Rudder, and Elevator Installation

Installing the Vertical Fin

Fitting and epoxying the vertical fin onto the fuselage.

Securing Horizontal Stabilizer and Elevators

Gluing the stabilizer and attaching elevators with joiner wire and hinges.

Joining the Rudder

Attaching the rudder to the vertical fin using CA hinges.

Elevator and Rudder Controls Setup

Installing Elevator and Rudder Pushrods

Routing pushrods from servos to control horns on elevators and rudder.

Mounting Elevator and Rudder Servos

Installing servos into the fuselage and reinforcing mounting holes.

Glow Engine Fuel System and Linkages

Fuel Tank Assembly and Installation

Assembling the fuel tank with stopper and fitting it into the fuselage.

Finalizing Control Linkages

Connecting pushrods to servo arms and securing them with connectors and set screws.

Glow Engine Mounting and Throttle Servo

Connecting Fuel Lines to Tank

Attaching fuel lines to the metal tubes in the fuel tank.

Mounting the Engine and Engine Mount

Installing the engine mount to the firewall and attaching the engine.

Installing the Throttle Servo

Mounting the throttle servo in its designated bay.

Radio and Battery Tray Installation

Securing Fuel Tank and Stringers

Adding stringers to secure the fuel tank and provide mounting for trays.

Installing Receiver and Battery

Setting up the receiver tray, receiver, and battery pack.

Fuselage Control Routing and Motor Prep

Throttle Pushrod Routing

Installing the throttle pushrod tube and pushrod for the servo.

Out-runner Motor Installation Prep

Cutting the cooling hole in the fuselage for the brushless motor.

Brushless Motor Mount Assembly

Assembling Motor Mount Adapter

Gluing together the six pieces of the brushless motor mount adapter.

Mounting the Brushless Motor

Attaching the motor to the mount adapter and the aluminum motor mount.

Battery and ESC Tray Installation

Preparing Battery and Radio Trays

Making battery straps and gluing battery and radio trays into the fuselage.

Installing ESC Tray

Assembling and installing the ESC tray into the fuselage.

ESC and Motor Connection

Securing ESC Tray and Leads

Epoxying the ESC tray and feeding ESC connections through the fuselage.

Making Battery Connector Adapters

Detailed instructions for creating bullet connector adapters for the motor.

Testing Brushless Motor Rotation

Verifying the motor spins clockwise and reversing leads if necessary.

Cowl Installation and Final Assembly

Installing the Cowl

Marking, drilling, and attaching the cowl to the fuselage.

Routing Receiver Antenna

Positioning the receiver antenna for optimal signal reception.

Final Model Assembly Steps

Connecting Servos and Battery

Connecting remaining servos and securing the battery pack to the tray.

Attaching Canopy and Spinner

Gluing the canopy and mounting the propeller and spinner onto the motor shaft.

Optional Landing Gear Installation

Preparing Landing Gear Slots

Removing covering from the landing gear slots on the underside of the wing.

Installing Landing Gear Components

Attaching wheels, collars, straps, and the tail skid for landing gear.

Pre-Flight Control Checks and Decals

Checking Control Directions

Verifying that control surfaces move correctly with transmitter inputs.

Applying Decals

Instructions for accurately applying the model's decorative decals.

Setting Control Throws

Adjusting control surface travel for optimal flight performance.

Center of Gravity (C.G.) Balancing

Marking the Center of Gravity

Identifying the recommended balance point on the wing.

Balancing the Model

Procedures for checking and adjusting the C.G. for stability and flight.

Pre-Flight Checks and Procedures

Lateral Balance

Ensuring the model is balanced side-to-side for stable flight.

Identifying Your Model

Instructions for marking the model with owner information for identification.

Charging Batteries

Guidance on charging transmitter and receiver batteries.

Balancing Propellers

The importance of propeller balance for reducing vibration.

Ground and Range Checks

Performing essential radio system checks before the first flight.

Safety Guidelines

Engine;Motor Safety Precautions

Safety rules specific to operating model engines and motors.

Lithium Battery Handling

Warnings and guidelines for safe handling and charging of LiPo batteries.

AMA Safety Code Excerpts

Key excerpts from the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code.

Radio Control and Final Checks

Radio Control Operations

Rules for operating the model's radio control system safely.

Pre-Flight Checklist

A comprehensive checklist of essential tasks before flying the model.

Fuel Mixture Adjustments

Guidance on adjusting fuel mixture for optimal engine performance.

Flying Procedures

Takeoff Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for successfully taking off with the model.

Flight Handling

Tips for general flight characteristics, trims, and adjustments.

Landing Procedure

Instructions for initiating and executing safe landing approaches.

Recommended Additional Equipment

Great Planes RimFire Motor

Details and benefits of the recommended RimFire brushless out-runner motor.

O.S..25 FX Engine

Information on the economical O.S. .25 FX glow engine.

ElectriFly LiPo Battery

Features of the 3200mAh Power Series LiPo battery pack.

Build and Flight Records

Building Notes Section

Space for recording construction dates, purchase location, and finished weight.

Flight Log Section

A log to record details of each flight for performance tracking.

Summary

Product Overview and Warranty

Product Specifications

Details the model's wingspan, weight, dimensions, and required components.

Manufacturer Warranty and Support

Outlines the product warranty terms and provides contact information for support.

Introduction and AMA Information

Introduction to the Combat Spitfire ARF

Welcomes the user and describes the model's suitability for sport or combat flying.

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

Explains the importance of AMA membership for liability protection and provides contact details.

Safety and Pre-Build Decisions

Important Safety Precautions

Lists critical safety guidelines for assembling and operating the model.

Radio Equipment Requirements

Specifies the minimum required radio system, channels, and servos for the model.

Recommended Power Systems

Suggests suitable glow engines and brushless motors for the aircraft.

Required and Optional Items

Additional Required Items

Lists necessary hardware, accessories, adhesives, and building supplies.

Optional Supplies and Tools

Lists helpful but not essential tools for building the model.

Propeller Selection

Recommends a specific propeller size for the recommended engines.

Building Aids and Parts Information

Building Aids and Notes

Provides tips on using a building stand and important assembly techniques.

Ordering Replacement Parts

Explains how to obtain spare parts for the model and contact information.

Reference Information

Common Abbreviations

Defines frequently used acronyms and terms found in the manual.

Metric Conversions

Provides a conversion chart for measurements between inches and millimeters.

Kit Contents and Inspection

Kit Inspection Procedure

Guides users on checking the kit for completeness and part quality before building.

Kit Contents List

Lists all parts included in the kit with corresponding identification numbers.

Wing Preparation and Aileron Installation

Preparations Before Wing Assembly

Initial steps for preparing the model and control surfaces for assembly.

Installing the Ailerons

Instructions for attaching the ailerons to the wing panels using hinges.

Installing Aileron Servos and Pushrods

Describes mounting servos in the wing and preparing for pushrod installation.

Aileron Servo and Pushrod Setup

Connecting Aileron Servo Extensions

Attaching servo extensions and securing wire connections.

Mounting Aileron Servos

Installing servos into the wing bays and securing them properly.

Preparing and Installing Servo Arms

Modifying servo arms and centering servos for control linkage.

Aileron Control Horns and Linkages

Installing Aileron Control Horns

Marking, drilling, and attaching control horns to the ailerons.

Connecting Pushrods to Ailerons and Servos

Assembling and connecting pushrods between control horns and servo arms.

Wing Joining Procedure

Preparing Wing Joiners

Laminating and fitting the plywood wing joiners for strength.

Joining Wing Panels

Epoxying the two wing panels together using the wing joiner.

Installing Wing Bolt Plate

Aligning and preparing the plate for securing the wing to the fuselage.

Fuselage Stabilizer Installation

Horizontal Stabilizer Installation

Positioning and marking the horizontal stabilizer onto the fuselage.

Wing Attachment for Alignment

Temporarily attaching the wing to aid in stabilizer alignment.

Cutting Covering for Wing Mounting

Trimming film to prepare for wing bolt plate attachment.

Vertical Fin, Rudder, and Elevator Installation

Installing the Vertical Fin

Fitting and epoxying the vertical fin onto the fuselage.

Securing Horizontal Stabilizer and Elevators

Gluing the stabilizer and attaching elevators with joiner wire and hinges.

Joining the Rudder

Attaching the rudder to the vertical fin using CA hinges.

Elevator and Rudder Controls Setup

Installing Elevator and Rudder Pushrods

Routing pushrods from servos to control horns on elevators and rudder.

Mounting Elevator and Rudder Servos

Installing servos into the fuselage and reinforcing mounting holes.

Glow Engine Fuel System and Linkages

Fuel Tank Assembly and Installation

Assembling the fuel tank with stopper and fitting it into the fuselage.

Finalizing Control Linkages

Connecting pushrods to servo arms and securing them with connectors and set screws.

Glow Engine Mounting and Throttle Servo

Connecting Fuel Lines to Tank

Attaching fuel lines to the metal tubes in the fuel tank.

Mounting the Engine and Engine Mount

Installing the engine mount to the firewall and attaching the engine.

Installing the Throttle Servo

Mounting the throttle servo in its designated bay.

Radio and Battery Tray Installation

Securing Fuel Tank and Stringers

Adding stringers to secure the fuel tank and provide mounting for trays.

Installing Receiver and Battery

Setting up the receiver tray, receiver, and battery pack.

Fuselage Control Routing and Motor Prep

Throttle Pushrod Routing

Installing the throttle pushrod tube and pushrod for the servo.

Out-runner Motor Installation Prep

Cutting the cooling hole in the fuselage for the brushless motor.

Brushless Motor Mount Assembly

Assembling Motor Mount Adapter

Gluing together the six pieces of the brushless motor mount adapter.

Mounting the Brushless Motor

Attaching the motor to the mount adapter and the aluminum motor mount.

Battery and ESC Tray Installation

Preparing Battery and Radio Trays

Making battery straps and gluing battery and radio trays into the fuselage.

Installing ESC Tray

Assembling and installing the ESC tray into the fuselage.

ESC and Motor Connection

Securing ESC Tray and Leads

Epoxying the ESC tray and feeding ESC connections through the fuselage.

Making Battery Connector Adapters

Detailed instructions for creating bullet connector adapters for the motor.

Testing Brushless Motor Rotation

Verifying the motor spins clockwise and reversing leads if necessary.

Cowl Installation and Final Assembly

Installing the Cowl

Marking, drilling, and attaching the cowl to the fuselage.

Routing Receiver Antenna

Positioning the receiver antenna for optimal signal reception.

Final Model Assembly Steps

Connecting Servos and Battery

Connecting remaining servos and securing the battery pack to the tray.

Attaching Canopy and Spinner

Gluing the canopy and mounting the propeller and spinner onto the motor shaft.

Optional Landing Gear Installation

Preparing Landing Gear Slots

Removing covering from the landing gear slots on the underside of the wing.

Installing Landing Gear Components

Attaching wheels, collars, straps, and the tail skid for landing gear.

Pre-Flight Control Checks and Decals

Checking Control Directions

Verifying that control surfaces move correctly with transmitter inputs.

Applying Decals

Instructions for accurately applying the model's decorative decals.

Setting Control Throws

Adjusting control surface travel for optimal flight performance.

Center of Gravity (C.G.) Balancing

Marking the Center of Gravity

Identifying the recommended balance point on the wing.

Balancing the Model

Procedures for checking and adjusting the C.G. for stability and flight.

Pre-Flight Checks and Procedures

Lateral Balance

Ensuring the model is balanced side-to-side for stable flight.

Identifying Your Model

Instructions for marking the model with owner information for identification.

Charging Batteries

Guidance on charging transmitter and receiver batteries.

Balancing Propellers

The importance of propeller balance for reducing vibration.

Ground and Range Checks

Performing essential radio system checks before the first flight.

Safety Guidelines

Engine;Motor Safety Precautions

Safety rules specific to operating model engines and motors.

Lithium Battery Handling

Warnings and guidelines for safe handling and charging of LiPo batteries.

AMA Safety Code Excerpts

Key excerpts from the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code.

Radio Control and Final Checks

Radio Control Operations

Rules for operating the model's radio control system safely.

Pre-Flight Checklist

A comprehensive checklist of essential tasks before flying the model.

Fuel Mixture Adjustments

Guidance on adjusting fuel mixture for optimal engine performance.

Flying Procedures

Takeoff Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for successfully taking off with the model.

Flight Handling

Tips for general flight characteristics, trims, and adjustments.

Landing Procedure

Instructions for initiating and executing safe landing approaches.

Recommended Additional Equipment

Great Planes RimFire Motor

Details and benefits of the recommended RimFire brushless out-runner motor.

O.S..25 FX Engine

Information on the economical O.S. .25 FX glow engine.

ElectriFly LiPo Battery

Features of the 3200mAh Power Series LiPo battery pack.

Build and Flight Records

Building Notes Section

Space for recording construction dates, purchase location, and finished weight.

Flight Log Section

A log to record details of each flight for performance tracking.

GREAT PLANES SPITFIRE Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandGREAT PLANES
ModelSPITFIRE
CategoryToy
LanguageEnglish

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