Maxford USA STEARMAN PT-17 - User Manual

STEARMAN PT-17
EP 50-INCH SPORT-SCALE ARF Ver. 1.1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Lloyd Carlton Stearman (October 26, 1898 – April 3, 1975) was both an aircraft designer and the founder of
the Stearman Aircraft Corporation, maker of the Stearman PT-17 (also know as the Model 75 and the Kaydet).
His Stearman PT-17 was the U.S. Army Air Corps’ primary flight trainer during World War II. At least 9,783
were built, and at war’s end thousands of surplus PT-17s were sold on the civilian market.
This model of the famous Stearman PT-17 is an almost-ready-to-fly RC airplane designed for those who want
an easy-to-fly electric-powered airplane with great sport-scale appearance. It is based on the full-scale PT-17
owned by John Mohr, who very kindly sent us many detailed pictures of his personal aircraft. We thank PT-17
owner/pilot John Mohr; we also acknowlege and thank Jay Smith, editor of Model Aviation magazine, for his
help and advice on this project.
We invite you to enjoy flying this balsa and light-ply almost-ready-to-fly aircraft.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Important safety precautions .............................. 2
II. Warranty, liability waiver, and return policy ..... 2
III. Specifications ..................................................... 3
IV. Special features of this Stearman PT-17
............ 3
V. Parts List ...................................................... 3
VI. Assembly instructions ................................. 4
VII. Setup and adjustments ................................. 9
VIII. Preflight checks .......................................... 10
Page 1 of 10
S130301 / Original Copyright 2011

Summary

Important Safety Precautions

General Safety Guidelines

Covers safe assembly, operation, and flying practices for the model airplane.

Warranty, Liability Waiver, and Return Policy

Warranty and Return Procedures

Details Maxford USA's warranty, liability waiver, and the process for returns and RMAs.

Specifications and Features

Model Specifications

Lists the physical dimensions, weight, and component requirements for the Stearman PT-17 model.

Special Features

Highlights the unique construction and design aspects of the Stearman PT-17 model.

Parts List

Required and Included Parts

Identifies parts that the user must supply and parts included with the Stearman PT-17 kit.

Assembly Instructions

Initial Assembly Steps

Guides through initial steps like fitting the tail wheel, rudder, elevator, and servos.

Wing and Landing Gear Assembly

Covers attaching lower wings, landing gear, and connecting aileron servos and pushrods.

Fuselage, Motor, and Hatch Installation

Details installing servos, optional pilots, motor, ESC, and securing components to the fuselage.

Wing Attachment and Rigging

Explains how to attach the upper wing, N-struts, and install the wing wires.

Wing Wire Routing

Provides detailed steps and diagrams for routing the wing wires on both lower wings.

Final Assembly Steps

Covers installing the dummy engine, propeller, and cockpit hatch, concluding the assembly.

Setup and Adjustments

CG, Covering, and Initial Settings

Guides on setting center of gravity, checking covering, and initial radio/servo settings.

Computer Radio and Trim Adjustments

Offers advice on using computer radio features and making trim adjustments for flight.

Pre-Flight Checks

Pre-Flight Inspection Checklist

Outlines essential checks for motor, propeller, controls, and radio range before flight.

Overview

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

The Stearman PT-17 is an EP 50-inch Sport-Scale ARF (Almost-Ready-to-Fly) radio-controlled airplane, designed for enthusiasts seeking an easy-to-fly electric-powered model with a strong sport-scale appearance. This model is based on the full-scale PT-17 owned by John Mohr, a primary flight trainer used by the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Function Description:

The Stearman PT-17 is a sophisticated, working model airplane that functions much like a full-scale aircraft. It is designed for remote control operation, allowing users to experience the thrill of flying a detailed replica of the historic Stearman PT-17. The model is intended for sport-scale flying, offering a balance between realistic appearance and enjoyable flight characteristics. It is not considered a toy and requires careful assembly and operation.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Wingspan: Approximately 50 inches
• Length: Approximately 37 inches
• ARF / Flying Weight (including one battery): Approximately 2 pounds, 2 ounces / 3 pounds, 3 ounces
• Motor (Not included): 400 Watt outer-rotor, brushless (Recommended: Maxford USA Uranus 35425 or equivalent)
• Electronic Speed Control (ESC): 60 Amp – Able to drive the outer-rotor brushless motor (Recommended: Maxford 60A or equivalent)
• Battery: 3S/2100mAh 20C LiPo (Optional: two 3S/2100mAh 20C batteries in parallel)
• Propeller (Not included): 11x7
• Radio System (Not included): Minimum of 4 channels with 4 mini-servos (Recommended servos: Maxford USA ES08A or equivalent)
• Center of Gravity (CG): Approximately 3 3/8-inches back from the leading edge of the wing.
• Initial Control Surface Settings:
  • Ailerons: +20 degrees (+3/4 inch)
  • Elevator: +25 degrees (+1 5/8 inches)
  • Rudder: +20 degrees (+ 1 5/8 inches)

Usage Features:

• Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF) Design: The fuselage, wings, and empennage are factory-built from laser-cut balsa and light plywood, reducing assembly time.
• Easy Access: An oversized magnetic hatch provides convenient access to all fuselage-mounted components, simplifying installation and maintenance.
• Scale Details:
  • Includes a dummy radial engine and a pair of scale windshields.
  • Plastic leggings cover the aluminum main landing gear for a true-to-scale appearance.
  • Wheels feature treaded tires.
  • The included steerable tail wheel also boasts a true-to-scale appearance.
• Optional Detail Upgrades: A set of two cockpit dashboards and two 1/8-scale pilot figures are available for enhanced realism (one set for the front cockpit, and a second set for the rear cockpit).
• Assembly Instructions: A detailed, illustrated instruction manual guides users through the assembly process, from installing pushrods and stabilizers to mounting the motor and wings.
• Control System Setup: The manual provides guidance on setting up the radio control system, including servo centering, direction, end-point adjustments, and initial control surface throws. It also suggests using "Exponential" on computer radios to soften aileron and elevator control throws.
• Flight Preparation: Emphasizes pre-flight checks, including verifying motor and propeller security, control directions, and performing a radio-range ground check.
• Safety Precautions: The manual stresses important safety measures, including proper assembly, regular equipment checks, and the recommendation for assistance from an experienced R/C pilot for beginners. It also highlights the importance of using Maxford USA-recommended power systems and radio components.

Maintenance Features:

• Mylar Covering: Users are advised to check the Mylar covering material's joints and surfaces, using an iron on a low heat setting to secure edges and tighten loosened areas. Regular rechecking and retightening are recommended.
• Structural Integrity: Before every flight, users must recheck the model's operation to ensure all equipment is functioning correctly and that the model remains structurally sound. Any damaged or defective parts must be replaced.
• Battery Management: The manual advises securing the battery in place with provided hook-and-loop material and marking its final position after test flights to ensure correct CG.
• Hardware Checks: Regular inspection of all screws, linkages, and other connections is crucial for safe operation.
• Cleaning: Excess epoxy should be removed with alcohol during assembly.

Maxford USA STEARMAN PT-17 Specifications