RC Factory SU 29 - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the RC Factory SU 29 and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document provides comprehensive instructions for assembling and setting up the SU 29 - 1.2m aerobatic EPP model, an RC factory product. It includes a detailed list of kit contents, hardware, carbon fiber parts, and necessary tools, along with step-by-step building instructions and specifications for optimal performance.

Function Description

The SU 29 - 1.2m is an aerobatic EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) model aircraft designed for remote control enthusiasts. Its primary function is to perform a wide range of aerobatic maneuvers, from basic flight to advanced 3D flying. The model's design emphasizes durability and ease of assembly, making it suitable for both experienced pilots and those looking to advance their skills. The use of EPP material contributes to its resilience against crashes, a common occurrence during aerobatic practice. The detailed instructions guide the user through the construction of the fuselage, wings, tail assembly, landing gear, and the installation of control surfaces and electronic components, ensuring a robust and flight-ready model.

Important Technical Specifications

The SU 29 - 1.2m model comes with specific dimensions and component requirements to achieve its intended flight characteristics:

Wingspan: 1200 mm
Length: 1252 mm
All-Up Weight (AUW): 600 – 800g. This weight range is critical for achieving optimal flight performance and aerobatic capability.
Motor: Requires a 200 – 300W outrunner motor, weighing approximately 70 – 120g. The motor's power output is essential for the model's thrust and ability to perform vertical maneuvers.
Servos: The model needs 12 – 20g good quality servos. These are crucial for precise control of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder, which directly impacts the model's responsiveness and aerobatic precision.
Battery: A 1600 – 2500 mAh 3s lithium polymer battery is recommended. The battery capacity and cell count determine flight duration and power delivery to the motor and servos.
Motor Thrust Line: The motor mount is designed to provide a thrust line of 0° up and 1.3° to the right, which is pre-engineered into the backbone for optimal flight stability and performance.
Center of Gravity (CoG): Recommended at approximately 125 mm from the leading edge (root of the wing). Proper CoG is vital for stable flight and effective aerobatic performance. The manual suggests using adhesive Velcro tape for battery placement initially to fine-tune the CoG.

Usage Features

The SU 29 - 1.2m model is designed for a dynamic flying experience, with several features contributing to its usability and performance:

Aerobatic Capability: The model is built to perform a wide range of aerobatic maneuvers, including rolls, loops, knife edges, and hovers. The recommended control throws are maximized for the flight envelope, with rudder throws at about 50% and aileron throws equal up and down. For beginners or less experienced 3D flyers, lower throws (around 60% of maximal) and exponentials of 30-60% are suggested.
EPP Construction: The use of EPP material makes the model durable and resilient, capable of withstanding minor crashes without significant damage, which is beneficial for learning and practicing aerobatics.
Modular Design: The kit includes pre-cut parts and a clear assembly process, making construction manageable. Components like the fuselage, wings, and tail are assembled using CA glue and carbon fiber strips for reinforcement.
Control Linkage System: The model utilizes various control linkage systems:
- Ailerons: Direct servo linkage with control horns glued into the ailerons. The servo horn should be inclined approximately 13° "backwards" towards the aileron in servo neutral.
- Elevator: A carbon tube pushrod with a stainless Z wire on the elevator side and a Z bend on the servo side. An orange supporting tube is used to stabilize the pushrod. An extension servo horn is included for increased throws if needed.
- Rudder: A pull-pull system using kevlar string, attached to an extension servo horn with M2x5 screws for tension adjustment.
Landing Gear: Features durable landing gear legs that push into a mount, secured by tapping screws. EPP wheel covers are glued to holding tabs as the final step.
Motor Mount: A plywood motor mount assembly is integrated into the backbone and fuselage, pre-set with the correct thrust line.
Canopy: A black EPP canopy is attached with medium CA glue, and a hobby blade is used to separate the upper and lower fuselage parts.
Adjustability: The model allows for fine-tuning of flight characteristics:
- CoG Adjustment: The battery can be repositioned (e.g., under the backbone) to adjust the vertical CoG, influencing rolling tendencies in knife edge flight.
- Thrust Line Adjustment: Washers can be inserted between the motor and motor mount to adjust the thrust line, which can help fine-tune hovering performance.
- Aileron Differential: For clean rolls without "barrel" tendencies, aileron differential can be dialed in, or different up and down aileron throws can be set.

Maintenance Features

The design and materials of the SU 29 - 1.2m model incorporate several aspects that facilitate maintenance and longevity:

EPP Durability: The EPP foam construction is inherently resistant to damage, meaning minor impacts often result in less severe damage compared to traditional balsa or composite models. This reduces the frequency of major repairs.
CA Glue Repairs: Most structural components are assembled with CA (cyanoacrylate) glue. This type of glue is also excellent for quick and effective repairs of EPP foam, allowing pilots to fix minor damage on the field or at home with minimal downtime. The manual specifically mentions using thin or medium CA for various gluing steps, implying its suitability for repairs as well.
Accessible Components: The design ensures that internal components, such as servos and wiring, are reasonably accessible for inspection, repair, or replacement. For instance, the manual suggests covering servos with masking tape for protection, indicating that they might be exposed during assembly or maintenance.
Standard Hardware: The use of standard screws (M1.6, M2, M3), nuts, and washers means that replacement hardware is readily available from most hobby shops or hardware stores.
Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: Carbon fiber strips are used extensively for reinforcing the fuselage backbone, wings, and stabilizer. This not only enhances structural integrity but also helps in localizing damage, making repairs more straightforward if the carbon fiber itself is not compromised.
Adjustable Linkages: The control linkages for the elevator and rudder are designed with adjustability. The rudder's pull-pull system, for example, uses M2x5 screws to tighten the kevlar line, allowing for easy tension adjustments over time as the line might stretch or components settle.
Diagram Sheet Guidance: The accompanying diagram sheets (1/2 and 2/2) provide visual references for component placement and assembly, which are invaluable for both initial construction and subsequent troubleshooting or repair efforts.
Tool Requirements: The model requires common hobby tools such as an Allen key (No. 2), Philips screwdriver, standard screwdriver, hobby knife, flat file, sandpaper (100-500 grit), and a 3 mm drill bit. These are standard tools for RC enthusiasts, making maintenance accessible without specialized equipment.
Patience for Assembly/Maintenance: The manual explicitly states "a bit of patience for cca 5 hrs" for assembly, which also applies to more complex maintenance tasks. This acknowledges that careful work is required for optimal results.