Ares Crusader II RTF Manual

Owner’s Manual &
Technical Information
AZSA3001 Crusader II PTF US
AZSA3001EU Crusader II PTF EU
AZSA3001UK Crusader II PTF UK
AZSA3001AU Crusader II PTF AU
AZSA3000 Crusader II RTF US
AZSA3000EU Crusader II RTF EU
AZSA3000UK Crusader II RTF UK
AZSA3000M1 Crusader II RTF AU (Mode 1)
AZSA3000AU Crusader II RTF AU (Mode 2)

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Specication
Wingspan:..................... 54in. (1380mm)
Wing Chord: .................. 8.63.in. (219mm)
Wing area:..................... 465sq. in.
Fuselage length:........... 37.1in. (942mm)
All-up weight: ................ 40.6oz (1152g)
Battery: ......................... 3S 11.1V 2200mAh LiPo
Motor:............................ 750kV brushless
ESC:............................... 40A brushless
Propeller:....................... 12 x 8”

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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................ 4
FCC Information ......................................................................... 4
Safety Precautions ..................................................................... 4
LiPo Battery Warnings................................................................ 5
Contents (RTF)............................................................................ 6
Contents (PTF)............................................................................ 7
Required to Complete (RTF) ...................................................... 7
Required to Complete (PTF)....................................................... 7
KA-6 Transmitter Details............................................................ 8
KA-6 Transmitter Functionality .................................................. 9
Charging the Supplied LiPo Battery .......................................... 9
Final Assembly .........................................................................10
Flying Your Crusader ................................................................18
Transmitter Pairing...................................................................19
Recommended Accessories .................................................... 21
Replacement Parts ..................................................................21
Warranty, Support and Service USA .......................................22
Warranty & Conformity UK.......................................................23
Warranty, Support & Service AU.............................................. 24
IMPORTANT! This radio control model is not a toy. It must be operated and
own according to these instructions and may cause serious injury to persons
or damage to property if not used responsibly or if operated without due
caution. Unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an Ares Crusader II. If you’re new to R/C model
ying we’d like to welcome you to one of the most far-reaching, absorbing
and rewarding hobbies that the aviation world has to offer. You’ve chosen
the right product. Eye-catching in its bright semi-scale color scheme, the Ares
Crusader II not only looks right, it’s been designed to y right. Perfectly placed
to take the complete beginner from tentative rst hops to basic aerobatics
and beyond, a close look at the airframe and the well-appointed powertrain
will have experienced pilots raising a wry smile in approval.
From its classic Clark-Y high-lift wing and fully symmetrical stabilizer section,
through the stable, high ground clearance, trike undercarriage layout, to the
roomy fuselage and resilient EPO foam construction, this is an airplane that
puts function and form on an equal footing, as a look inside will conrm.
Here, the powerful 750kV brushless outrunner and 40A Electronic Speed
Controller – coupled to a stock 3S 2200mAh Li-Po – are perfectly suited to
the ample 12 x 8” propeller, resulting in enough power to tackle that crucial
training function, yet perform aerobatics with ease. As a beginner, you’ll
immediately appreciate the Crusader’s docile and forgiving ight envelope,
while those with experience will delight in its versatility and outstanding
performance. The Ares Crusader II is, quite simply, the perfect one-stop
solution to grass-roots training and progression to basic aerobatics.
FCC Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1.) This device may not cause harmful interference
2.) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Caution: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which
has been tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations
governing a radio transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency
range.
The associated regulatory agencies of the following countries recognize the
noted certications for this product as authorized for sale and use: USA.
Safety Precautions
Unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Failure to use this product in
the intended manner as described in the following instructions can result in
damage and / or personal injury. A Radio Controlled (RC) airplane is not a toy.
If misused it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property.

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Keep items that could become entangled in the propeller away from the
propeller, including loose clothing, tools, etc. Be especially sure to keep your
hands, face and other parts of your body away from the propeller.
As the user of this product you are solely and wholly responsible for operating
it in a manner that does not endanger yourself and others or result in
damage to the product or the property of others.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that is subject to possible
interference from a variety of sources outside your control. This interference
can cause momentary loss of control. As a result it’s advisable to always keep
a safe distance from objects and people in all directions around your model
as this will help to avoid collisions and / or injury.
• Never operate your model if the voltage of the batteries in the transmitter
is too low.
• Always operate your model in an open area away from obstacles, people,
vehicles, buildings, etc.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional
support equipment (chargers, rechargeable batteries, etc.).
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and all electronic components out of the
reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronic components. Avoid exposing to
water any electronic components, parts, etc. that are not specically
designed and protected for use in water.
LiPo Battery Warnings
IMPORTANT NOTE: Lithium Polymer batteries are signicantly more volatile
than the alkaline, NiCd or NiMH batteries also used in RC applications.
All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly to prevent property
damage and / or personal injury as the mishandling of LiPo batteries can
result in re. By handling, charging or using the included LiPo battery you
assume all risks associated with LiPo batteries. If you do not agree with these
conditions please return the complete product in new, unused condition to
the place of purchase immediately.
• You MUST charge the LiPo battery in a safe area away from ammable
materials.
• NEVER, at any time, leave the LiPo battery unattended when it’s being
charged.
• When charging the battery you should ALWAYS remain in constant
observation to monitor the charging process and react immediately to
any potential problems that may occur.
• After ying / discharging the battery you must allow it to cool to ambient/
room temperature before recharging.

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• To charge the LiPo battery you MUST use only the included charger
(where applicable) or a dedicated LiPo battery charger suitable for safely
charging the battery provided. Failure to do so may result in a re causing
property damage and / or personal injury. DO NOT use a NiCd or NiMH
charger.
• Always charge the LiPo in a proprietary, reproof, dedicated LiPo charge
bag.
If at any time during the charge or discharge process the battery begins to
balloon or swell, discontinue charging or discharging immediately. Quickly
and safely disconnect the battery, then place it in a safe, open area away
from ammable materials to observe for at least 15 minutes. Continuing to
charge or discharge a battery that has begun to balloon or swell can result in
a re. A battery that has ballooned or swollen, even a small amount, must be
removed from service completely.
For best results, store the battery at room temperature – approximately
68 – 77°Fahrenheit (F) – and in a dry area.
Contents (RTF)
• 1 x Crusader RTF airframe, comprising: fuselage assembly; wing panels
(L & R); stabilizer; n; undercarriage set.
• 1 x 6-channel Hitec Red enabled KA-6 transmitter.
• 1 x 750kV brushless motor - pre-installed.
• 1 x 40A brushless ESC - pre-installed.
• 4 x 9g servos - pre-installed.
• 1 x Hitec Red enabled KA-6 receiver - pre-installed.
• 1 x 3S 11.1V 2200mAh LiPo battery.
• 1 x 12V DC 3S LiPo balance charger.
• 1 x Mains power adapter.
• 1 x 12 x 8” propeller,
prop adapter and spinner.
• 1 x Tube of Ares
Polystyrene Glue.
• 1 x Quick-start guide.

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Contents (PTF)
• 1 x Crusader RTF airframe, comprising: fuselage assembly; wing panels
(L & R); stabilizer; n; undercarriage set.
• 1 x 750kV brushless motor - pre-installed.
• 1 x 40A brushless ESC - pre-installed.
• 4 x 9g servos - pre-installed.
• 1 x Hitec Red enabled KA-6 receiver - pre-installed.
• 1 x 3S 11.1V 2200mAh LiPo battery.
• 1 x 12V DC 3S LiPo balance charger.
• 1 x Mains power adapter.
• 1 x 12 x 8” propeller, prop adapter and spinner.
• 1 x Tube of Ares Polystyrene Glue.
• 1 x Quick-start guide.
Required to Complete (RTF)
• 4 x AA batteries
Required to Complete (PTF)
• 1 x 5-channel Hitec or Hitec Red-enabled transmitter.

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KA-6 Transmitter Details (Mode 2)
Throttle/Rudder
stick
Digital Rudder trim
ON/OFF switch
Digital Aileron
trim
Elevator/
Aileron stick
Digital Elevator
Trim
Digital throttle
trim
LED Power indicator
Mode 1/Mode
2 switch
Channel 5
switch Channel 6 Switch
Servo reversing
switches Delta/Elevon
Mix switch

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KA-6 Transmitter Details (Mode 1)
Elevator/
Rudder stick
Digital Rudder trim
ON/OFF switch
Digital Aileron
trim
Throttle/
Aileron stick
Digital Throttle
Trim
Digital elevator
trim
LED Power indicator
Mode 1/Mode
2 switch
Channel 5
switch Channel 6 Switch
Servo reversing
switches Delta/Elevon
Mix switch

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KA-6 Transmitter Functionality
For a full description of your KA-6 transmitter’s features and functions refer to
the online KA-6 instruction manual located here: http://ikonnik-rc.com/KA6/
support.asp
1. Digital trims: Your KA-6 transmitter has digital trims on all for primary
controls – aileron; elevator; rudder; throttle. Each movement of the trim
button is audibly highlighted by a single short beep, whilst trim center is
highlighted by a single longer beep.
2. Servo reverse: The rotation direction of the servos can be individually
reversed using the Servo Reversing Switches located on the front facia.
3. Fail Safe: In the event of signal loss the KA-6 is equipped with a fail-safe
function which operates across all 6 channels and must be set independent
of the pairing process.
4. Delta Mix: Whilst the KA-6 can be used to control delta aircraft (or a ying
wing) for Crusader II operation the Delta Mix switch must be set to FIXED
WING.
Charging the Supplied LiPo Battery
Read and fully understand the section headed LI-PO BATTERY WARNINGS and
never leave LiPo batteries unattended whilst charging.
• Plug the mains power adaptor into a wall socket and connect the charger
to the power adaptor using the circular DC socket. Note that the green LED
‘Power’ indicator on the charger will light.
• Place the charger on a at, heat resistant surface (not carpet) with a good
airow all around. Ensure the vent openings on the bottom and sides of the
charger are not blocked. Connect the supplied 3S 2200mAh LiPo battery
to the charger using the white three pin balance plug, ensuring the correct
orientation of the plug. The red ‘Charger’ LED will light indicating that
the battery is charging. When fully charged the red LED will stop glowing,
whereupon the battery can be disconnected.
UP

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Final Assembly
1. Apply a generous but even spread of glue (in the area indicated by the cross
hatched lines) to the top and bottom surface of the horizontal stabilizer.
2. Slide the horizontal stabilizer into its slot at the rear of the fuselage and
push it fully home.
3. Apply a generous but even spread of glue on either side of the vertical
stabilizer (as indicated by the cross hatched lines).
4. Slide the vertical stabilizer into its slot at the rear of the fuselage and push
it fully home.
5. Check the orientation of the main undercarriage then slot each leg into
the mount making sure to align the rectangular hole in the leg with the
matching hole in the mount.

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6. Insert the undercarriage nose leg into the joiner tube, position the at
section of the leg directly behind the Allen screw, then securely tighten
the screw to clamp the leg in place.
7. Join the two wing panels using the main spar, noting that these do not
need to be glued together.
8. Connect the aileron leads to the Y-lead extensions that are plugged into
Channel 1 of the KA-6 receiver.
9. To attach the wing to the fuselage, locate the dowels at the leading edge
then insert the wing bolt plate at the trailing edge to lock the two halves
together.
Main Spar

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10. Insert the wing bolt and push it rmly down to lock it in position. A rm twist
in either direction will release it.
11. Open the battery hatch on the underside of the fuselage, insert the fully
charged LiPo and slide it as far forward as it will go.
12. Remove the KA-6 transmitter battery cover and insert four AA alkaline cells
(not included) taking care to observe the correct polarity.
13. Switch ON your transmitter, ensure the LED is lit solid red and move the
throttle stick to its low position.

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14. Centre all the trim levers noting that trim center is indicated by an audibly
longer beep tone.
15. Connect the battery to the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). A series of
three regular beeps, followed by two audibly dissimilar beeps will be heard
indicating that the ESC is armed and operational.
16. Stow the leads carefully, then close and lock the hatch. In the unlikely event
that the servos do not operate see the PAIRING instructions at the back of
this instruction manual.
17. With the control surfaces centered, connect the elevator and rudder
clevises to the outer hole of each control horn noting that you may have to
screw the clevis in or out to ensure that the control surface remains in the
neutral position.
MODE 2 MODE 1

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18. Check that the ailerons are centered and, if not, adjust the clevises to
suit.
19. Make sure the control surfaces operate in the correct direction. With
the model in front of you, facing away, move the rudder stick to the left
and check that the rudder moves left in response. Right rudder stick will
move the rudder to the right.
20. Check the alignment of the nose wheel. With the rudder in the neutral
position this will need to be straight. If it’s slightly off center, adjust it in
the following manner:
• Lift the wing, disconnect the aileron leads, and stow it carefully to one
side.
• Locate the nose wheel steering pushrod on top of the rudder servo.
• Undo the pushrod’s screw-lock connector with a crosshead screwdriver.
• Adjust the pushrod to bring the wheel into alignment.
• Tighten the screw-lock connector, reconnect the aileron leads and
reattach the wing.
UP
MODE 2 MODE 1

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21. Pull the elevator stick back and check that the elevator moves in an
upward direction. Push the elevator stick forward and check that the
elevator moves in a downward direction.
22. Moving the aileron stick to the left should cause the right-hand aileron to
move in a downward direction whilst the left-hand aileron moves upward.
Moving the aileron stick to the left will have an opposite effect.
23. Open the throttle slowly and check that the motor shaft turns in an
anticlockwise direction (when viewed from the front).
MODE 2 MODE 1
MODE 2 MODE 1
MODE 1
MODE 2

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24. Open the battery hatch, unplug the Li-Po battery and switch OFF the
transmitter. Assemble the propeller and spinner in the following sequence:
a. Pass the circular propeller driver over the propeller shaft, noting its
orientation.
b. Add the spinner backplate.
c. Fit the propeller over the shaft and seat it comfortably against the
upstands of the backplate.
d. Add the washer then loosely t the prop nut.
e. Add the prop shaft to the motor shaft, push it back as far as it will go,
then securely tighten the prop nut, noting that a loose propeller can cause
considerable damage and serious injury.

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f. Fit the spinner and secure the screw using a crosshead screwdriver.
25. With the LiPo battery inserted, check that your Crusader sits level when
balanced on either side of the fuselage at a point 60–70mm back from
the leading edge of the wing.
26. With the throttle stick in the low position, switch ON the transmitter once
more and connect the battery to the ESC whilst keeping well clear of
the live propeller. Close the battery hatch and check once more that the
control surfaces move in the correct manner.
27. Your Crusader is now ready to y. You’re going to love it, however make
sure you choose a suitably calm day for the test ight. We recommend
that the services of an experienced model pilot be employed to assist
with the rst ight.
MODE 2 MODE 1
60-70mm
(2-3/8” to 2-3/4”)

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Flying Your Crusader II
Where model ying is concerned, it’s not possible to have too much space.
So, we recommend ying your Crusader in a large enough area to ensure that
control is relaxed and that you have time to think. The area required will be
free of obstructions and at least the size of a ball eld. We suggest that early
ights be carried out when the wind conditions are light, however once you’re
familiar with your Crusader you will easily be able to y in less favorable
conditions. If you’re new to model ying we strongly recommend that the
services of an experienced model pilot be employed to assist with your rst
ight.
The Crusader has plenty of power and will not struggle to get airborne. With
this in mind, and whilst our recommended method is to take-off from a
tarmac or short grass strip, it is possible to hand-launch the model. If you
adopt this method:
• Always launch your Crusader DIRECTLY INTO WIND
• Smoothly APPLY FULL POWER immediately before launching
• Always launch the model with the WINGS STRAIGHT AND LEVEL
• Launch the model with the NOSE POINTING SLIGHTLY UPWARD, never
downward
• Make your launch positive and GIVE THE MODEL FLYING SPEED
Performing an ROG (Rise Off Ground) take-off is entirely conventional. Always
take-off with the model facing directly into wind. Open the throttle smoothly
and progressively to full power and, as the Crusader gathers speed, correct
with rudder to counter any natural tendency that the model may have to pull
to the left (this is a perfectly normal reaction to motor / propeller torque).
Allow the Crusader to roll for 15 to 20ft then ease the elevator back to lift her
clear of the ground.
Climb away smoothly and when good altitude has been achieved initiate
a gentle aileron turn whist continuing to climb. At cruising height you can
reduce the throttle and perform some relaxed familiarisation circuits whilst
keeping the model well within visual range. The Crusader has an abundance
of power so note that cruising throttle will be somewhat lower (about ¼ stick)

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than similar trainers of this type. This is a good thing and allows ample
power for any number of regular aerobatic maneuvers, including loops,
rolls, inverted ight, Cuban Eights, stall turns and, in experienced hands,
even knife-edge.
Landing can be intimidating for novice pilots, however the Crusader’s light
wing loading and gentle slow speed characteristics make it easy. Even
so, when you turn onto nal approach mke sure you position the nose of
the airplane directly into wind. Ease the power back to reduce altitude
and keep the wings straight and level all the way down. As the ground
approaches, a nal application of elevator to air will ensure a gentle
touchdown and the culmination of a perfect ight.
The Crusader offers beautifully smooth ying characteristics and a sprightly
aerobatic performance that will suit pilots of all abilities. You’ll not tire of
this aeroplane for it offers, within its resilient EPO foam construction, the
aesthetic and airborne qualities of a timeless classic. Enjoy.
Transmitter Pairing
In the unlikely event that your RTF Crusader does not operate, please
follow the 4-stage pairing process detailed here. If you’re completing the
PTF version using a Hitec air transmitter, follow your transmitter’s guide to
pairing and power ON the receiver when prompted, noting that the KA-6
receiver is an autopair unit and does not require that you press a pair / link
button.
1. If already tted, remove the Crusader’s propeller. Place the transmitter
and receiver (you can leave this in the model) within 2000mm of each
other (but not less than 450mm) then power the transmitter ON.
450–2000mm