Ares V-Hawk X4 Manual

Owner’s Manual &
Technical Information (RTF)

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Legal
Entire contents ©2015 Ares RC
Before using your product, review all documentation and inspect the product
carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted, then do
not continue with unpacking, setup or operation of your product. Your local
hobby dealer cannot accept a product for return or exchange after partaking
in actions that produce wear and tear.
Read, understand and follow all instructions and accompanying material
carefully before operating or assembling your product to prevent serious
damage. Failure to complete these tasks properly or intentional aversion to
the content will be considered abuse and/or neglect.
Product specications are subject to change without notice. Due to ongoing
development, the actual product may vary from images shown.
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
This product is not a toy! (14+) Recommended for ages 14 and up. Adult
supervision required for ages under 18 years old. Contains small parts, keep
out of reach of children 3 years of age and younger.

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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................ 4
Safety Precautions ..................................................................... 4
General Precautions .................................................................. 4
FCC Information ......................................................................... 5
Package Contents ...................................................................... 5
Required to Complete ................................................................ 6
LiPo Battery Warning ................................................................. 6
LiPo Care & Safety Precautions ................................................ 6
Transmitter Details..................................................................... 7
Final Assembly ........................................................................... 8
Flight Preparation.....................................................................13
Electronic Speed Controllers ..................................................13
First Flight Checklist................................................................. 14
Pilot’s Notes.............................................................................. 14
Ancillary Information................................................................16
Transmitter and Receiver Pairing............................................ 17
Replacement Parts ..................................................................18
Warranty ...................................................................................18

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Introduction
Congratulations for purchasing this Ready-To-Fly version of the Ares Z-Line
V-Hawk X4. The V-Hawk X4 is designed for intermediate and experienced
pilots who are looking for a unique ying experience. i.e. the ability to take
off vertically like a helicopter or quadcopter and transition to forward ight
like a conventional airplane. This ying transition is made easy with the use
of a pre-installed, innovative ight control board and pre-assembled rotating
motor nacelles. With just the ip of a channel switch on your transmitter the
motor nacelles rotate. As they do, the ight controller automatically changes
the programming from ying like a quad to ying like an airplane with elevon
controls. Simply ip the switch back to return to quad-ying mode.
This Ready-To-Fly package incorporates the reliable new Hitec Red 2.4GHz
radio protocol that’s compatible with all Hitec air systems on the market and
housed within the dependable IKONNIK KA-6 transmitter and receiver combo.
The V-Hawk X4’s durable EPO airframe comes nearly 100% pre-assembled
and includes all four BL motors, four BL ESCs, a control board with
stabilization, two 9g servos, one 17g MG servo, and even a 1300mAh 4S
Li-Po battery (4S charger not included). The only assembly you’ll have to
complete is gluing on the tail, for which the glue is included. So, if you’re
ready to take on the adventure of an airplane capable of performing vertical
take-offs and landings (VTOL), and short take-offs and landings (STOL), you’ve
bought the right model. Simply follow the step-by-step guide contained herein
and you’ll be ready to y your V-Hawk in no time.
Safety Precautions
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/helicopter/quadcopter is not a toy! If misused it can
cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Keep items that could
become entangled away from the propellers, including loose clothing, tools,
etc. Be especially sure to keep your hands, face and other parts of your body
away from the propellers. 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 so it is 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.
General Precautions
• 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.

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• 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 the exposure
to water of all electronic components, parts, etc. that are not specically
designed and protected for use in water.
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, UK,
AU.
Package Contents
• 1 x V-Hawk X4 factory assembled airframe
• 1 x V-Hawk X4 tail n
• 1 x V-Hawk X4 tricycle undercarriage set
• 2 x V-Hawk X4 propeller sets
• 4 x V-Hawk X4 propeller
adapters
• 1 x IKONNIK KA-6 6-channel,
Hitec Red, 2.4GHz, Mode 2
air transmitter
• 1 x 4S 1300mAh LiPo
battery
• 1 x Tube of foam cement

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Required To Complete
• 4 x AA alkaline cells
• 1 x 4S compatible Li-Po charger
• 1 x LiPo charging sack (recommended)
• 1 x Hook and loop tape (for battery retention)
LiPo Battery Warning
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 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.
LiPo Care & Safety Precautions
• You MUST charge the LiPo battery in a safe area away from ammable
materials.
• When charging, NEVER leave the LiPo battery unattended at any time.
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.
• To charge the LiPo battery you MUST use only a dedicated Lithium
Polymer balance charger and faithfully follow the instructions provided
with the product. Failure to do so may result in a re causing property
damage and/or personal injury. DO NOT use a NiCd or NiMH charger.
• 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.
• Store the battery at room temperature, approximately 68 – 77°
Fahrenheit (F), and in a dry area for best results.

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• When transporting or temporarily storing the battery, the temperature
range should be from approximately 40 – 100°F. Do not store the battery
or model in a hot garage, car or direct sunlight. If stored in a hot garage
or car the battery can be damaged or even catch re!
• Do not over-discharge the LiPo battery. Discharging the LiPo battery too
low can cause damage to the battery resulting in reduced power, ight
duration or failure of the battery entirely.
• LiPo cells should not be discharged below 3.0V each, under load. In the
case of the 4-cell/4S 14.8V LiPo battery used to power the V-Hawk X4,
you will not want to allow the battery to fall below 12V during ight.
• The electronic speed control (ESC) has low voltage cut-off (LVC)
protection. When the ight battery voltage drops below a set point the
throttle is gradually reduced. At this point the airplane will need to be
landed and the battery recharged.
Transmitter Details
Your V-Hawk X4 RTF includes an IKONNIK KA-6 6-channel airplane
transmitter equipped with 2.4GHz Hitec Red technology, trim levers, servo
reversing switches and optional use delta/elevon mixing. The transmitter’s
controls and function switches are detailed below.
Power LED
Channel 5 (motor tilt)
switch
Throttle/rudder
control stick
Throttle trim
Rudder trim
Servo reversing
switches
Mode select (1 or 2) Delta/elevon mix
Power (ON/OFF) switch
Aileron trim
Elevator/aileron
control stick
Elevator trim
Channel 6 switch

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Final Assembly
1. Remove the components from the box and ensure you have the following
parts: Fuselage and wing assembly, tail n, foam cement, undercarriage
set, propeller set (x4) with prop adapters, spare propellers (x4),
transmitter and LiPo battery.
2. Glue the tail n to the rear of the fuselage using the contact adhesive
supplied. Apply to the mating surfaces, press the parts together to
spread the glue evenly across the joint, then detach the n and leave for
5 or 10 minutes until the glue is dry. Reattach the n and press rmly to
ensure a good bond.
3. Slot the wire undercarriage units into the sockets on the fuselage
underside.
4. Read and fully understand the Li-Po Care and Safety Precautions
(detailed on page 6) and never leave LiPo batteries unattended whilst
charging. Fully charge the 4S 1300mAh LiPo in accordance with
guidelines and instructions supplied with your battery charger.

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5. Use hook and loop tape to install the ight battery as far forward as
possible. Be sure to keep the battery wires clear of the motor tilt control
horn and its pushrod.
6. Remove the transmitter battery cover and insert four AA alkaline cells.
7. Switch ON your KA-6 transmitter, ensure the LED is lit solid red, center all
the digital trim levers then move the throttle stick to the low position.
8. Connect the battery to the ESC. AA series of 4 audible beeps, a pause,
and a single beep will be heard indicating that the ESC is armed and
operational. Stow the leads carefully within the fuselage and replace the
canopy hatch. In the unlikely event that the servos do not operate see
Transmitter and Receiver Pairing on page.

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9. With the sticks and trims centered check that the elevon control surfaces
are in the neutral position. If not unhitch the clevis and screw it in or
out on the threaded portion of the pushrod until the control surface is
properly centered. When nished, snap it back in position on the outer
hole of the horn.
10. With propellers removed, open the throttle slowly and check that all four
motor shafts turn in the correct direction as shown in STEP 14.
11. With motors rotated to the forward ying position pull the elevator stick
back and check that the both elevons move in an upward direction.
Push the elevator stick forward and check that the elevons move in a
downward direction.
12. With motors still in the forward ying position move the aileron stick
to the right and check that the right-hand elevon moves in an upward
direction whilst the left-hand elevon moves downward. Moving the aileron
stick to the left will have the opposite effect.

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13. With motors still in the forward ying position operate the 5th channel
function and check that they smoothly transition to the vertical hovering
position. Note that in this conguration movement of the elevons will be
restricted in all directions. Also note that the elevator stick will tilt the
motors forward and backward to control forward/backward ight in hover
mode.
14. Remove the canopy, unplug the Li-Po battery and switch OFF the
transmitter. Check the drawing here noting the correct location of the four
propellers, each marked either A or B.

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15. Slide each propeller and clamp-style prop adaptor over its respective
motor shaft, and push it as far down as it will go. Insert a neatly tting
torque bar through the hole in the spinner nut and rmly tighten, noting
that a loose propeller has the potential to cause severe injury.
16. With the Li-Po battery located and the canopy hatch tted check that the
balance point is between 120 and 135mm from the leading edge of the
front wing.
17. With the aircraft sitting on a at/level surface, move the throttle stick to
the low position, switch ON the transmitter once more and connect the
battery and ESC whilst keeping well clear of the live propellers. At this
point the motors will rotate to the 45 degree position. Leave your V-Hawk
undisturbed until the on-board gyros calibrate, the process conrmed
when the motors rotate from their 45 degree position to either the hover
or the forward ight position, this depending on your Channel 5 switch
position. Ret the canopy hatch and check once more that the control
surfaces move in the correct manner. Your V-Hawk X4 is now ready to y.
120-135mm

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Flight Preperation
If you haven’t already done so it is important now to center all the control
surfaces. To do this, remove the propellers, turn on the transmitter with the
throttle stick in the lowest (OFF) position and plug in the ight battery. Allow
the V-Hawk’s gyros to calibrate (as STEP 17 above), after which the servos
will initialize. Center the servos by nudging the digital trim buttons noting that
trim center is indicated by an audibly longer beep tone.
Center the servos by nudging the digital trim buttons.
The control surfaces for the elevons should be in their neutral position and
not deected in any direction. If they are not in their neutral position you will
need to adjust the length of the pushrod by screwing the clevis in or out. To
release the clevis from the control horn, gently pry the arms apart using a
at blade screwdriver. Disengage the clevis from the control horn and screw
in or out as appropriate so that when re-attached the control surface is in
its neutral position. When satised that the surfaces are centered, snap the
clevis shut. You can now unplug the battery, and securely re-t the propellers.
Center the servos by nudging the digital trim buttons.
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)
When the ight battery is plugged in the four factory installed 12A brushless
ESCs arm the servos but do not arm the motors until they receive a valid low
throttle signal from the receiver. If the throttle is not in its lowest position the
ESC will not arm. To arm the motors, then, the throttle stick must be in its
lowest (OFF) position. This will activate the throttle and render the motors live.
Before the throttle is activated please make sure that you keep clear of the
propellers as a spinning prop can cause serious injury.

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The ESC includes a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that provides electrical
power to the receiver and servos. This power is from the ight batteries and
no additional receiver batteries are required. The ESC also has a Low Voltage
Cut-off (LVC). When the voltage in the ight batteries reaches a level that is
approaching 3V per cell the LVC will reduce the power to the motor gradually.
If you feel that the airplane is beginning to lose power, land immediately and
change or recharge your ight battery. Spare ight batteries are available -
see ares-rc.com.
First Flight CheckList
• V-Hawk assembled and trims mechanically centered.
• Flight battery fully charged.
• Flight battery secured and wires stowed clear of motor tilt control horn.
• Control surfaces move in the correct direction.
• Airplane facing into wind.
• Flying site free of people, obstructions and of a suitable size.
Congratulations you are now ready to y your V-Hawk X4
Pilot’s Notes
We recommend ying your V-Hawk in a large enough space for relaxed
circuits. The area required should be about the size of a ball eld and be free
of obstructions. We also suggest that initial ights be carried out when the
wind conditions are light. That said, once you’re familiar with the V-Hawk you
will, of course, be able to y in less favorable conditions.
Take-off is best carried out vertically, followed by a transition to forward
ight using the Channel 5 (motor tilt) switch. In hovering ight the V-Hawk
will respond much like a quadcopter in that throttle will vary height, aileron
control will adjust the power of the motors to tilt the aircraft left or right,
rudder will yaw the airplane, and elevator will alter the tilt angle of the motors
to control forward/backward positioning. Note, however, that the elevator
function will not pitch the V-Hawk in the conventional quadcopter sense.

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Instead the model will tend to travel forwards or backwards in a level attitude.
Position your V-Hawk facing into wind, tilt the motors to the VTOL (Vertical
Take-off and Landing) position then gently open the throttle and lift the model
into the air. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the feel and the
control of the aircraft in the hover and make any trim adjustments that might
be necessary to maintain approximate position.
With some hovering experience under your belt you’ll be ready to transition
to forward ight. In the rst instance it’s best to do this at a height of around
100ft. To begin, and whilst still in the hover, tilt the rotors to increase the
forward speed so that the wing can start to generate lift. With the V-Hawk
travelling at top speed in this mode, switch the channel 5 function to tilt the
motors and complete the transition. At this point the model’s electronics will
switch to conventional xed-wing mode giving you regular aileron and elevator
control. Note: if the switch to forward ight mode (channel 5) is performed
without any forward speed, a loss of altitude will result whilst the wing works
to rebalance the lift forces.
The transition back to hovering ight is very much a reverse of the above
procedure. Again, in the early stages make sure to do this with some height
in hand. Reduce the throttle as you approach the hovering point as this will
avoid the model ballooning during the transition in lift from wing back to
propellers. When the model has lost suitable speed switch the Channel 5
function to tilt the motors back to vertical, stabilize the hover, then land using
the V-Hawk’s quadcopter functionality.
A conventional ROG take-off and landing is also possible with the V-Hawk
and can be performed comfortably from short grass or tarmac. If choosing
this option note that since no rudder is available for directional control on
the ground you’ll need to ne-tune the tracking of the wire undercarriage and
ensure that your model is facing directly into the oncoming breeze.
As you can see, the V-Hawk is not an airplane for inexperienced pilots,
however those of intermediate or advanced ability will nd it challenging,
enjoyable and immensely rewarding.
Routine Maintenance
To ensure that your V-Hawk remains in tip-top ying condition make sure you
carry out the following checks after each ight:
• Battery disconnected and removed from airframe.
• Prop nuts tight and propellers undamaged.
• Main wing bolts tight and wings secure.
• Elevons undamaged and slop free.
• Undercarriage straight and secure.
• Motor nacelles secure and movement unhindered.

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Ancillary Information
The following Flight Controller wiring schematic is provided for reference only
or to assist in the replacement of the supplied KA-6 receiver.
For optimum ight performance the alignment of the motors should be in
accordance with the following illustrations. Note that in the vertical hover
position the front motors should display a slight rearward tilt whilst the rear
motors should display a slight forward tilt.
When switched to the forward ight position the front motors will display a
little upward tilt whilst the rear motors will point slightly downward. This is
normal and does not affect the horizontal ight performance.

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Transmitter & Receiver Pairing
1. Remove all four propellers from your V-Hawk X4, then switch ON your
KA-6 transmitter. Ensure the LED is lit solid red, center all the digital
trim levers, then move the throttle stick to the low position. For initial
pairing the receiver must be powered on within 3 seconds of the
transmitter. Once paired, however, this time constraint is no longer
applicable. So, if the 3 second time period has lapsed, switch your
transmitter OFF and back ON again.
2. Connect the battery to the ESC to power the receiver ON noting that
the receiver’s LED will initially ash red / blue, then change to fast
ashing red.
3. Pairing will be complete when the receiver’s fast-ashing red LED
turns solid red. This usually works without issue, however if you are
attempting to operate multiple aircraft at the same time be sure that
you only turn one transmitter and aircraft on at a time, waiting for the
two to pair before moving to the next. If a mis-pair occurs repeat the
pairing process from Step 1 (above). If, on the other hand, the throttle
does not initialize, simply unplug and replug the ight battery.

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Replacement Parts
AZSZ2707 9 Gram Servo
AZSZ2708 17 Gram Metal Gear Servo
AZSZ2710 12A Brushless ESC
AZSZ2710H Motor Housing Set (1 Right; 1 Left)
AZSZ2713F Front Wing
AZSZ2713R Rear Wing
AZSZ2714 Tail Assembly
AZSZ2715 Assembled Fuselage
AZSZ2716 Complete Landing Gear Set
AZSZ2723 Aluminum Spinner
AZSZ2724 Complete Decal Set
AZSZ2729 1000KV Replacement Motor
AZSZ2730 Flight Controller (with cover)
AZSZ2731 Battery, LiPo 4S, 14.8V, 1300mAh, 20C
AZSZ2732 Complete Blade Set (2 CW, 2 CCW)
AZSZ2733 Windshield
AZSZ2734 Left Motor w/ Motor Housing
AZSZ2735 Right Motor w/ Motor Housing
AZSZ2736 Complete Front Wing Set
AZSZ2738 Complete Back Wing Set
Waranty
30-Day Limited Warranty Term Period:
We warranty that the Product(s) purchased (the ‘Product’) will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship when the product is new (before being
used) for the limited warranty term period, 30 days, from the date of purchase
by the Purchaser.
If you believe a defect in material, workmanship, etc. was not apparent when
the Product was new and only became evident after the Product was used, take
the following steps. If you purchased the Product at a HobbyTown store, please
contact your local HobbyTown store for warranty support and/ or service. If you
purchased the Product from the Firelands website, use the contact information
found under the Support heading to contact Firelands directly.
If you contact Firelands, you may be asked to send the product to Firelands,
at your cost, for inspection. Provided the warranty conditions have been met
within the warranty term period, the components that are found to be defective,
incorrectly manufactured or assembled may be repaired or replaced, at the sole
discretion of Firelands. Your warranty item will be returned to you at Firelands’

19
expense. In the event your product needs repair or a replacement part that
is not covered by this warranty, your local HobbyTown store or Firelands can
assist you with support and in obtaining the genuine replacement parts to
repair your Product. Firelands will charge $40.00 per hour plus the cost
of replacement parts to service your aircraft if after contacting you, you so
authorize such repairs. Your product will be returned to you at your expense.
If you purchased your Product from a HobbyTown Internet site not afliated
with a local store, please consult that site for its support and service policies.
You can also nd more information at: www.Hobbytown.com, by emailing
customerservice@relandsgroup.com, or by calling 800-205-6773.

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30 DAY WA RRANTY
Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. warrants this product to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for 30 days from the date of purchase and will repair, replace or refund the
purchase should the product prove to be defective.
This warranty does not apply to any unit or system or component which has been dropped,
damaged in a crash, improperly installed, assembled, handled or abused.
Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. reserves the right to void the warranty if the product has
been altered or modified, has had a foreign part added, has been misused or not used for the
purpose for which it was designed, has been used near or in salt water, has been water
damaged, or if the damage has been caused by the customer’s use of the product.
Under no circumstances does Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. warrant nor will the consumer
be entitled to consequential or incidental damages. Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. assumes
no responsibility for any other damage, inconvenience or other claims whatsoever.
LODGING A CLAIM
To lodge a claim, present the goods to your place of purchase (retailer where you bought the
product) with your original purchase receipt and a written explanation of the defect.
The place of purchase (retailer where you bought the product) will then contact Model
Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. for a Return Authority number and will return the item for warranty
assessment to Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd.. Items delivered to Model Engines (Aust.)
Pty. Ltd. for warranty assessment without a Return Authority number will be returned to
sender.
The warranty process may take up to 14 business days from the date of receipt. Model
Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. must assess each item and if warranty applies must repair or replace
the item at its discretion and return it to the place of purchase (retailer where you bought the
product).
Goods presented for warranty may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather
than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the goods.
If the product is proved to be defective the cost and expenses relating to the delivery of the
goods to Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., will be borne by Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd..
The benefits of this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies of the customer
under any law to which this warranty relates.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian consumer
Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation
for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods
repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not
amount to a major failure.
Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Unit 1, 158-168 Browns Road, Noble Park, Victoria, 3174,
Australia.
www.modelengines.com.au Ph [phone] [email protected]
This warranty information relates to goods supplied on a wholesale basis by Model Engines
(Aust.) Pty. Ltd. to Australian Retailers. The warranty complies with Australian regulatory
requirements and supersedes all warranty information from the original manufacturer.