Avios SPITFIRE Mkvb User manual

AVIOS 1450MM SUPERMARINE
SPITFIRE Mkvb
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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1. Please read this manual carefully and follow the instructions before you use this products.
2. Our airplane is not a toy, it is only suitable for experienced pilots. If you are a novice then
please only fly under the guidance of an experienced pilot.
3. Not recommended for children under 14 years old.
4. Please adjust and set up this plane according to the instructions and make sure to keep your
body parts out of the rotating propeller all the times or it may cause damage to the plane or
serious injuries to yourself.
5. Do not fly in thunderstorms, strong windsor bad weather.
6. Never fly R/C planes where there are overhead power lines, automobiles, near an airport, railway
lines or near a highway.
7. Never fly R/C planes where there are crowds of people. Give yourself plenty of room for flying,
this plane can fly at a very high speeds. Remember that you are responsible for others safety
and the safe conduct of the flight.
8. Do not attempt to catch the plane when you are flying it.
9. The operator should bear full responsibility for the proper operation and usage with regards
to this model. We at Hobbyking will not be responsible for any liability or loss due to improper
use of this product.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION
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The Supermarine Spitfire is THE defining aircraft of WW2, following on from the Mk1a was the
Mk5 which represents the pinnacle of the early Sptifire's development. After the defensive
campaign of the Battle of Britain the RAF moved steadily into an offensive roll and the Mk5
was to spearhead this change in the early years of the war. It was better armed and more
manoeuvrable, the Mk5 gave the RAF and the other Allied forces (such as the USAAF) a
decisive advantage over the Luftwaffe's Bf 109. It was also on equal terms with the later Bf
109F which saw these aircraft battling it out in the ETO (European Theater Offensive) and over
the deserts of North Africa during the first half of the war.
The Avios Mk5 brings to the market (for the first time ever) a tribute not only to the pilots of the
RAF but to those gallant American airmen of the USAAF with the multiple and historically
accurate national markings supplied in the box. Beyond the unique markings, the attention to
detail in the PNF model is matched only by its superb performance and grace in the air. The
Mk5 is designed for 6S set-ups and boasts a range of features typical of the Avios standards.
This includes the faithfully produced split flaps, scale outline, fine surface detail and finish
along with an LED system.
Very simply, you will not find a better rendition of a Spitfire at this scale from anyone other than
Avios.
The launch of this beautiful Spitfire also coincides with the 100 anniversary of the forming of
the RAF. We feel the launch of this model at this time is a fitting tribute to all the serviceman
who have served their country throughout these last 100yrs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Wingspan: 1450mm(57.5”)
Flying weight: 2640-2750g(92.6-96.5oz)
Servo: 2X9 for flap, 4X17 for aileron elevator and rudder
Motor: SK3 5055 380KV brushless outrunner.
Prop: 3 blades 15X10
Esc: Aerostar 50amp
Battery:3000-4000mah 6S.
Channel: 6channel required

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE MODEL:
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In its "Plug N Fly" format the Spitfire Mk5 will still require some additional electronic
components to get it "flight ready". Avios recommends the following products for optimum
performance and great value. All these items are available at HobbyKing.com .
Transmitter: OrangeRx TX6i 2.4GHz 6ch programmable Tx
Mode 1 (International) Part # 9171001328-0
Mode 2 (International) Part # 9171001327-0
Mode 1 (EU) Part # 9171001329-0
Mode 2 (EU) Part # 9171001330-0
Receiver: OrangeRx R620X 6ch 2.4GHz Part # 9171000757-0
Battery: Turnigy Nano-Tech 3300mah 6S 65-130C
with XT90 connector Part # 9210000206-0

ASSEMBLY
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1. Out of the box your Spitfire comes with a reinforced foam hinge for the elevator. However before
assmbly can begin, the hinge line must be flexed back and forth 5-6 times to reduce the tension
and the load on the servo.
2. Insert one half of the carbon tail spar into the starboard horizontal tail (A). Before sliding this
into the tail slot of the fuselage, be sure to insert the elevator joiner into the driving unit which will
drive both elevators. Now install the remaining port side of the tail (B). Secure both halves with
the supplied 2.3x6mm screws and the elevator joiner(2.3x6), This installation is self aligning, but
do double check to ensure equal alignment to the vertical tail and the wing.

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3. Insert the rudder and connect the rudder LED connector to the fuselage extension lead. Then pull the
extension lead from the battery hatch end gently until it stops, then snap the rudder hinge halves to the
fuselage hinge halves. The bottom hinge is the key to secure the rudder into place, please check to
make sure that the rudder can move freely with no catching or resistance.
Using a pair of the pliers (ball link pliers preferably) connect the rudder push rod to the rudder control
horn. To ensure both the elevator and the rudder are neutral (with the servo centered), loosen the grub
screws of the piano wire fastener and slide along the push rods until both are neutral. The steerable tail
wheel can be adjusted in the same way, tighten all the grub screws firmly when done.
4. Connect the ballinks to the balls first.
With the aileron control horn at 90° to the wing surface (neutral) insert the aileron push rod into the
top hole of the control horn, adjust the length of the push rod as necessary so that the aileron remains
neutral. Secure the push rod to the servo horn with the supplied plastic keeper. Repeat this process
for the flaps, the only exception is that the flap servo horns must be positioned as far forward as
possible. This will ensure the flaps are up when the push rods are connected.

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5. Using a small amount of the supplied contact glue, secure the under wing radiators, the servo
covers(check the fit first, then glue into place), the cannon magazine blisters (use the 2 small holes to
center) and the pitot tube. Insert the 2 main wing spars into one wing half.
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4x16mm bolts supplied.
4x16mm
6. Connect the 2 wing halves together (we suggest applying a bit glue to the roots for better
security). The cannons can also be glued into place at this point.

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8. We recommend you seal the slot between the wing panels using the supplied plastic strips.
If your choice is the ETO, then you can glue the air scoop on, if you have the Desert version
please glue the two pieces of the volks filter in to place (be sure not to glue the rear and the front
filter part together), then secure the cowl using (2.3x10) screw.
9. Glue into place the fish tail and the exhaust stacks , the fuselage aerial and the rear view mirror.
3x25mm 3x32mm
10. Install your choice of 6ch receiver ensuring all the wires are clear and held away from the servo
horns. The chosen battery should be fitted into the battery compartment as far forward as possible to
achieve the correct C of G as shown on Page 10.
11. Assemble the propeller as shown using the supplied 3x25mm screws, pull these screws up
evenly. Once assembled slide the spinner backplate and prop assembly onto the motor shaft, make
sure the hex cutout at the rear fits over the hex at the base of the shaft. Then fit the prop nut and
tighten firmly, finally fit the spinner using the supplied 3x32mm screw.

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1. Install the FPV gear by sliding and opening the canopy rearward, then disassemble the head rest,
Glue the FPV gear as far rearward as possible, it is also best to remove the wind shield to
reduce the distortion of the camera image.
2. You can cover the air vent under the fuselage if the canopy is open, this gives it a better scale
appearance.
Optional FPV Version:

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SETTING UP YOUR MODEL:
1.With your receiver installed and the servos plugged into their correct channels you can connect the
flight battery to the ESC and power up the electronics. Once the model is armed ensure all the servos
are centered correctly and all control surfaces are neutral. If not then adjust the push rod lengths until
the control surface is neutral.

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30-40mm
30-40mm
10-15mm
10-15mm
• Elevator: "Low Rates" 10mm "High Rates" 20mm each direction from neutral.
• Rudder: "Low Rates" 30mm "High Rates" 40mm each direction from neutral.
• Ailerons: "Low Rates" 10mm "High Rates" 15mm each direction from neutral.
The above are recommendations for your first flights. Once you have test flown the model
you can adjust to suit your particular flying style.
4. Flaps on the Spitfire should be set for 3 stages (up/no flap, mid flap and full flap).Set
these either mechanically by adjusting the clevises or by using your computer radio. Set
the mid flap position to 40° and full flaps to approximately 87° as shown. In the up/no flap
position ensure the flaps are closed fully but without straining the servo. Also check that
both sets of flaps deploy the same amount at every stage.
80-95mm
80-95mm

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5. The center of gravity (CofG) for the Spitfire is between 80-95mm from the leading edge of the wing.
If you use the recommended "Turnigy Nano-Tech" 3300mah 65C 6S lipoly pack then the forward
balance point will be achieved by simply having the battery as far forward as possible. If using a
lighter battery then some nose weight will need to be added, if a heavier battery or you prefer a more
rearward CofG then slide the battery rearwards in the battery compartment.
C of G is between 80-95mm when measured from the leading edge of the
wing at the root. Carry out this check with the gear retracted and the model
inverted.
With the assembly and the set-up of your Avios Mk5 Spitfire
complete you should be ready for your first flight. However
we recommend that you read and follow the advice given in
the following pages of this manual before flying.

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MODEL FLYING PRECAUTIONS
PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS
• Select your flying area carefully. Always choose an open space that is clear of trees and buildings and is
away from crowded area's. Avoid flying near roads, electric/telephone poles and wires, water or close to a
full size active airfield.
• Do not fly the model in poor weather, high winds or low visibility. Rain and storms should also be avoided.
• Never attempt to catch the model whilst flying, even a slow moving model can cause injury. Not only to
yourself but also to others and can damage your model.
• This model is recommended for children of 14 years of age upwards. All children no matter what age
should always be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when operating this model.
• Always unplug the battery when not using the model, never leave the battery installed in the model.
• Remember to keep clear of the propeller at all times when the battery is connected.
• Before flying always turn on your transmitter first, and only when your transmitter is confirmed as
transmitting do you plug in your flight battery.
• Once you have finished flying, disconnect the battery first and only then switch off your transmitter.
• Exercise caution when charging your batteries. Follow the battery manufacturers safety guidelines when
doing so.
1. Always range check your model before any flight, especially when flying it for the first time. Follow your
radio manufacturers guidelines for carrying out this check.
2. Check that all the screws, bolts and mounting points are secure, including the control horns and
clevises.
3. Only fly with fully charged batteries, both the model and transmitter. Failure to do so could result in a
loss of control, damage to your model or persons/property around you.
4. Inspect the model and propeller for any damage that may have been caused in transit, if in doubt do not
fly.
5. If this is your first flight then double check that the C of G is correct, if not then adjust the position of the
battery accordingly.
6. Switch on your transmitter and connect the flight battery in the model. Check all the control surfaces are
working correctly and in the correct direction. Listen for any unusual sounds when the servos are operated.
7. With the model held securely and the propeller free of any obstructions increase the throttle slightly to
confirm the correct rotation. The model should want to pull forward if the rotation is correct.
8. If you are an inexperienced model pilot then please seek the help and assistance of an experieced pilot
to perform the final checks and to test fly the model for you.

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FLYING YOUR SPITFIRE
Before flying make sure you have followed closely the set-up guidelines on pages 6 to 9. Start by taxying
around a little to get used to the ground handling. Always make sure you use full up elevator when taxying
to avoid nosing over and to keep pressure on the tailwheel, keep the flaps up and use the throttle gently.
This will keep the model tracking steady and true, plus it has the added bonus of looking more scale like.
For take-off you will want to hold some right rudder to counter the rotational torque on the initial roll out.
Slowly advance the throttle and ease of a little of the full up elevator but keep enough to still hold the tail
on the ground, correct with the rudder as necessary to keep the Spitfire running straight and true. As the
speed builds ease of the amount of up elevator so that the tail lifts and keep increasing the throttle. At
about 3/4 throttle the Spitfire should start to lift off the ground and begin the climb out.
Once airborne retract the landing gear as soon as you are comfortable and start enjoying the thrill of flying
a Spitfire. With the power of the 6S set-up you will find you can cruise happily on around 50-60% throttle
which is more than sufficient for a scale speed to be achieved. Opening the throttle up to full is very
exciting but generally is not necessary. A full airshow routine can be performed including loops, rolls, low
banked passes, split S's etc and all the large and vertical manoeuvres are possible. An average flight time
with mixed throttle settings is approximately 7-8 minutes. Your Spitfire may drop a wing if really pushed
near the stall, that said the stall is quite benign and any wing drop can be picked up easily by the rudder,
do not attempt to pick the wing up with ailerons as this will only exaggerate the problem, a small amount of
down elevator then a small application of power will get you flying properly once more, explore the stall
characteristics and recovery at a reasonable altitude.
Landing the Spitfire Mk5 is a real pleasure and a treat for those who like to practice scale type approaches
as the Spitfire needs to be flown onto the ground through a powered descent. Bringing the wheels down
and selecting mid flap gives no noticeable trim change. Once lined up on finals to the runway and at about
8ft you can select full flap if desired, be sure to maintain good throttle management. As soon as the
Spitfire settles onto the ground hold in full up elevator to prevent the model nosing over. Retract the flaps
and taxy back to the pit area.

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SPITFIRE TIPS
• For optimum flight performance and model longevity we recommend that you always fly with a
balanced propeller. The supplied propeller should be balanced but it is always good practice to
check this.
• Keep all leads within the fuselage area as tidy as possible. A tidy wiring set-up looks better,
allows for easier access to all the internal components, better battery installation, increased airflow
around the electronic components and also reduces the potential electronic signal interference
(noise).
• Inspect the propeller frequently, especially if you have suffered a hard landing or prop strike. If the
propeller is in any way damaged it must be replaced and any loose fixings should be tightened.
• It is important that your flight battery is as far forward as possible for initial flights to prevent you
from flying the Spitfire in a tail heavy configuration. Ensure you follow the C of G guidelines on
pages 6-8 and 9 before flying your Spitfire.
• A Turnigy Nano-Tech 3300mah 6S 65-130C is the preferred battery pack to use on the Mk5.
Other packs can of course be used but ensure you check the C of G before flying.
• Do not use full flaps on a windy day, only use full flaps on days when there is little or no wind. Full
flap requires good throttle management to prevent the model from stalling so initially practice the
use of full flap at a reasonable altitude.
• To avoid any chance of your Spitfire tipping onto its nose on landing switch to high rates on the
elevator as soon as the model settles onto the ground after landing and hold full up elevator.
• Do not leave your model in direct sunlight or in a hot vehicle for prolonged periods as this will
have an adverse effect on the foam surface of the model.

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DECAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES

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household
Your Spitfire comes with some stickers already applied out of the box. Keep in mind that this model
has travelled a long way and has experienced many temperature changes. These occasionally
causes the edges of the pre-applied stickers to lift. Use an iron in the same way as you did on the
main decals you have applied and this will seal down the decal once more.

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DECAL TIPS
• Rub the clear front film before you remove the decal from the paper backing to ensure it lifts fully
from the backing.
• Remove the clear fronting by pulling it gently of to one side once the decal has been applied. DO
NOT pull this clear film directly upwards as this could cause the decal to tear.
• To avoid bubbles under the larger decals use a sharp blade to remove the small molding marks
from the surface of the foam where the decal is to be applied.
• Scale "Maintenance" decals found on "p.32" sheet can be used on either scheme (these are vinyl
type).
• Position all decals carefully, once applied they cannot be removed without lifting the paint from the
model.
• Be patient and take your time when applying the decals, this will reward you with the perfect finish.
• It is strongly recommended that a covering iron is used to seal the edges of the decals. If not,
changes in temperature can result in the lifting of the edges.