BVM PNP L-39 Albatross User manual

IK6400 BVM®2016
BVM PNP L-39 Albatross
1/5 Scale
Length: 94”, Wing Span: 74” With Wing Tip Tanks
Weight: 32lbs Dry
Fuel Capacity: 4.0L
Smoke Capacity: 2.5L
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATING MANUAL
Version 1.2
September 2016
Vne 170 MPH Limit Thrust to 32 lbs.
Equipped with HV Servos and should not be operated below 7.2 volts
3481 State Road 419 • Winter Springs, FL 32708 USA
tel. [phone] • fax. [phone]

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INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 2
DISCLAIMER........................................................................................................................... 2
Notice:..................................................................................................................................... 2
BVM Products...................................................................................................................... 3
Recommended Accessories ................................................................................................ 3
Required Tools..................................................................................................................... 4
List of Adhesives/Lubricants/Heat Shield+........................................................................... 4
Available Options................................................................................................................. 4
Fwd Fuselage.......................................................................................................................... 5
Canopy Latch Mechanism ................................................................................................... 5
Fwd Fuse Access................................................................................................................. 5
Fuel System......................................................................................................................... 6
U.A.T................................................................................................................................ 6
Header Tank..................................................................................................................... 7
Battery Mounting Tray (RX Batteries).................................................................................. 9
Cockpit............................................................................................................................... 11
Cockpit Deck Support and Retention................................................................................. 12
I.D. of Equipment Bay Components................................................................................... 13
Equipment Bay Below Cockpit........................................................................................... 14
Aft Fuselage .......................................................................................................................... 15
Tailpipe Removal and Installation...................................................................................... 15
Engine Bypass Preparation and Mounting......................................................................... 17
Engine Installation.............................................................................................................. 19
Stab and Elevators............................................................................................................. 20
Stab Servo Protection Heat Blanket................................................................................... 21
Stab and Fin Mounting....................................................................................................... 22
Wheel Brake Servicing.......................................................................................................... 24
Pneumatic Line Identification at Wing Root........................................................................... 25
Main Gear Tubing/Connector Identification ........................................................................... 25
Pneumatic Pressure.............................................................................................................. 26
Wing Retention...................................................................................................................... 26
Speed Brakes........................................................................................................................ 26
Flush Mount Vent and Overflow System ............................................................................... 27
Center of Gravity, Control Surface Deflections and Expo Settings........................................ 28
Connecting RX wires............................................................................................................. 29
DX18 and DX18QQ Transmitter File..................................................................................... 29
First Flight Profile................................................................................................................... 30
Wing Mounting Bracket Addendum.................................................................................... 31
Conservative Turbine Operation........................................................................................ 32
Pilot’s Notes:...................................................................................................................... 33

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the BVM PNP L-39 Albatross. This model represents the latest in
manufacturing technology and completion for the R/C jet enthusiast. The factory has expertly
crafted and thoroughly inspected all aspects of the model. Only a small amount of work is
required to complete the assembly of your L-39.
This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to
read and follow all of the instructions and warnings in the manual.
Please read the entire manual to become familiar with the processes and procedures before
you begin to assemble your aircraft.
DISCLAIMER
Bob Violett Models Inc. assumes no liability for the operation and use of these products. The
owner and operator of these products should have the necessary experience and exercise
common sense. Said owner and operator must have a valid Academy of Model Aeronautics
license and a “Turbine Waiver” for operation in the U.S.A.
This is a sophisticated jet model aircraft. It must be operated with caution and common sense
and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this product in a safe and
responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property.
Notice: Do not use with incompatible components or alter this product in any way outside
of the instructions provided by BVM, Inc. The BVM L-39 has been designed and flight tested
around 140N class engines. Damage to the aircraft may result from exceeding this thrust
limitation (32 lbs).

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BVM Products
Received with the Instruction Package that is sent from BVM
Assembly and Operating Manual Package
.020 Polyply Cockpit parts
1/4” Ply RX Battery Tray
Heat Blanket
Aluminum Tape 2.5” x 6”
Jet Foam 2”x 4”x 0.8”
Recommended Accessories
You may have some of these products in your shop, but if not, refer to this list.
140N engine of your choice.
#2 x 7/16 SSSH (Servo Screws) (BVM # 2865)
#2 x 3/16 Button Head SMS Package (BVM # 5625)
L-39 Standard Flow 16oz. Header Tank W/Hardware (#PA-SR-0093)
BVM UAT (BVM# 6044)
Spektrum 12120 Power Safe Receiver (# VJ-SPMAR12120)
Spektrum X-Plus 8 Expansion Module (# VJ-SPMXP8000)
Spektrum Flight Log (#SPM9540)
(2) 7.4v Batteries 3000 mAh Magnum Ion (# VU-7304EXB-EC3)
Fuel Pump/Filter Mount (# PA-SR-0064)
Demon Aero Cortex Gyro (# V-DA-BD-Cortex)
Cortex USB PC Adapter (# V-DA-BD-PC Adapter)
BVM Over Flow Tank (BVM # 6047)
Flush Mount Vent Fitting (# PS-SP-0301)
(For Over Flow Tank)
Flush Mount Vent Plug (# PS-SP-0302)
(For Over Flow Tank)
Velcro Package
BVM Ultimate Air Trap
Line from header tank
Fill line
To fuel pump

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Required Tools
A combination of Metric and SAE hex socket and drivers along with a small standard and
Phillips head drivers will be necessary.
List of Adhesives/Lubricants/Heat Shield+
Available at BVMjets.com
BVM Aeropoxy (BVM # 9566)
BVM Qt Poxy (# PA-SR-0042)
Slo-Zap (# PT20)
Pacer Z-42 (#PT42)
Super O-Lube (BVM #5779)
BVM Thin Lube for “O” Rings (BVM # 1945)
Axle Super Lube (BVM # 5784)
BVM Dry Lube (BVM # 1947)
Available Options
1/6th Pilot (12”) (# V-WB 1/6 Jet Pilot)

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Fwd Fuselage
Canopy Latch Mechanism
The forward equipment access is via these two
swing up and open doors. Each is held open and
closed by a spring loaded cylinder. There is no
extra retention required for high speed flight.
Cortex Gyro is shown mounted between
Receiver and Pneumatic valves.
Canopies are released and allowed to swing
up and open from the left side of the model
by pulling this spring loaded lanyard. Look
under canopy rails to get familiar with the
latching mechanism.
Fwd Fuse Access
This enlarged opening in the left vertical
plywood panel allows access to the very
front of the model.
BVM’s prototype has a Spektrum remote
receiver mounted there with sticky back
Velcro and also a piece of Jet-Foam helps
hold it in place. If a few ounces of ballast is
necessary, this would be a convenient
location.
Note also in this photo the Spektrum Data
Logger next to the ON/OFF switch. We
check it after a range check and after each
flight before turning off the radio to make
sure the radio system is performing properly.

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Fuel System
U.A.T.
Use a Perma-Grit pancake rotary cutter to
make a semi-circular notch in the UAT
mount.
UAT is positioned in the opening as
shown. In the final install it will need a thin
pad of foam below it to protect the servo
extension wires that are located
underneath. Also, a restraining strap is
installed to keep the UAT in place. See
later in manual.
Apply a piece of fuzzy adhesive backed
Velcro as shown to protect the servo
extension wires below.

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The UAT is held in place with a Velcro
strap and (2) small button head screws.
Header Tank
Adding a “Header Tank” to the fuel system
allows all of the fuel in the two main tanks to be
“useable fuel” plus the extra 16 oz. tank allows
additional flight time. Good flight planning would
include landing with 1/2 - 3/4 of fuel in the
Header Tank.
A Sullivan 16 oz. B.T. tank (with hardware) is
available from BVM. (#PA-SR-0093)
See Recommended Accessories page 3.
Use the Perma-Grit pancake rotary cutter to grind the fuse flange joint and plywood
former to allow the Sullivan 16 oz. Header Tank to fit in as shown.

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Assemble the brass tubes per instructions
that come with the Metal Cap Fittings.
Bend as shown and bevel the top ends
with a file so that the fuel from the main
tanks flows freely. The brass clunk should
reach within 1/2” of rear of the tank and still
touch the tank bottom.
The two top tubes accept fuel from the two
main tanks. The third brass tube from the
clunk line feeds into one brass fitting on
the UAT. The length of the flexible clunk
line is 3.25”.
Header Tank is shown ready to install into
model.

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Battery Mounting Tray (RX Batteries)
Apply a ZAP finish to the top side of the
1/4” ply battery tray to allow better
adhesion of the white Velcro tape. This
part is supplied with the BVM Instruction
Manual Package.
Drill (2) 1/16” holes just above the 1/4” ply
tray.
Install (2) #2 servo screws to trap the tray
on the Fwd. end. Drill (2) 1/16” holes
through former into the aft end of the tray
to secure the aft end.

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The 1/2” x 12” Velcro is secured in two
places on the bottom of the tray. This
allows clearance also for the nose gear
steering servo wire.
Apply prickly white Velcro as shown to the
top surface. Matching fuzzy is applied to
batteries.
Route all battery wires forward and to the
“right” side of the nose.

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Battery leads will connect to the receiver
without extensions.
Cortex Gyro shown here.
Cockpit
The Fwd end of the cockpit is supported by this piece of Jet-Foam that is supplied with
the BVM Instruction Manual Package.
Secure with adhesive backed Velcro that attaches to the battery retaining strap. The aft
end is supported by flanges of the fuse and 2 buttonhead screws as shown on page 12.
The Cockpit front and rear sections are supported and secured as follows and still offers easy
access.
Removing the rear cockpit tub gains access to
the fuel system and engine control and read
out devices. Removing the forward cockpit
gives access to radio and engine batteries.
These .020 Polyply parts are supplied for
(2) applications. For this section you will
use the four smaller pieces.

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Cockpit Deck Support and Retention
It is necessary to add tabs to the forward
cockpit flanges to support the cockpit on the
left and right side. Be careful to not interfere
with the cable release mechanism. Locate
the tab as shown. Glue the Polyply tabs to
the underside of the fuselage flanges.
For the rear cockpit tub retention, glue the
Polyply tabs onto the top side of the canopy
fiberglass flanges.
Drill 1/16” holes where shown.
Use one button head screw per side to
secure the Fwd. cockpit.

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I.D. of Equipment Bay Components
See photo next page.
1. Mechanical Fuel On/Off Valve.
2. Fuel Filter: Mounted vertically on a BVM Plastic Pump Mount (BVM # PA-SR-0064)
with a tie wrap.
3. 16oz Header Tank (BVM # PA-SR-0093) Held in place with sticky-back Velcro.
4. BVM U.A.T. (BVM# 6044): Held in place with (2) 2-1/2” straps of 1/2” wide Velcro. Note
how the straps are attached to plywood with (2) Button Head Socket Screws (BVM#
5625).
5. Engine Fuel Pump.
6. Engine ECU: Held in place with (3) Button Head Socket Screws.
7. Engine Read Out Box: System Analyzer held in place with adhesive backed Velcro.
8. Fuel Line Pinch Clips (BVM # K9000S-SP-012): Used on 4mm Fuel Tubing connections.
9. Fuel Vent Overflow Lines: Exits bottom of the fuse with a Flush Mount Fitting. Note that
the fuel system exits the port side fitting while the Smoke Tank System overflow exits out
the starboard side fitting.
10.Smoke Pump: This is factory installed.

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Equipment Bay Below Cockpit
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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Aft Fuselage
Tailpipe Removal and Installation
The tailpipe comes installed. To remove it and reinstall it allows servicing of the model and a
tailpipe change if necessary.
NOTE: The aluminum cone on the Fwd end must be removed to allow the S.S. tailpipe to be
installed or removed.
.
NOTE: The arch cut into the Fuse Hatch aft flange is necessary to remove the tailpipe and
give better access to the Fwd fin retaining screw.
This 0.75” x 4” opening is necessary to remove the tailpipe.
To allow removal of the tailpipe, the front
flared aluminum cone must be removed by
releasing the small screws and nuts at the 3
and 9 o’clock positions.
#4-40 x 1/4” SHCS with nuts can replace the
smaller factory installed phillips head screws.
See next page.

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After the first time you remove the
aluminum cone, replace the small metal
screws with #4-40 x 1/4” SHCS with
washers and hex nuts. Enlarge the holes in
the tailpipe with a #33 bit.
Reinstall with the 4-40 parts as shown.
Apply a drop of Z-42 to secure the threads.
NOTE: Engine and Bypass must be removed to remove or install the tailpipe.

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The aft end of the inlet duct should be
1/2” aft of the plywood former. See
supplemental drawing #IK6400-01.
Engine Bypass Preparation and Mounting
The installation shown here describes the use of a King-Tech KG 140 engine. Most engines
in this power range are very similar in size. Always consult the manual for the engine of your
choice for possible variances.
The use of a lower half Bypass system protects
the engine from Foreign Object Damage (F.O.D)
and allows operation from a wet grass strip or
asphalt runway.
Inject Aeropoxy into the center flanges of
the inlet ducts and hold with a plastic clip
until cured. Wipe away any excess glue.
Trim forward if necessary to clear engine
starter.
The arrows point to 1-1/4” diameter holes
that provide cooling air to the fuselage and
engine bypass system. If not provided by
the factory, use Dremel tools to
accomplish.
Cut the aft end of the Bypass duct (lower
half) such that the total length of the piece
is 10” long.

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Scuff the inside aft section with medium
sandpaper or a 3M #7447 red scuff pad.
Brush-on 3 coats of BVM “Heat Shield”
(BVM# PA-MA-1940).
NOTE: A modeling heat gun will accelerate
drying between coats.
Drill (2) 3/32” holes in the bottom of
Bypass to allow a fuel spill to drain out.
Make a clearance hole for the fuel line hook
up to the engine. This may not be necessary
for some engines.
Use a Dremel “dish” cutter or similar tool to
bevel the upper inside edge of the engine
mounting rails to accept the Bypass.

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Engine Installation
View of forward end of the engine.
The lower half of the Bypass protects
from runway F.O.D.
The electrical cables are zip tied
together to prevent being sucked
into the engine.
Overall view of the engine
installation. It runs cool enough that
the aluminum bell mouth and front
few inches of the inner tail pipe are
barely warm to the touch while the
engine is running.