BVM Super Hornet PNP F/A-18 User instructions

IK3300 BVM‐2017
BVM PNP F/A-18F Super Hornet
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING MANUAL
1/7.75 Scale
Length: 88”, Wing Span: 67”, Weight: 24# Dry, Fuel Capacity: 3.2L, Smoke: 2.2L
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATING MANUAL
Version 1.0
July 2017
Vne 170 MPH Limit Thrust to 36 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]

BVM®2017 108/04/2017
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................2
DISCLAIMER........................................................................................................................................................2
Notice:....................................................................................................................................................................2
Recommended Accessories...........................................................................................................................3
RequiredTools........................................................................................................................................................4
Accessories Used to Complete Prototype........................................................................................................4
Installing the Horizontal Stabilizers....................................................................................................................5
Installing The Wings.............................................................................................................................................5
Wing Missile Rails................................................................................................................................................6
Installing The Vertical Fins..................................................................................................................................6
Receiver and Gyro Installation...........................................................................................................................7
Turbine Mounting and Ultimate Air Trap...........................................................................................................8
Battery Mounting...................................................................................................................................................9
Wheels & Brakes Preparation..........................................................................................................................10
Connecting RX wires.........................................................................................................................................10
Gyro......................................................................................................................................................................11
Control Deflections.............................................................................................................................................11
Center Of Gravity................................................................................................................................................12
First Flight Profile................................................................................................................................................13
Taxi Test/Engine Run Up.......................................................................................................................14
Takeoff........................................................................................................................................................14
RX Battery Consumption...........................................................................................................................14

BVM®2017 208/04/2017
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the BVM PNP F-18. 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 F-18.
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 F-18 has been designed and flight tested around 36 lbs
class engines. Damage to the aircraft may result from exceeding this thrust limitation (36 lbs).

BVM®2017 308/04/2017
Recommended Accessories
You may have some of these products in your shop, but if not, refer to this list.
140N-160N engine of your choice.
#2 x 7/16 SSSH (Servo Screws) (BVM # 2865)
#2 x 3/16 Button Head SMS Package (BVM # 5625)
BVM UAT (BVM# 6044)
Spektrum 12120 Power Safe Receiver (# VJ-SPMAR12120)
Spektrum X-Plus 8 Expansion Module (# VJ-SPMXP8000)
(2) 7.4v Batteries 3000 mAh Magnum Ion (# VU-7304EXB-EC3)
Fuel Pump/Filter Mount (# PA-SR-0064)
Demon Aero Cortex Gyro Pro (# V-DA-BD-CortexPro)
Cortex USB PC Adapter (# V-DA-BD-PC Adapter)
BVM Over Flow Tank (BVM # 6047)
8" Warbird Jet Pilot (#V-WB 10"/8 JET PILOT)
BVMUltimateAirTrap
Fillline

BVM®2017 408/04/2017
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)
Accessories Used to Complete Prototype
1 x AR20310T 20-Channel PowerSafe Integrated Telemetry Receiver (SPMAR20310T)
2 x 12-inch EC3 Extension with 16AWG (SPMEXEC312)
2 x 3000-4000mAh 2S 7.4V LiPo Receiver Battery
1 x Spektrum AS300 or Cortex Pro or iGyro 3e
1 x Jet Central Cheetah 160 SE

BVM®2017 508/04/2017
Begin assembly by removing and inspecting all airframe components. Carefully become
familiar with the wiring, landing gear, gear doors, etc. The BVM F-18 PNP is not meant to be
a primary turbine trainer. The manual assumes you already have experience with high
performance turbine aircraft.
Installing the Horizontal Stabilizers
Use a 9/64” driver to secure the
horizontal stabilizers. Be Sure to install
the white plastic washer between the
stabilizer and fuselage.
Final centering adjustments should be
made during radio setup.
NOTE: the stabilizer is not fully seated to show
the plastic washer.
The Neutral point of the stab is 3" below vertical fin junction
at the L.E.
Installing The Wings
Use a 9/64” driver to secure the front
and rear clamp bolts.

BVM®2017 608/04/2017
Wing Missile Rails
Install the left and right missile rails to
the wing tips. Use a 3/32 driver to
secure the clamp on the front dowel.
Pro Tip: Use BVM Dry Lube (#1947) to allow
dowel pins, tubes, and spars to be inserted
with less friction.
Installing The Vertical Fins
Connect the LED before installing the
vertical fin.
Use a 9/64” driver to secure the clamp.

BVM®2017 708/04/2017
Receiver and Gyro Installation
The most simple gyro installation is
utilizing the Spektrum AS300 gyro
added to the 20 ch PowerSafe receiver.
The gyro is programmed from the
transmitter in as little as three steps.
Shown is a basic installation featuring
the Spektrum 20 channel PowerSafe
receiver and a Cortex Pro gyro.
This photo shows the same receiver, but
using an iGyro 3e. A JR MatchBox was
used to trim the dual rudders. This is
necessary because the iGyro only features
5 outputs.

BVM®2017 808/04/2017
Turbine Mounting and Ultimate Air Trap
Our demo model used the JetCentral
Cheetah 160 SE.
Mounting of the engine can be done with
either self tapping screws #4, or with 4-40
bolts and blind nuts.
There is also a factory installed Heat
Shield under the engine not shown.
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Heatsheild was used on the inside
of Turbine Hatch as added
protection. (BVM#PA-MA-1940)
Ultimate Air Trap is held in place by a
single zip tie.
Fuel Pump shown on left side of Ultimate
Air Trap and Smoke Pump on right.

BVM®2017 908/04/2017
Battery Mounting
A combination of sticy back Velcro and
Velcro Straps are used to secure the ECU
and (2) RX batteries.
Mount the ECU battery in the nose cone
area using sticky Velcro and two Velcro
straps as shown. (updated photo coming)
NOTE: A ECU battery extension will be
required. This is different on every brand of
turbine. Please use your experience to source
high quality wire and use best practices while
soldering. The demo model used 1-1/2 ounces
of lead for balance.
Mount the two RX batteries to the front
tray using sticky Velcro and two Velcro
straps as shown.
Use (2) 12” battery extensions to connect
the RX to the Lipo batteries.
Velcro strap and two pieces of sticky back
Velcro can be used to secure long wires near the
nose gear.

BVM®2017 1008/04/2017
Wheels & Brakes Preparation
Apply a thin coat of Super O'Lube (BVM#5779) to
the O'Ring. This will make braking smoother. When
you notice the brakes starting to become more
aggressive repeat this step.
NOTE: If you need to remove the O'Ring. Use a sharpened
wood stick to help remove the O'Ring. Don't use anything
metal. This will scratch the inside of the brake hub.
Use a small amount of Axle Grease to the wheel
axle. (BVM#5784)
Use BVM Dry Lube (BVM#1947) on all pivot points
on landing gear.

BVM®2017 1108/04/2017
Connecting RX wires
The wires are labeled from the factory. If you are using the DX18, the program is available on a SD
card from BVM. Follow the chart below to connect the servos.
DX18 Wire Connection Chart
RX Port Throttle Aileron Elevator Rudder
Surface Turbine RAL REL RRU
RX Port Gear Aux1 Aux2 Aux3
Surface LFL LAL RFL LRU
RX Port Aux4 Aux5 Aux6 Aux7
Surface LEL Gear Gyro Lights
RX Port X+3 X+4 X+5
Surface Lights Brakes Steering
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DX18 Control Switches
Switch A B D L. Trim
Surface LG Lights Flaps
F-Mode
Nose Wheel
Trim
Switch E F G
Surface Brakes Smoke Gyro
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Gyro
We used the Cortex Pro in our demo model. We use 25% gain for low and 35% for landing. These will
vary for each customer's preference.
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BVM®2017 1208/04/2017
Control Deflections
Surface Direction Measurement Location Low Medium High
Rudde
r
Left/Right Top of Rudde
r
¾” ⅞”1-⅛”
Elevator Up/Down Leading Edge of Stab 1-
⅛”
1-½” 1-⅞”
A
ileron Up/Down
A
il/Flap Junction ¾” 1” 1-¾”
Expo: Typically 15%-25% is used on all surfaces. This is pilot’s discretion
Flap Settings Measurement Measurement Location
Takeoff ⅞”Flap/Aileron Junction
Landing 2-½”
Elevator Trim Measurement Measurement Location
Flaps UP Gear
UP
3” Down from Vertical Fin Junction at the Stab
Leading Edge
Flaps Takeoff
Gear Down
3-⅜”
Flaps Landing
Gear Down
3-⅝”
*These measurements are a good baseline.
Note: Photos show stabilizer deflections and trim positions from table
above.

BVM®2017 1308/04/2017
Center Of Gravity
The Center of Gravity
comes pre-marked from
the factory. Verify that it is
marked at 4.5” back from
the corner as shown.
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To help mark the Center of Gravity position when the wing is in place, you can use two Buttonhead
screws on the bottom of fuse at the fuse wing joint. (BVM # 5625)
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BVM®2017 1408/04/2017
First Flight Profile
Flight Time
The BVM demo model’s transmitter timers are set for 6 min. On the first flight, land a couple
minutes early to check fuel consumption. Adjust the flight timer accordingly.
Taxi Test/Engine Run Up
A taxi test should include a radio range check with the engine running at various power
levels. Check that the wheel brakes are adequate and the stopping action is without skidding
or pulling left or right. Be sure to shake the aircraft and push fore and aft with the engine at
half power, this will help remove any trapped air bubbles in the fuel system.
Takeoff
NOTE: If a gyro is used select the off position, for first flight until gyro can be tested at a safe
altitude.
Begin the takeoff roll by slowly advancing the throttle. Maintain runway center while holding
about 1/2 stick up elevator; the F-18 will rotate when it is ready. It there is a cross wind, hold
a small amount of aileron into the wind, be prepared with opposite rudder. The aircraft does
not need flaperons, we suggest making your first flights “clean wing”.
Trim
Once in the air, find a nice cruise speed to set the trims. The aircraft should fly straight and
level when “hands off”. When the landing gear come down, a few clicks of trim will be
needed. This can be mixed in, or use flight modes to trim automatically.
Practice Approaches
Save some time at the end of your first flight to practice approaches and go arounds. It is
beneficial to become familiar with the low speed handing of the aircraft.
Landing
Landing is like most jets, “power on” during the approach. The F-18 does not stall easily, it is
best to land nose high, touching on the main wheels first.
The majority of the first flight should be spent trimming and practicing for the first landing.
Save the aerobatics and air show stuff for later flights.
RX Battery Consumption
The average flight using the lights the entire flight consumes 500 mAh. We recommend two
flights and recharge. Use this data to calculate how many flights you can achieve from your
system. The use of the smoke pump will consume more mAh per flight. 3000 mAh combined
capacity is the minimum BVM recommends.

BVM®2017 1508/04/2017
BVM is synonymous with “Success Jets.” It is very important to us that you are successful
with our products. This extensive manual reflects our sincerity. As always, your comments
and suggestions on BVM products are appreciated.
Pilot’s Notes: