Durafly ME-163 User manual

Read this instruction manual fully so as to become completely familiar with the features of
this product before operating. Failure to operate this product correctly could result in
damage to the product, personal property and cause serious injury. This is a sophisticated
hobby product and is NOT a toy. It must always be operated with caution, common sense
and some basic mechanical ability. This manual provides instructions as the the assembly,
safe operation and maintainence of this hobby product. It is highly reccommneded that you
follow and read fully the instructions and warnings stated in this manual including safety,
assembly, set-up and flying guidelines in order to operate this product correctly and avoid
damage or serious injury.
- This is a radio controlled flying model and as such must always be flown with caution and
care. This is not a toy.
- The is designed for intermediate to advanced pilots. Me-163
- Alway exersie great caution when using the recommended battery to power this product.
For full safety notes and operating procedures, please see information provided by your
battery supplier.
- Take great care when connecting/ disconnecting the battery. See battery supplier for full
safty procedures.
- Never power up the model in confined spaces and always keep the props clear of
obstructions.
- This product is not a toy. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times if operating
this product.
- Only fly this model in an open area away from crowds, people, buildings, tree's, power lines
and obstructions.
- Always put safety first when operating this model and consider the warnings stated above.
- The supplier/ manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage or injury caused through
the use of the product. Not suitable for children under the age of 14. THIS IS NOT A TOY.
As the user of this product you and you alone are responsible for operating it in a manner
that does not endanger yourself and others around you or result in damage to the product or
property of others. This product is operated via a radio controlled system that in some cases
can be subject to interference from sources outside of your control. Interference may result
in a momentary loss of control so it is always recommended that this product be used in a
suitably open outdoors space.

Contents
Introduction
Specifications
Contents of box
Required to complete
Assembly
Receiver and battery installation
Setting up your model
Model flying precautions
Pre-flight checks
Flying the Durafly Me-163
Dolly take-off guidelines
Hand Launching guidelines
Rocket Motor Use
Me-163 General Tips
Spare Parts/Optional Parts Listing
Trouble shooting
Contact information
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INTRODUCTION:
SPECIFICATIONS:
Wingspan: 950mm (37.4”)
Lenght: 585mm (23”)
Flying weight: 850g (29oz)
Controls: 5 channel: ‘Elevons’ (Alierons/Elevator), Throttle, Rudder, Landing gear)
ESC: Durafly 40amp (pre-installed)
Motor: Durafly 2836 2200kv Brushless outrunner (pre-installed)
Prop: 6x4
Battery reccommened: 1300-2200mah 11.1v 3S lipo (30C min)
Radio System: Min 6 channel Rx and Tx. Elevons/delta setting on Tx required.
The Durafly Me-163 is truly a ground breaking model. Not only does this Komet
feature a fully working scale 'dolly' style undercarriage and blistering performance, it
can also carry a model rocket engine! As a 'PnF' model, all electronics come
pre-installed and ready to hook up to your choice of 6ch receiver. Its molded EPO
construction has a highly detailed surface finish externally, and carbon reinforcement
internally and features a color matched hard plastic belly skid, good access to all
electronics via the battery/canopy hatch and has excellent cooling through out.
Designed for pilots with some experience, the Me-163 benefits from incredible flight
performance and stability. Full power climb outs, virtually unlimited vertical,
aero-batics, huge loops and very fast passes are easily had at full throttle. Yet slow
the Me-163 down and she's just as stable and has no hint of a stall. Using the
recommended 2200mah 30-65C 3S lipo and supplied 6x4 prop, you can expect flight
times well beyond 6 minutes and with excellent power. Combine this with the working
scale dolly system, an airframe designed to take a model rocket engine and an
extreme level of scale detail, and you've got the most authentic R/C Me-163 on the
market today.
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CONTENTS OF BOX:
1. Fuselage/Wing/Canopy Hatch.
3. Dolly (Undercaridge)
5. Control Accessories/Velcro
7. Spinner
2. Vertical Stab/Rudder
4. Propeller (2pc)
6. Scale Aerial/Wing Tube
8. Manual
In its ‘Plug n Fly’ format the Durafly Me-163 requires some additional electronic
components to get it flight ready. Durafly recommends the products below for
optimum performance and great value. Available at hobbyking.com
REQUIRED TO COMPLETE MODEL:
Turnigy A-SPEC 2200mAh
3S 65C Lipo:
Part No. 9472000003-0
OrangeRx R615X 6ch 2.4Ghz
Receiver
Part No. 91710003000-0
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2
3
4
5
6
7
OrangeRx T-SIX 2.4GHz 6CH
Programmable Tx:
Part No. 940300001 Mode 1
940300002 Mode 2
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2. Locate the bag marked ‘Aileron’ and install aileron control horns and rods for
each side of the wing as shown. Ensure the servo horn is at 90 degrees to the
wing when installing the control rod and connect to the outer hole on the servo
arm. Click each clevis shut on the horn once the rod is installed.
ASSEMBLY:
1. Out of the box your Me-163 comes with reinforced foam hinges. However before
assembly can begin, each hinge line must be flexed back and forth 6-8 times to
reduce tension, and load on the servo. Do this for all control surfaces before
continuing.
PB1.7X10mm
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PB1.7X12mm
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3. Following the illustration below, screw the remaining control horn to the
rudder control surface. Again, with the servo at 90 degree’s (neutral), connect
the push rod to the servo arm (outer hole) then to the control horn and clip the
clevis in place.
4. Using the supplied and recommended glue, apply a reasonable amount of glue to
the base of the vertical tail and then just a small amount to the lower side edges (1).
Hold for 30 seconds to to allow the glue to become a little tacky then install the tail
in place as shown (2). Wipe any excess glue with a wet cloth if need be.
Note: Your Me-163 comes supplied with two optional
Swastikas (each in two parts). You may apply to both
sides of the vertical tail now if you wish.
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6. Slide one of the supplied propellers onto the motor shaft and tighten down firmly
the washer and nut. You may need to hold the base plate of the motor shaft to ensure
a firm fit. Once secured, screw the spinner in place as shown using the supplied
3x5mm bolt.
5. With the glue still fresh you will need to check the alignment of the vertical tail to
the wing to ensure it is straight and true. Looking from the rear of the fuselage,
check that the vertical tail is at 90 degree’s fuselage center section. If not, adjust the
vertical tail accordingly and if necessary temporarily secure in place until the glue
begins to take hold.
Note: Your propeller should already be balanced,
but it is strongly suggested that you check to confirm and if not,
that you balance before installing the prop.
90 degree
3x5mm
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7. Locate the scale plastic aerial mast and wing pitot tube and glue each in place
on the model one at a time as shown below. Do NOT use an excessive amount of
glue but DO allow the glue to become tacky before gluing these parts in place.
8. The final stage of assembly is to test fit the Me-163 droppable dolly (landing
gear) to the fuselage. Simply drop the dolly into the slot on the underside of the
fuselage and you are done, the magnets will take care of the rest! The scale
release system is covered in the next steps of this manual.
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Assembly of your Durafly Me-163 is now complete.
Before you move onto the final set-up of the model, we suggest
you perform a quick check on all screws, bolts and components to
ensure all are secure and firmly in place.
RECEIVER AND BATTERY INSTALLATION.
1. Use the below image as a guide to install your receiver and flight battery. When
using the recommended 2200mah 3S battery, these positions should make your model
balance at the approximate CG mark covered in the next stage of this manual.
Note: If you are using a lower capacity (and therefore lighter) battery, you will have to
install this pack further forward of the point shown in order to attain the same
approximate CG position.
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1. With your receiver installed and all servos plugged into their corresponding
channels (see instructions provided by your receiver manufacturer for ‘Delta’ or
‘Elevons’ set-up procedures), connect the flight battery to the ESC to power up the
electronics. With the model now armed, ensure all servo’s are centered and the
rudder control surface is neutral as shown. If not, adjust by turning the control
clevis’s by hand accordingly.
Note: For safety reason, please remove the prop before arming your model during
the set-up stage.
SETTING UP YOUR MODEL:
2. Owing to the design of the Me-163, a small amount of up ‘reflex’ is required in the
ailerons to improve all round flight handling. To add reflex, simply adjust the aileron
clevises until each surface has approximately 2-3mm of ‘up’ (when measured from the
neutral trailing edge of the wing) just as shown below.
2-3mm 2-3mm
Rudder Neutral
2-3mm up ‘reflex’
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2. Check all control surfaces are moving in the correct direction with the applicable
stick input (see below).
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* Elevator ‘low rates’ 10mm ‘high rates’ 20mm in either direction from neutral.
* Aileron ‘low rates’ 10mm ‘high rates’ 20mm in either direction from neutral.
* Rudder ‘low rates’ 25mm ‘high rates’ 40mm in either direction from neutral
* Gear/Aux switch must not be greater than 100% in both positions/directions.
10-20mm
10-20mm
25-40mm
25-40mm
10-20mm
10-20mm
Rudder
3. Your Komet's scale dolly operates via a 2 position gear/aux switch on your radio.
With the dolly servo connected to the corresponding channel on your receiver, ensure
that the dolly drops freely and that its held firm again once the switch is flicked back.
SWITCH POSITION 1 SWITCH POSITION 2
4. The Durafly Me-163 handles very well in flight but requires setting up beforehand.
Please follow the recommended settings below for good all round flight performance.
205-213mm
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CG Location:
With assembly and set-up now complete, your Durafly Me-163
should now be ready for flight. However we highly recommend you
read and follow the advice given in the following stages of this
manual before flying your model.
5. Suggested center of gravity (CG) for the Me-163 is approximately 205-213mm
from the front of the fuselage/plastic cowl. With the recommended Turnigy A-SPEC
2200mah 65C 3S lipo installed at the position shown previously, the Me-163 should
balance at this point. The C/G can be adjusted to suit your own flying style by
moving the battery fore or aft of location shown. If you are using a lower capacity
(and therefore lighter) battery, you will have to install this pack further forward of the
point shown in order to attain the same approximate CG position.
CG 205-213mm ~ from front of cowl
205-213mm
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MODEL FLYING PRECAUTIONS:
Remember to keep clear of the propeller at all times when your flight battery is
connected.
crowded areas
flight
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model for the first time). Follow your radio manufacturers guidelines for performing
this check.
2. Check all screw/ bolts and mounting points are firmly secured, including control
horns and clevises.
3. Only fly with fully charged batteries (both in your radio and model). Failure to do
so could result in loss of control, damage to the model and/ or persons/ property
around you. Check your batteries are fully charged.
4. With the model powered up (Transmitter on first, then receiver/ model) check that all
surface are free from damage/ obstructions, moving in the correct directions and
freely with stick input.
5. Inspect the model and prop for any damage that may have occurred during transit
and listen for any unusual sounds from the electronics when powered up. If in
doubt, do not fly.
6. With the model held securely and the prop free of obstructions, increase the throttle
just slightly to confirm the rotations of the prop is correct. The model should want to
pull straight forward with throttle.
7. If this is your first flight with the model double check the C/ G is at the correct
position. If not adjust battery position inside model accordingly.
8. If you are an inexperienced model pilot seek the help and assistance of an
experienced pilot to perform these final checks and to test fly the model for you.
1. Always range check your model before any flight (especially when flying anew
PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS:
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FLYING THE Me-163:
The Durafly Messerschmitt Me-163 is an exciting and enjoyable model to fly with
blistering performance, incredible handling and many scale features.
Due to the unique 'dolly' configuration of the Me-163, care must be taken when
beginning each flight . Take off /launching is the only challenging part of flying your
Me-163. It is recommended that you follow the guidelines under the ‘dolly Take-Off
’
and ‘Hand Launching’ section of this manual on the following page to ensure a
smooth and enjoyable start to your flight.
Once in the air the Durafly Me-163 is an exceptionally well behaved model and will
amaze you with its performance and agility. At full throttle you'll enjoy almost
unlimited vertical performance and always with full and precise responsiveness and
control. Big aerobatic maneuvers are easy to perform, hold well and always
impress. Fast passes not only look and sound incredible, but feel rock solid and
can be performed with confidence and ease. With the throttle reduced, the Komet is
just as confidence inspiring, enjoy good slow speed handling and maneuverability
along with an impeccable glide rate.
When using the recommended Turnigy 2200mah 3S 65 ASPEC lipo battery, flight
times of 7-8 minutes of mixed throttle flying are easily achieved. Once you are
ready to land, the natural glide rate of the Me-163 allows for a stable descent and
use of a low throttle setting will help reduce the length of your approach. Landing
itself is very easy as the Me-163 enjoys a very low stall speed so can be eased into
a smooth landing with a minimum amount of effort and maximum amount of
satisfaction.
Fancy adding a model rocket to your Durafly Me-163 for the ultimate touch of scale
realism? See ‘Model Rocket use‘ on the followings pages for more details.
Enjoy flying the Me-163 and thank you for choosing Durafly.
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DOLLY TAKE OFF GUIDELINES:
*Always follow these guidelines when using the scale dolly to take off.
1. Ensure that the CG is in the correct location before you attach the dolly. The correct
CG is critical for a smooth take-off run. Too far forwards and the Me-163 will bounce
hard along the grass before jumping into the air. Too far back and it will rotate off the
ground too soon.
2. Allow for a relatively long take-off run from a flat short grassed surface (only grassed
surfaces are recommended when using the dolly). 15-20m will be adequate.
3. Start your take-off run with some 'up' elevator held in and apply initial power slowly
until the model starts to move forwards. Reduce elevator 'up' input as you increase the
throttle (to stop the model from tipping over).
4. Use rudder to keep the Me-163 on a straight tracking line as it picks up speed with the
application of throttle.
5. With the model now tracking straight, increase power until almost at full throttle, then
apply a small amount of 'up' elevator again and you will see the model lift off the ground.
6. Drop the dolly when at least 1 meter from the ground and pull up into your climb out
with full power applied.
HAND LAUNCHING GUIDELINES:
*Always follow these guidelines when hand launching.
1. Do not launch by yourself for the maiden flight if at all possible. Ask a friend to assist
as the fuselage of the Me-163 can be awkward to hold firmly with one hand.
2. Get a comfortable, firm and balanced hand grip on the fuselage, supporting the wing
tip with the other if necessary.
3. Ensure the nose of the model is pointed slightly above the horizon and the wing is
straight.
4. Launch the model from standing with a firm throw and with not more than 3/4 throttle.
Hold in a small amount of right aileron when the model is launched (to counter the
rotational force of the prop).
5. Be ready to quickly correct the direction of the Me-163 initially after launch until the it
gets 'on step' and apply full power once it is tracking straight to climb away.
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ROCKET MOTOR USE:
Your Durafly Me-163 can supports the use of a standard ‘18mm class’ model rocket
engine if you wish. Sufficient space at the rear fuselage allows for both the mounting
of the engine and the running of the switch wires internally beneath it.
To prevent damage to the model, use only ‘capped’ type ‘single stage’ rocket engines
and an RC switch that is rated to the required amount of voltage/ampage needed to
ignite the fuse. R/C switches are available from hobbyking.com, see ‘Optional Parts’ of
this manual.
Model rocket engines and their use can be extremely dangerous, especially in RC.
So it is suggested that only those who have previous experience in this area attempt
to use a model rocket engine in the Me-163 and do so within the guidelines stipulated
by your governing body or national government.
Durafly and Hobbyking/hobbyking.com accept no responsibility for damage or injury
cause by the use of model rocket engines in the Durafly Me-163 or any of their
products.
Please be safe and have fun.
For illustration purpose only
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Me-163 GENERAL TIPS:
* Correct CG is essential for a smooth take-off when using the dolly. If the CG
is too far forwards, the Me-163 will bounce up and down before leaping into the
air. If the CG is too far back, it will jump up into the air too soon. So please check!
* Make sure you have read the ‘dolly take-off’ and ‘Hand Launching’ guidelines
given
on the previous pages of this manual.
* For optimum flight performance and model longevity, it is highly recommend that
you always fly with a balanced prop. The supplied prop should be balanced, but it
is always good to check first.
* 3S Flight packs of 30C discharge rate or above are recommended for use in the
Me-163 to ensure optimal flight and power system performance.
*Keep all leads within the fuselage area as tidy as possible. Tidy wires look better,
allow for easier access to all internal components, better battery installation,
increased airflow around electronics and a reduction in potential electronic signal
interference (noise).
*. Inspect the propeller frequently, especially if you have suffered a hard landing or
the prop has been knocked. If the prop is in any way damaged it must be replaced
and any loose fixings must be tightened.
Thank you again for purchasing the Durafly Me-163. We hope you’ll
have many happy days of flying and look forward to bringing you
more Durafly models in the future.
Don’t forget, spare parts are available for this model, please see the
next page for details.
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