Durafly Spitfire Mk1a User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
(PNF)
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"
Winston Churchill, August 20th1940
Please read this manual carefully
before operating this plane.
Durafly 1100mm Supermarine
Spitfire Mk1a

CONTENTS
Introduction
Specifications
Contents Of Box
Required To Complete Model
Assembly
Setting Up Your Model
1
1
2
2
3-6
7-9
Model Flying Precautions
Pre-flight Checks
10
10
Flying Your Spitfire Mk1a.
Spitfire Mk1a TIPS
Spare Parts Listing
Decal Application Guidelines
11
12
13
13-14
DECAL TIPS
Decal guide Spitfire X4036 ‘D-AZ’
Decal guide Spitfire N3162 ‘EB-G’
Maintenance marking decal guide
15
16-18
19-21
22
Trouble Shooting 23
Contact and Notes 24

SPECIFICATION
Wingspan:1100mm (43.3”)
Flying weight:1200/1300g (42/45oz) 3/4 cell
Length:1000mm (39.3”)
Servos:6 x 9g type (2 aileron, 2 flap, elevator, rudder,)
Motor: Aerostar 3636 770Kv brushless outrunner.
Prop: 3 blade 11.25x7
ESC: Aerostar 50amp.
Battery: 2200-2600mah 3S 60-65C or 2200mah 4S 40C.
Channels: 5-6 channel required.
INTRODUCTION
The Supermarine Spitfire is THE defining aircraft of WW2, and the Mk1a is without doubt the most
poignant of all marques. During the darkest days of the war, the Mk1a Spitfire, more than any other
aircraft then or since, along with the pilots that flew it, came to symbolize the struggle and triumph
of a nation over adversity. This struggle was the Battle of Britain, those pilots ‘the few’ and the
triumph was the Spitfire!
Durafly’s Mk1a Spitfire is in itself a poignant and beautifully presented tribute to the ‘few’and this
legendary aircraft. The attention to detail in this PnF model is matched only by its superb performance
and grace in the air. The Mk1a is designed for 3 and 4S set-ups and boasts a range of features typical
of the Durafly standards including faithfully reproduced split flaps, scale outline and fine surface
detail and finish along with multiple decal options and LED system.
Very simply, you will not find a better rendition of a Spitfire at this scale from anyone other than
Durafly.
1
Durafly 1100mm Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a

CONTENT:
OrangeRX R620X
6Ch 2.4Ghz:
Part No. 9171000757-0
REQUIRED TO COMPLETE MODEL:
Zippy Compact 2200mah
4S 40C Lipo:
Part No. 9067000026-0
ASPEC G2 2200mah
3S 65C Lipo:
Part No. 9472000003-0
OrangeRx T-SIX 2.4GHz 6CH
Programmable Tx:
Part No. 9403000001 Mode 1
9403000002 Mode 2
1. Main wing.
2. Fuselage.
3. Horizontal Tail/Spar
4. Wing Radiators
5. Scale Plastic Parts
6. Control Accessories/Hardware.
7. Prop/Spinner.
8. Multiple Decal Sheets/Markings.
9. Instruction Manual.
1
8
4
7
3
56
2
In its ‘Plug n Fly’ format the Spitfire Mk1a will still require some additional electronic components to
get it ‘flight ready’. Durafly recommends the products below for optimum performance and great
value. Available at
hobbyking.com
2
9

ASSEMBLY
A. B.
NOTE: Your Mk1a Spitfire comes with a choice of two scale markings/decals to choose
from. Application of these decals is highly recommended BEFORE you begin
assembly of the model. Please refer to ‘Decal application’ on pages 13-22 of this
manual for illustrated guides on how to apply each set.
1. Out of the box your Spitfire comes with reinforced foam hinges. However before assembly can
begin, each hinge line must be flexed back and forth 5-6 times to reduce tension and load on the
servo. Do this for all control surfaces before continuing.
2.3x6mm
1.7x6mm
3. Insert one half of the carbon tail spar into one of the horizontal tail pieces before sliding this half
into the tail slot of the fuselage. Now install the remaining tail piece (A). Secure both halves in
place with the supplied 2.3x6mm screws (B) and the elevator join with the single 1.7x6mm screw
(C). This installation is self aligning, but do double check to ensure equal alignment to the vertical
tail and wing.
3
C.
Durafly 1100mm Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a

A.
A. B.
4. Using a pair of pliers (ball link pliers preferably) connect the elevator push rod to the elevator
control horn (A). To ensure both the elevator and rudder are neutral (with the servos centered)
loosen the grub screw of the piano wire fastener until both surfaces and slide the push rods until
both are neutral if required (B). The steerable tail wheel can be adjusted the same way (C).
Tighten all firmly when done.
2. With the aileron control horns at 90 degrees to the wing surface (neutral) insert the aileron
push rod into the top hole of the control horn. Secure in place with the plastic keeper and then
connect the ball link to the ball join using pliers (A). Repeat this same process for the flaps, the
exception being that the flap servo horns must be positioned as far rearwards as possible.
This will give a flap neutral position with the push rods connected (B).
B.
Note: Each ball link has a faint circle molded on one side.This
denotes the side that should be connected to the ball joint.
4
C.

A. B.
A.
Note: It is recommended that you balance the prop and spinner before
installing for optimum performance and efficiency.
6. Offer the wing up to the fuselage and ensure the servo wires pass through into the battery area
of the fuselage (A). Check again that no servo wires are caught between the wing and fuselage
before securing in place using the four 3x10mm bolts supplied (B)
7. Slide the spinner back plate onto the motor shaft making sure the ‘hex’ shape opening at the
rear of the plate fits over the ‘hex’ on the base of the shaft. This is followed by the prop and prop
nut. Tighten the prop nut firmly in place then finally screw the spinner in place.
8. With a small amount of contact glue, secure the under wing radiators and pitot tube in place
along with the fuselage aerial and cockpit mirror (A and B).
3x10mm
3 x 20 mm
5
B.
Durafly 1100mm Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a

Nice studio image of sPITFIRE here.
10. Install you choice of 6 channel receiver (Orange X620 shown) in approximately the area shown
below. Ensure all wires are held away from the servo horns. Also shown is the exact location
of a 40C 2200mah 4S lipo (as far forwards as possible) to achieve the correct CG as detailed
in the following pages.
Note: The fuselage LED shares a Y-lead with the gear servo from the wing. Be sure to
connect the LED lead before attaching the wing.
Congratulations, basic assembly of your Spitfire Mk1a
is now complete. Please perform a final check
on all screws, bolts and components,
ensuring all are secure and firmly in place.
6

Roll left
Roll right
Pitch up
Pitch down
Yaw left
Yaw right
Aileron
(Roll)
Elevator
(Pitch)
Rudder
(Yaw)
Ailerons Elevator Rudder
SETTING UP YOUR MODEL:
1. With your receiver installed and all servos plugged into their corresponding channels, connect
the flight battery to the ESC to power up the electronics. With the model now armed, ensure all
servos are centered and all control surfaces are level. If not, adjust by turning the control clevis’s by
hand accordingly until the control surfaces are level as shown.
Note: For safety reasons, it is advised that this is done with the prop removed from the
model.
2. Check all control surfaces are moving in the correct direction with the applicable
stick input (see below)
7
Durafly 1100mm Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a