FMS RocHobby 70MM F/A-18F User manual

70MM F/A-18F
REALISTIC RIGID
RETRACT & FLAPS INSTALLED STRONG DURABLE EPO
STABLE
SMOOTH FLYING PERFORMANCE
FMSMODEL.COM

As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating in a manner that does not endanger yourself and
others or result in damage to the product or the property of others. This model is controlled by a radio signal subject
to interference from many sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control so it
is advisable to always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model, as this margin will help avoid collisions
or injury.
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
·Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
·Always operate your model in an open area away from cars, traffic or people.
·Avoid operating your model in the street where injury or damage can occur.
·Never operate the model in populated areas for any reason.
·Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment you use (chargers,
rechargeable battery packs, etc.)
·Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
·Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and
protected for this purpose.
·Never lick or place any part of your model in your mouth as it could cause serious injury or even death.
Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) Battery Warning
CAUTION: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and disposal of batteries. Fire, property
damage, or serious injury can result from the mishandling of Li-Po batteries.
By handling, charging or using a Li-Po Battery you assume all risks associated with lithium batteries.
If at any time the batteries begin to swell or balloon, discontinue use immediately!
Always store the batteries at room temperature in a dry area to extend the life of the battery. Always transport
or temporarily store the battery at a temperature range of 40-120F. Do not store the battery or model in a car or in direct
sunlight. If stored in a hot car, the battery can be damaged or even catch fire.
Never use a Ni-Mh Charger to charge Li-Po Batteries. Failure to charge the battery with a Li-Po compatible charger
may cause fire resulting in personal injury and property damage.
Never discharge Li-Po Cells below 3V.
Never leave charging batteries unattended.
Never charge damaged batteries.
Use a battery charger that is designed to safely charge the Li-Po Battery. Read the charger instructions carefully
before use. When charging the battery, make certain the battery is on a heat resistant surface. It is also highly
recommended to place the Li-Po Battery inside a fire resistant charging bag readily available at hobby shops or
online.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the product before operating.
Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property and cause serious
injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product and NOT a toy. It must be operated with caution and common sense and failure
to do so could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use by
children without direct adult supervision.
This manual contains instructions for safety operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate and avoid damage or
serious injury.

Introduction
Contents of Kit
Model Assembly
Battery installation
Connectors Diagram
Get your model ready to fly
Important ESC and model information
The transmitter and model setup
Check the control throws
Clevis Installation
Control Horn and Servo Arm Settings
Center of Gravity(CG)
Before flying the model
Flying your model
Troubleshooting
Spare parts list content
Table of Contents
3
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ESC instruction ·
Introduction:
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New from FMS, the new and highly detailed F/A-18F Super Hornet.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a tandem-seat, carrier-capable, multirole fighter and attack aircraft
based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Designed and initially produced by McDonnell
Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. The Super Hornet entered service with the United
States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super
Hornet serves alongside the original Hornet.
FMS is proud to bring you this new and highly detailed 70mm Ducted Fan F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Incorporating many of the new and advanced construction and assembly features such as the
optimized screw based assembly, pre-installed ball links and a heavy-duty wing spar, the super
hornet is quick to assemble and disassemble. Based on the original 64mm F/A-18 Hornet, the
70mm F/A-18F Super Hornet features rich details, clean lines, CNC-Machined shock-absorbed
landing gear sets, and a Button-type canopy hatch. Included with the model are four decal sets
that allows you to make your own Super Hornet and stand out in your airfield.
The power system, which provides tremendous thrust and speed, utilizes our new and improved
70mm 12-blade EDF V2, KV1850 motor system. This brawny system, when coupled with a 6S
battery, provides a resonating turbine engine sound.
The EPO material ensures the durability. The environmentally friendly water-based paint ensures
vibrant and glossy color schemes. The significant input of the basic materials makes this airplane
fantastic.
Go get the Super Hornet and discover for yourself this new addition to FMS’ growing EDF fleet.
Key Features:
·High quality Predator 70A ESC, Powerful KV1850 inner running motor with the latest 70mm 12-blade
EDF
·CNC-Machined shock-absorbed landing gear sets
·Screw-together construction
·Button Type canopy hatch
·Pre-installed, newly designed ball link style control horns for more throw.
·A set of 4 different decals so you can customize yourself.

A.
B.
E.
C.
D.
G. H.
F.
J.
A: Fuselage
B: Main wing (Left and Right)
C: Vertical Stabilizer (Left and Right)
D: Cockpit
E: Horizontal Stabilizer (Left and Right)
F: Missile Set
G: Nose Cone
H: Screws (HKM 4-3*16, HKM 4-3*26)
I : Fiber Pipe
J : Oil Tank
Before assembly, please inspect the contents of the kit. The photo below details the contents of the kit and
labels. If any parts are missing or defective, please indentify the name or part number (refer to the spare
parts list near the end of the manual) then contact your local shop or email us: [email protected]
Contents of Kit
4
Wingspan: 875 (34.45in)
Overall Length: 1186mm (46.69in)
Flying Weight: Around 2100g (74.08oz)
Motor Size: Brushless 2860-KV1850
Wing Load: 108 g/dm² (0.24oz/in²)
Wing Area: 19.3 dm² (299 sq.in)
ESC: 70A
Servo: 9g Servo x 9
I.

5
Model Assembly
1. Slide the tube into the fuselage then install both wings over the wing tube and into the wing slot of the
fuselage. (fig1)
Note: The connectors on both sides should be attached precisely and firmly.
2.Secure the both wings into the fuselage using the included screws. (fig2)
Main Wing Installation
fig1
fig2

6
Model Assembly
1.Connect the elevator servo connectors to the servo extensions in the fuselage.
2.Carefully apply CA to the base and side of the rear fuselage slot. Install the horizontal stablizer into
place.(fig3)
Horizontal Stabilizer Installation:
fig3
Required Adhesives:
Foam Safe Medium CA

7
Model Assembly
1.Connect the rudder servo connectors to the servo extensions in the fuselage.
2.Slide the vertical tail into the slot in the fuselage. (fig4)
3.Secure the vertical tail in place using the included screws. (fig5)
Vertical Stabilizer Installation:
fig4
fig5

8
Slide the missiles and oil tank into the rails.
Model Assembly
Apply the nose cone to the front fuselage as diagram shows. Ensure the nose cone is on the correct
side.(fig7)
Nose Cone Installation:
Missiles and Oil Tank Installation:
fig6
fig7

9
Battery installation
Connectors Diagram
fig9
fig10
1. Pull back on the release button and remove the battery hatch.
2. Apply the hook tape to the cable end of the battery (fig9).
3. Install the full charged battery in the battery compartment with the power supply cable toward the
rear end of the plane.
Note: you may need to relocate the battery position to achieve the correct CG for your model.
Flap

Get your model ready to fly
Important ESC and model information
The ESC included with the model has a safe start. If the motor battery is connected to the ESC and the throt-
tle stick is not in the low throttle or off position, the motor will not start until the throttle stick is moved to the
low throttle or off position. Once the throttle stick is moved to the low throttle or off position, the motor will
emit a series of beeps. Several beeps with the same tune means the ESC has detected the cells of the
battery. The count of the beeps equals the cells of the battery. The motor is now armed and will start when
the throttle is moved.
The motor and ESC come pre-connected and the motor rotation should be correct. If for any reason the
motor is rotating in the wrong direction, simply reverse two of the three motor wires to change the direction
of rotation.
The motor has an optional brake setting. The ESC comes with the brake switched off and we recommend
that the model be flown with the brake off. However, the brake could be accidentally switched on if the motor
battery is connected to the ESC while the throttle stick is set at full throttle. To switch the brake off, move the
throttle stick to full throttle and plug in the motor battery. The motor will beep one time. Move the throttle stick
to low throttle or the off position. The motor is ready to run and the brake will be switched off.
Battery Selection and Installation. We recommend the 22.2V 3300mAh 35C Li-Po battery. If using another
battery, the battery must be at least a 22.2V 3300mAh 35C battery. Your battery should be approximately the
same capacity, dimension and weight as the 22.2V 3300mAh 35C Li-Po battery to fit the fuselage without
changing the center of gravity significantly.
The transmitter and model setup
Before getting started, bind your receiver with your transmitter. Please refer to your Transmitter Manual for
proper operation
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, DO NOT install the propeller assembly onto the motor shaft while
testing the control surfaces. DO NOT arm the ESC and do not turn on the transmitter until the Transmitter
Manual instructs you to do so.
Tips: Make sure all control sticks on your radio are in the neutral position (rudder, elevator, ailerons) and the
throttle is in the OFF position. Make sure both ailerons move up and down (travel) the same amount. This
model tracks well when the left and right ailerons travel the same amount in response to the control stick.
1. Move the controls on the transmitter to make sure the aircraft control surface moves correctly. See
diagrams below.
10
1.
2.
3.
4.

11
Check the control throws
The suggested control throw setting for FMS MODEL are as follows (dual rate setting):
Tips: On first flight, fly the model in low rate. The first time you use high rates, be sure to fly at low to medium
speeds. High rate, as listed, is only for EXTREME maneuvering.
16
14
16 12
10
12

12
a. Pull the tube from the clevis to the linkage.
b. Carefully spread the clevis, then insert the clevis pin into the desired hole in the control horn.
c. Move the tube to hold the clevis on the control horn.
The table shows the factory settings for the control horns and servo arms. Fly the aircraft at the factory
settings before making changes.
After flying, you may choose to adjust the linkage positions for the desired control response. See the table
to the below
a.
b.
c.
Clevis Installation
Control Horn and Servo Arm Settings
More control throw
Less control throw
Elevator
Rudder
Ailerons
Horns Arms
d.
e.
f.

13
Check the C.G. (Center of Gravity)
When balancing your model, adjust the battery as necessary so the model is level or slightly nose down. This
is the correct balance point for your model. After the first flights, the CG position can be adjusted for your
personal preference.
1. The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location for your model is (70-80mm) from the leading edge of the
main wing (as shown) with the battery pack installed. Mark the location of the CG on top of the wing.
2. When balancing your model, support the plane at the marks made on the bottom of the main wing with your
fingers or a commercially available balancing stand. This is the correct balance point for your model. Make sure
the model is assembled and ready for flight before balancing.
70-80mm

14
Before flying the model
Find a suitable flying site
Perform the range check for your plane
Monitor your flight time
Find a flying site clear of buildings, trees, power lines and other obstructions. Until you know how much area
will be required and have mastered flying your plane in confined spaces, choose a site which is at least the
size of two to three football fields - a flying field specifically for R/C planes is best. Never fly near people - especial-
ly children, who can wander unpredictably.
As a precaution, an operational ground range test should be performed before the first flight each time you go
out. Performing a range test is a good way to detect problems that could cause loss of control such as low
batteries, defective or damaged radio components, or radio interference. This usually requires an assistant
and should be done at the actual flying site you will be using.
First turn on the transmitter, then install a fully-charged battery into the fuselage. Connect the battery and
install the hatch.
Remember, use care not to bump the throttle stick. Otherwise, the propeller/fan will turn and possibly cause
damage or injury.
Note: Please refer to your Transmitter Manual that came with your radio control system to perform a ground
range check. If the controls are not working correctly or if anything seems wrong, do not fly the model until
you correct the problem. Make certain all the servo wires are securely connected to the receiver and the
transmitter batteries have a good connection.
Monitor and limit your flight time using a timer (such as on a wristwatch or in your transmitter if available).
When the batteries are getting low you will usually notice a performance drop before the ESC cuts off motor
power, so when the plane starts flying slower you should land. Often (but not always) power can be briefly
restored after the motor cuts off by holding the throttle stick all the way down for a few seconds.
To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your first flight, set your timer to a conservative 4 minutes.
When your alarm sounds you should land right away.

15
Flying your model
Flying
Take off
While applying power, slowly steer to keep the model straight. The model should accelerate quickly. As the
model gains flight speed you will want to climb at a steady and even rate. It will climb out at a nice angle of
attack (AOA).
Always choose a wide-open space for flying your plane. It is ideal for you to fly at a sanctioned flying field. If
you are not flying at an approved site always avoid flying near houses, trees, wires and buildings. You should
also be careful to avoid flying in areas where there are many people, such as busy parks, schoolyards, or
soccer fields. Consult laws and ordinances before choosing a location to fly your aircraft. After takeoff, gain
some altitude. Climb to a safe height before trying technical manoeuvres, including high speed passes,
inverted flight, loops, and point rolls.
Land the model when you hear the motor pulsing (LVC) or if you notice a reduction in power. If using a transmitter
with a timer, set the timer so you have enough flight time to make several landing approaches.
The model’s three point landing gear allows the model to land on hard surfaces. Align model directly into the
wind and fly down to the ground. Fly the airplane down to the ground using 1/4-1/3 throttle to keep enough
energy for proper flare. Before the model touches down, always fully decrease the throttle to avoid
damaging the propeller or other components. The key to a great landing is to manage the power and
elevator all the way to the ground and set down lightly on the main landing gear. After a few flights you will find
the model can be set down lightly on the mains and you can hold the nose wheel off balancing the model on
the mains until it slows and gently settles the nose.
Repairs to the foam should be made with foam safe adhesives such as hot glue, foam safe CA, and 5min
epoxy. When parts are not repairable, see the Spare Parts List for ordering by item number.
Always check to make sure all screws on the aircraft are tightened. Pay special attention to make sure the
spinner is firmly in place before every flight.
Maintenance
Landing

16
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Aircraft will not
respond to the
throttle but responds
to other controls.
Extra propeller noise
or extra vibration.
Reduced flight time or
aircraft underpowered.
Control surface does
not move, or is slow to
respond to control
inputs.
Controls reversed.
- Motor loses power.
- Motor power pulses
then motor loses power.
LED on receiver
flashes slowly.
- ESC is not armed.
- Throttle channel is reversed.
- Damaged spinner, propeller,
motor, or motor mount.
- Loose propeller and spinner
parts.
- Propellor installed backwards.
- Flight battery charge is low.
- Flight battery damaged.
- Control surface, control horn,
linkage or servo damage.
- Wire damaged or connections
loose.
Channels are reversed
in the transmitter.
- Dammage motor, or battery.
- Loss of power to aircraft.
- ESCuses default soft Low
Voltage Cutoff(LVC).
Power loss to receiver.
- Lower throttle stick and throttle
trim to lowest settings.
- Reverse throttle channel on
transmitter.
- Replace damaged parts.
- Tighten parts for propeller
adapter, propeller and spinner.
- Remove and install propeller
correctly.
- Completely recharge flight
battery.
- Replace flight battery and
follow flight battery instructions.
- Replace or repair damaged
parts and adjust controls.
- Do a check of connections for
loose wiring.
Do the Control Direction Test
and adjust controls for aircraft
and transmitter.
- Do a check of batteries,
transmitter, receiver,ESC, motor
and wiring for damage(replace
as needed).
- Land aircraft immediately and
recharge flight battery.
- Check connection form ESC to
receiver.
- Check servos for damage.
- Check linkages for binding.
Troubleshooting

17
Fuselage
Main Wing Set
Vertical Stabilizer
Horizontal Stabilizer
Missle-1
Missle-2
Missle-3
Oil Tank
Cockpit
Cowl
Front Landing Gear Set
Main Landing Gear Set
Front Landing Gear System
Main Landing Gear System
Landing Gear Cover
Linkage Rod
Pipe
Screw
Decal Sheet
EL Retract (Plastic)
EL Retract
70mm Ducted fan
2860-KV1850
"70A ESC
(With 300mm length input cable)"
9g digital metal gear servo positive
9g digital metal gear servo reverse
Visit our website to see photos of this product: www.fmsmodel.com
Spare parts list content
ROCKO101
ROCKO102
ROCKO103
ROCKO104
ROCKO105
ROCKO106
ROCKO107
ROCKO108
ROCKO109
ROCKO110
ROCKO111
ROCKO112
ROCKO113
ROCKO114
ROCKO115
ROCKO116
ROCKO117
ROCKO118
ROCKO119
FMSRE007
FMSRE035
FMSDF12B70
PRKV1850
PRESC013
FMSSER9MGDP
FMSSER9MGDR

18
ESC instruction
The electronic speed controller can be connected to the motor by soldering directly, or with high quality
connectors.
Always use new connectors, which should be soldered carefully to the cables and insulated with heat
shrink tubes.
The maximum length of the battery pack wires should be within 6 inches.
Motor
Brushless Speed Controller
ESC
Brushless Controller
A quality connector
is essential
Battery
Pack
Receiver
Solder controller to the motor wires.
Solder appropriate connectors to the battery wires.
Insulate all solder connectors with heat shrink tubes.
Plug the “JR” connector into the receiver throttle channel.
Speed Controller Red and Black wires connect to battery pack Red and Black wires respectively.
Wires Connection:
Features:
◆Extremely low internal resistance
◆Super smooth and accurate throttle linearity
◆Safety thermal over-load protection
◆Auto throttle shut down in signal loss situation
◆Supports high RPM motors
◆Power arming protection (prevents the motor from accidentally running when switched ON)
◆New advanced programming software

19
Our ESC allows you to program parameters to fit your specific needs:
1. User programmable brake setting (we recommend using brake for only folding props applications)
2. User programmable battery type (LiPo or NiCd/NiMh)
3. User programmable low voltage cutoff setting
4. User programmable factory default setting restore
5. User programmable timing settings (to enhance ESC efficiency and smoothness)
6. User programmable soft acceleration start ups (for delicate gearbox and helicopter applications)
7. User programmable governor mode (for helicopter applications)
8. User programmable motor rotation (clockwise\counterclockwise)
9. User programmable switching frequency
10. User programmable low voltage cutoff type (power reduction or immediate shutdown)
Settings:
1. Brake: ON/OFF
* ON-Sets the propeller to the brake position when the throttle stick is at the minimum position (Recom-
mended for folding props).
* OFF-Sets the propeller to freewheel when the throttle stick is at the minimum position.
2. Battery type: LiPo or NiCad/NiMh
* NiCad/NiMh – Sets Low Voltage protection threshold for NiCad/NiMh cells.
* LiPo – Sets Low voltage protection threshold for LiPo cells and automatically detects the number of cells
within the pack.
Note: Selecting the NiCad/NiMh option for the battery type, triggers the ESC to automatically set the
cutoff threshold to the factory default of 65%. The cutoff threshold can then be subsequently altered
through the Low Voltage protection function, if required. The ESC will read the initial voltage of the NiCa-
d/NiMh pack once it is plugged in and the voltage read will then be used as a reference for the cutoff
voltage threshold.
3. Low Voltage Protection Threshold (Cutoff Threshold):
Low / Medium / High
1) For Li-xx packs- number of cells are automatically calculated and requires no user input apart from
defining the battery type. This ESC provides 3 setting options for the low voltage protection threshold;
Low (2.8V)/ Medium (3.0V)/ High (3.2V). For example: the voltage cutoff options for an 11.1V/ 3 cell Li-Po
pack would be 8.4V (Low)/ 9.0V (Med)/ 9.6V (High)
2) For Ni-xx packs-low / medium / high cutoff voltages are 50%/65%/65% of the initial voltage of the
battery pack. For example: A fully charged 6 cell NiMh pack’s voltage is 1.44V x 6=8.64V,when “LOW”
cutoff voltage is set, the cutoff voltage is: 8.64V x 50%=4.3V and when “Medium” or “High” is set, the
cutoff voltage is now 8.64V X 65%=5.61V.
4. Restore factory setup defaults:
Restore - Sets the ESC back to factory default settings;
Brake：Off
Battery type Detect： LiPo with Automatic Cell
Low voltage cutoff threshold： Medium (3.0V/65%)
Timing setup：Automatic
Soft Acceleration Start Up： Medium
Governor mode ：OFF
Frequency ：16kHz
Low voltage cutoff type： Reduce power