Hobby-Lobby eRC F-18E Super Hornet 90mm EDF User manual

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Hobby-Lobby is pleased to announce the eRC F-18E Super Hornet 90mm EDF that includes
scale electric retractable landing gear with suspension, 360 degree thrust vectoring nozzles and
working position lights. A great deal of the assembly is pre-done for you. This is a receiver ready
jet that only requires some simple assembly and the installation of the flight batteries and
programming of your radio equipment to be ready to fly. Please read the assembly manual
carefully to familiarize you with all the steps before starting.
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
5614 Franklin Pike Circle
Brentwood, TN 37027
1-866-WE-FLY-RC
(1-866-933-5972)
www.hobby-lobby.com

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Before starting, use the contents list to take an inventory and make sure it is complete.
If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, contact Hobby-Lobby.com
support at 1-866-WE-FLY-RC (1-866-933-5972)
Contents List
Fuselage
Battery Hatch
Retractable Main Landing Gear and Wheels
Retractable Nose Wheel and Gear Door (pre-installed)
Brushless Outrunner Motor installed in 90mm Fan (pre-installed)
85A Speed Control w/5A Switch Mode BEC and Genuine Deans Ultra Plugs
Wings with Navigation lights (pre-installed) and Carbon Spars
Vertical Tails with Navigation Lights (pre-installed)
Dual 360 Degree Thrust Vectoring Nozzles (pre-installed)
Bombs and Drop Tanks
Additional Items Required
7-channel Aircraft Radio w/ Receiver (minimum), Computer radio recommended.
Two 3-cell or one 6-cell, 3700mAh Lipo Batteries with Deans Ultra Connectors
Dedicated Lithium Battery Charger (Balance Charger Recommended)
5-minute Epoxy Glue
Small Phillips Screwdriver
Needle Nose Pliers and Hobby Knife

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1. This manual will help you assemble your
F-18E. Let’s start with the installation of
the main wing panels. Apply an even coat
of 5-minute epoxy to the slot for the
carbon rod in the wing and fuselage and
the root of the wing panel.
2. Press the wing into position on the
fuselage side.
3. Check the alignment of the wing with the
fuselage and wipe off any epoxy that
squeezes out. A small amount of rubbing
alcohol on a paper towel works well.
4. Make sure to check the alignment on the
top of the wing to fuselage joint and wipe
off any excess epoxy. Hold in position until
the epoxy sets. Repeat this process for
the other main wing. We recommend that
you epoxy one wing panel at a time.

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5. Plug in the servo connector and the wing
tip light. Please match the polarity. On the
servo connection, the orange wire
matches with the white wire on the plug
that exits the fuselage.
6. Feed the connected plugs into the
fuselage and carefully push the wires into
the slot in the wing and fuselage.
7. Locate the full flying elevators and
mounting hardware.
8. Attach the plastic keeper to the elevator
rod.

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9. Attach the elevator to the fuselage using
the supplied wood screws.
10. Connect the elevator linkage and install
the foam cover using a contact adhesive.
11.Install the nose cone using foam safe CA
glue, 5-minute epoxy, or contact adhesive.
12. Locat the Vertical Fins and connect the
lights with the plugs making sure to match
the polarity.

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13. Use 5-minute epoxy to install the Vertical
Fins. Be sure to push the light wires all
the way into the fuselage so they do not
interfere with the fit the Vertical Fins.
14. To install the drop tanks, push them into
the matching tabs on the bottom of the
wing. They are removable for
transportation. You may glue the tanks on
for a tighter fit.
15.Connect your 7-channel receiver to the
servo wires at the rear of the cockpit
opening.
16.Ailerons = Ail
17.Elevator = Ele
18.Rudder = Vector 3 and Steering
19.Gear = Retractable Landing Gear
20.Throttle = Throttle
21.Flap (Aux1) = Vector 1
22.Aux = Vector 2
23.The battery installs under the hatch and is
held in place with the pre-installed hook
and loop fasteners.
24.Use two 3-cell 3700mAh packs or a single
6-cell 3700mAh pack and plug into the
Series Deans connectors. Leave the
jumper plug attached if using a single 6-
cell battery.

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25. A 7-channel computer radio is required to
fly the F-18E. The following instructions
are for the Spektrum DX-7 transmitter with
the Spektrum AR7000 receiver. Make
sure your screen matches the photos.
26.From the INPUT SELECT screen, inhibit
AUX2 and FLAP.
27. From the WING TYPE screen, Make sure
all selections are OFF
28.In the D/R SWITCH SELECT screen
select INDIVID. This sets all the control
surfaces onto their own D/R switch.
29.The image to the right shows the positions
for servo reversing. Select REVERSING
SW from the radio menu and set channels
2 and 3 to reverse (REV). All other
channels will be in the (NORM) position.

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30.From the D/R & EXPO screen, select the
AILE function. Set the dual rate switch for
the ailerons to the “0” POSITION. Set the
EXPO for +30 % to make the Ailerons less
responsive in roll around the stick center.
Set the D/R to 100%.
31.From the D/R & EXPO screen, select the
AILE function. Set the dual rate switch for
the ailerons to the “1” POSITION. Set the
EXPO for +20 % to make the Ailerons less
responsive in roll around the stick center.
Set the D/R to 65%.
32.From the D/R & EXPO screen, select the
ELEV function. Set the dual rate switch for
the elevator to the “0” POSITION. Set the
EXPO for +30 % to make the elevators
less responsive in pitch around the stick
center. Set the D/R to 100%.
33. From the D/R & EXPO screen, select the
ELEV function. Set the dual rate switch for
the elevator to the “1” POSITION. Set the
EXPO for +20 % to make the elevators
less responsive in pitch around the stick
center. Set the D/R to 50%.

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34. From the D/R & EXPO screen, select the
RUDD function. Set the dual rate switch
for the elevator to the “0” POSITION. Set
the EXPO for +20 % to make the rudder
less responsive around the stick center.
Set the D/R to 100%.
35.Select PROG.MIX1 from the radio menu.
Set the mix for ELEV to FLAP. Make sure
that the rates are both at -100% and that
the switch is set to MIX. There should be
no offset for this mix.
36.Select PROG.MIX2 from the radio menu.
Set the mix for ELEV to AUX2. Make sure
that the rates are both at +100% and that
the switch is set to MIX. There should be
no offset for this mix.
37. Select PROG.MIX3 from the radio menu.
Set the mix for AILE to FLAP. Make sure
that the rates are both at -100% and that
the switch is set to ON. There should be
no offset for this mix.

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38. Select PROG.MIX4 from the radio menu.
Set the mix for AILE to AUX2. Make sure
that the rates are both at -100% and that
the switch is set to ON. There should be
no offset for this mix.
39. On LOW RATES the Ailerons should
move 1/2" in both directions. The Thrust
Vector units should move in the same
direction as the Ailerons.
NOTE: When the Ailerons are in their neutral
position the Thrust Vector Nozzles should be
in their neutral positions also. If they are not
you must adjust them mechanically by
screwing or unscrewing the ball link connector
to achieve a neutral position.
40. On HIGH RATES the Ailerons should
move 3/4" in both directions.
41. On LOW RATES the Elevators should
move 1/2" in both directions. When the
Elevators moves UP both thrust vector
units should move up.

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42. On HIGH RATES the Elevators should
move 3/4" in both directions.
43.The Center of Gravity (CG) is measured
from where the leading edge of the wing
meets the fuselage. The CG range is 2-
3/4” (70mm) to 3” (75mm). This is an all-
around good CG location; you may adjust
this to your own flying style after initial test
flights.
Midnight Flyers LED Position Lights
Your eRC F-18E is equipped with 7 pre-installed high intensity LED’s. An experienced R/C
flyer that is comfortable with the F-18E can actually fly the jet in the dark with the supplied
lights.
Recommended Control Throws
Ailerons Low Rate 1/2" Up and Down
High Rate 3/4" Up and Down
Elevators Low Rate 1/2" Up and Down
High Rate 3/4" Up and Down
Center of Gravity: 2-3/4” to 3” Back from the leading edge of the wing where it
meets the fuselage.
Preflight
1. Aircraft assembled correctly and ready for flight.
2. All control throws and expos are set per this manual.
3. Transmitter fully charged and on correct model.
4. Aircraft balances at the recommended location.
5. Flight batteries are fully charged and secure.
6. All controls are operating correctly, proper direction, and secure.
7. Complete a radio range check per your radio manual.
8. Wait for a calm or light wind day for first flights.

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Flying
We recommend that takeoffs and landings be made on LOW RATES. Initial flights
should be made using LOW RATES until you are familiar with the aircraft. LOW RATES
allow you to fly smooth pattern maneuvers. The jet is very stable with solid handling. On
HIGH RATES with the Thrust Vectoring turned on, the airplane can perform amazing
maneuvers. High Alpha Harrier flight is easy to steer using the thrust vector nozzles as
your elevator and rudder controls. Flat spins are easily accomplished using full rudder
and up elevator combined with a bit of opposite aileron. Example: Full left rudder, full up
elevator and some right aileron to perform a left flat spin. Exit the maneuver by
neutralizing the elevator and aileron and applying slight right rudder. This is a larger size
model and requires the use of a scale type landing approach. Set up your final
approach with a slight nose high angle of attack and about 1/4 throttle, allow the jet to
settle applying a little throttle to arrest the descent and touch down on the main gear
first. Let it roll out and avoid turning sharply when taxing fast.
2008 Official Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code
GENERAL
1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall
not exceed limitations established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or competition
activity.
2. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA
Experimental Aircraft Rules.
3. I will abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the flying site I use. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a
reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy.
5. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level, when within three (3) miles of an
airport without notifying the airport operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale
aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified with my name and address, or AMA number, inside or affixed to the
outside of the model aircraft. This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts (other than air), nor will I operate
model aircraft with fuels containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices, which explode, burn, or propel a projectile of any kind.
Exceptions include Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft
during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft
during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code; however, they
may not be launched from model aircraft. Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices
and practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee Document.
9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or within eight (8) hours of having consumed
alcohol.
10. I will not operate my model aircraft while using any drug which could adversely affect my ability to safely control my model
aircraft.
11. Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on a flightline or in a flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction.
12. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI,
SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply with comparable standards.
RADIO CONTROL
1. All model flying shall be conducted in a manner to avoid over flight of unprotected people.
2. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model
aircraft.
3. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an
experienced pilot.
4. At all flying sites a line must be established, in front of which all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying
the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the line. In the case of airshows demonstrations straight line must be
established. An area away from the line must be maintained for spectators. Intentional flying behind the line is prohibited.
5. I will operate my model aircraft using only radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band
frequencies.
6. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-
management agreement. A frequency management agreement may be an

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allocation of frequencies for each site, a day-use agreement between sites, or testing which determines that no
interference exists. A frequency-management agreement may exist between two or more AMA chartered clubs, AMA
clubs and individual AMA members, or individual AMA members. Frequency-management agreements, including an
interference test report if the agreement indicates no interference exists, will be signed by all parties and copies provided
to AMA Headquarters.
7. With the exception of events flown under official AMA rules, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet
to any individual, except for the pilot and located at the flightline.
8. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to
divert it from striking an individual.
9. Radio-controlled night flying is limited to low-performance model aircraft (less than 100 mph). The model aircraft must be
equipped with a lighting system which clearly defines the aircraft's attitude and direction at all times.
10. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without
enhancement other than by corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot. No model aircraft shall be equipped with
devices which allow it to be flown to a selected location which is beyond the visual range of the pilot.
WARNING – THIS IS NOT A TOY! Radio controlled model aircraft are capable of inflicting serious injury and/or property damage if not
assembled, operated, and maintained in a competent and safe manner. If you are not already experienced with radio controlled models, we
strongly suggest that you find an experienced modeler to assist you.
Warranty
Hobby-Lobby guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover
any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no event shall Hobby-Lobby’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.
Completely read through this manual before starting construction.
Hobby Lobby International, Inc.
5614 Franklin Pike Circle
Brentwood, TN 37027
1-866-WE-FLY-RC
(1-866-933-5972)
www.hobby-lobby.com