Horizon Hobby Blade 550X User manual

Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di Istruzioni
®
®

2
EN
General Safety Precautions and Warnings
This model is controlled by a radio signal subject to interference from many sources outside your control. Interference can cause momentary
loss of control.
• Always ensure you fully understand the controls on your transmitter and how they affect the movement of the helicopter.
• Always operate your model outdoors in large, open spaces away from full-size vehicles, traffic and people to avoid collisions or injury
• Always carefully follow the manufacturers directions and warnings for any related equipment (i.e., chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.).
• Always keep the product, related chemicals, small parts and electrical components out of the reach of children.
• Always keep children out of the vicinity of this product at all times.
• Always store this product well out of the reach of children.
• Always keep hair secured above your shoulders so it cannot get caught in the blades.
• Always avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for this purpose. Moisture causes damage to electronics.
• Never maintain and operate this product at night, in rain or in inclement weather.
• Always ensure all fasteners are secure before use.
• Always store product in a dry, temperate, secure location
• Do not touch the motor as it can become extremely hot during use.
• Do not fly this helicopter indoors
• Always ensure failsafe is properly set before flying. Do not exclusively rely on the safety mechanisms built into your transmitter and receiver.
• Always ensure you understand the product and how to operate it.
• Only use Horizon-approved replacement parts and accessories for this product.
• Never place any portion of the model in your mouth as it could cause serious injury.
• Never operate your transmitter or helicopter with low transmitter batteries.
• Never connect the battery unless using or testing the product. Do not perform maintenance with the battery installed.
• Never operate this product if you are tired, ill, taking any medications that impair judgment or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never spray glass cleaner or any other liquid on this product.
• Always keep hair and dangling or loose items well away from the blades when the battery is connected.
NOTICE: Modification with non-Horizon-approved components may result in refusal of service by Horizon.
Age Recommendation: For advanced fliers ages 14 and above. This is not a toy.
WARNING: This is a large model helicopter with carbon fiber blades that spin at very high RPM. Always use extreme caution and common sense when
maintaining and operating this product. If you are unsure about ANY function or procedure described in this manual, DO NOT operate. Contact Horizon
Product Support for assistance.
WARNING: Always ensure you are operating the helicopter a safe distance, 45 feet (13 meters), away from yourself and others.
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 for advanced helicopter pilots with previous experience in the operation of CCPM helicopters (Cyclic Collective Pitch Mixing
or Collective Pitch Helicopter) such as the Blade SR, Blade mCP X or Blade 300 X. 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.This product is not
intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components or augment product in any way without
the approval of Horizon Hobby, Inc.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 correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.
The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when operating this product:
The purpose of safety symbols is to atttract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your careful attention and
understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND a little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, collateral damage, serious injury or death OR create a high
probability of superficial injury.
Safety Alert: Indicates warning or caution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury.
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product literature, visit
horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language

3EN
Welcome to the world of Blade ®Pro Series helicopter performance. Over two decades of flying and design experience has gone into the
development of the Blade 550 X. Every part, down to the nuts and bolts,
has been chosen or designed with one goal in mind – giving you a no-
compromise, 550-size 3D machine that is second to none.
Before you tear into the contents of this box, however, you must review
this manual. It’s been written and designed to make assembling the
Blade 550 X one of the most enjoyable, hassle-free building experiences
you’ll ever have. Every step is clearly illustrated and shows what parts
are needed to complete it. You’ll find helpful building tips too.
If this is your first helicopter building experience, there are a few things
you might want to get before you start unpacking parts. Many builders
prefer to lay out a towel or a rubber mat to prevent screws from bounc-
ing off the worktable. It’s also a good idea to use small containers to
keep parts organized after you take them out of the bags.
Most importantly, take your time. Review every assembly step and make
sure you understand how the parts fit before you start bolting things to-
gether. When you’re done, you’ll have a capable, smooth-flying helicopter
that flies exactly as it was designed to.
Component Kit Combo
Motor Heli 550 Brushless Outrunner
Motor, 1360Kv included included
ESC 130 Amp Brushless ESC included included
BEC 10 Amp BEC included included
Battery 6S 22.2V 5000mAh 30C + Li-Po required required
Charger DC Li-Po Balancing Charger required required
Component Kit Combo
Transmitter DSM2®/DSMX®compatible
transmitter required required
Receiver AR7200BX 7CH DSMX
Flybarless Control System required included
Swash Servos Spektrum™ H6040 required included
Tail Servo Spektrum H6080G required included
Table of Contents
Length 44.5 in (1130mm)
Height 10.8 in (275mm)
Main Rotor Diameter 49 in (1245mm)
Tail Rotor Diameter 9.45 in (240mm)
Flying Weight 7.4 –7.7 lb (3350–3500 g)
To register your product online, visit www.bladehelis.com
Tools Needed to Complete ..................................................................................4
Required Items ...................................................................................................4
Optional Items ....................................................................................................4
Assembly Guide..................................................................................................4
Head Assembly (H)..............................................................................................5
Frame Assembly (F) ............................................................................................7
Tail Assembly (T)...............................................................................................10
Electronics Installation......................................................................................13
Servo Arms and Links.......................................................................................15
Main Rotor Installation ......................................................................................15
Canopy Installation ...........................................................................................15
Programming Your Transmitter..........................................................................16
Throttle Hold.....................................................................................................16
AR7200BX Setup ..............................................................................................17
AR7200BX Parameter Menu Tips ......................................................................17
Motor Direction Test..........................................................................................17
Control Test.......................................................................................................18
Low Voltage Cutoff............................................................................................20
Flight Guidelines and Warnings.........................................................................20
Flying Your 550X...............................................................................................20
Blade Tracking..................................................................................................21
Adjusting the Rudder Gain.................................................................................21
Post Flight Inspection and Maintenance Checklist.............................................21
AR7200BX Fine-Tuning and Adjustment ............................................................21
Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................................22
Limited Warranty ..............................................................................................23
Customer Service Information...........................................................................24
Compliance Information for the European Union................................................25
Exploded Views......................................................................................... 98-100
Parts List / Ersatzteile / Pièces de rechange / Pezzi di ricambio............... 101-103
Optional Parts / Optionale Bauteile / Pièces optionnelles / Pezzi opzionali...........103
Blade 550 X Specifications
®

4
EN
Assembly Guide Legend
Tools Needed To Complete
Required Items
Optional Items
OIL
2X
• 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, and 3mm hex drivers
• Ball link pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wire cutter
• Pitch gauge
• Metric calipers
• Petroleum based, light viscosity lube
• Medium cyanoacrolate (CA)
• 3 Servos
(3) H6040 servos (SPMSH6040)
included with combo BLH5525C
• Receiver/Flybarless control unit
AR7200BX (SPMAR7200BX)
included with combo BLH5525C
• DSMX Remote Receiver (SPM9645)
included with combo BLH5525C
• 1 Tail servo
(1) H6080G servo (SPMSH6080G)
included with combo BLH5525C
• E-flite 200W charger (EFLC3020)
• Dynamite®Li-Po Charge
Protection Bag, Large
(DYN1405)
• Control Rod Set Up Tool
(RVO1004)
• Celectra™ 15VDC 250W
Power Supply (EFLC4010)
• DSM2®/DSMX®compatible DX6i 6 channel
transmitter or higher
• 5000mAh 6S 22.2V 30C LiPo,
10AWG with EC5™ connector
(EFLB50006S30)
• E-flite®EC5 Device Charge
Lead with 6” Wire & Jacks,
12 AWG and EC5 connector
(EFLAEC512)
Apply Petroleum based,
light viscosity lube
Apply Synthetic Grease
Apply MEDIUM CA
Apply NO Threadlock
Apply BLUE Threadlock Loosely Tighten
Fully Tighten
Repeat Multiple Times

5EN
• The stepped sides of the washers should face the
radial bearings.
• Do not over-tighten. The follower arms should move
freely.
• Clean the threads in the spindle thoroughly with
alcohol before installation.
Head Assembly (H)
2X
Step H2
Step H1 parts (bags H1 and H2)
Step H2 parts (bag H1)
Step H3 parts (bags H1 and H2)Step H3
Step H1
Center sleeve
on the spindle
22mm
Damper
Damper
M4 X 22 cap head
shoulder bolt
M4 locknut
M3 X 18 cap head
shoulder bolt (x2)
M2 X 5 cap head bolt (x4)
Step washer (x4)
Damper (x2)
Spindle sleeve
M3 X 8 cap head bolt

6
EN
• Loosely install bolts B and C before tightening.
• The stepped washer faces the radial bearing in the
blade grip.
Head Assembly cont’d
2X
Step H4
Step H5
Step H4 parts (bag H3)
Step H5 parts (bag H4)
Smaller I.D. thrust washer race
Larger I.D. thrust washer race
Bearing cage
Spindle bolt washer
Thrust washer
Step washer
Thrust bearing (x2)
Thrust washer
10 X 14 X .8 (x2)
Spindle bolt washer
4 X 12 X 1 (x2)
Step washer (x2)
M4 X 12 bolt (x2)
M3 X 14 bolt (x2)
M3 X 8 bolt (x2)
Control ball (x2)
A
B
A
A
B
C
C
Larger inner
diameter (I.D.)
Smaller inner
diameter (I.D.)
WARNING: Any time you loosen the spindle bolts, completely clean the bolts with denatured
alcohol making sure you have removed any residual oil. When putting bolts back on, apply
medium-strength threadlock to the bolts and allow time for the threadlock (about 4 to 6 hours) to dry
before attempting to fly your helicopter.

7EN
• At this stage of the assembly, do not tighten
the bearing blocks or bottom plate screws.
Frame Assembly (F)
Step F1 parts (bags F1, F2, and F3)
Step F2 parts (bag F5)
Step F1
Step F2
ASSEMBLY NOTE: Before assembly, plan your wire routing for the servos. At any point where the servo wire is going to pass through or cross the frame plates,
use sandpaper to round the edge of the frame plate to prevent the wire from chafing.
Cap head bolt
M3 X 10 (x4)
Cap head bolt
M3 X 14 (x4)
Self tapping screw
M3 X 8 (x4)
M3 recessed washer (x8)
Button head screw
M3 X 12 (x6)
Self tapping screw
M3 X 12 (x4)
Servo washers (x10)
A
A
A
A
A
B
C
B
A
A
B
B
C
C
C
C
B
B
Top block
Middle block
4X

8
EN
Frame Assembly cont’d
Step F3
Step F4
• Slide the mainshaft into position, then tighten all the
frame and servo screws.
Step F3 parts (bags F3 and F5)
Step F4 parts (bag F4)
Setscrew
M3 X 11 (x2)
Button head screw
M3 X 12 (x6)
Cap head bolt
M3 X 10 (x4)
Canopy
mounting post (x2)
M3 Washer (x6)
M3 Recessed
washer (x4)
Button head screw
M3 X 12 (x4)
M3 Recessed washer (x6)
Self tapping screw
M3 X 8 (x4)
A
A
A
A
B
B
B

9EN
Frame Assembly cont’d
Step F6 parts (bag F6)
Step F5 parts (bag M1)
6mm, 14 tooth pinion gear
Setscrew M3 X 4 (x2)
Cap head bolt M3 X 10 (x8)
M3 Recessed washer (x8)
Washer (x1)
One way sleeve (x1)
Shoulder cap head bolt
M4 X 22
M4 Lock nut
Counter sunk self tapping
screw M3 X 8 (x5)
Setscrew M3 X 4 (x2)
Step F5
Step F6
3mm

10
EN
Step T1Step T1 parts (bag T1)
Step T2 parts (bag T1) Step T2
Hexagonal posts (x6)
Radial bearing
12 X 18 X 4 (x2)
Radial bearing
5 X 10 X 4 (x2)
Brass spacer
Cap head shoulder
bolt M3 X 18 (x4)
M3 Lock nut (x4)
Button head self tapping
screw M3 X 16 (x12)
Tail Assembly (T)

11 EN
2X
Tail Assembly cont’d
Step T3
Step T4
Step T3 parts (bags T2 and T3)
Step T4 parts (bags T4 and T5)
Cap head bolt M3 X 10 (x2)
Cap head bolt M3 X 8 (x4)
Button head screw
M3 x 10 (x2 )
M3 Recessed washer (x2)
Tail blade bolt (x2)
Tail blade nut (x2)
Thrust bearing (x2)
Thrust washer (x2)
Control ball (x2)
M4 x 3 Set screw
M3 X 8 Cap head
bolt (x2)
M3 Washer (x2)
A
B
A
B
AA
B
CB
C
BB
B
Small inner diameter race
Bearing cage
Large inner diameter race

12
EN
OIL
OIL
Step T6a
• Glue the torque tube bearings in place by placing a
thin bead of CA on the torque tube at the given loca-
tions (200mm, 200mm), then slide the bearings onto
the CA. Do not allow CA to get into the bearings.
• Use oil on the outside of the torque tube bearing
holders to ease installation into the boom.
• The stepped side of the washer faces the radial
bearing.
Tail rotor blade
removed for clarity
214 mm 200 mm 200 mm
Step T5Step T5 parts (bag T6)
Step T6a parts (bag T7)
Tail Assembly cont’d
Button head screw
M3 X 5 (x2)
Cap head bolt M3 X 25
M3 Step washer (x4)
Control ball
M3 Lock nut
viewed from back

13 EN
Step E1 parts (bag E1)
AR7200BX servo connections
BIND/DAT Bind plug, telemetry module or data
logger (optional)
AUX2 BEC
AUX3 BEC
THRO Speed control
Rx L Remote receiver
ELEV Center swashplate servo
AILE Left swashplate servo
AUX1 Right swashplate servo
RUDD Tail servo
TIP: Connect the remote receiver before plugging in the
servo leads.
Cap head
M3 X 10 (x4)
Recessed washer (x4)
Counter sunk screw
M3 X 8 (x2)
Tail Assembly cont’d
Step T6b Step T6b parts (bags T8 and T3)
Self tapping screw
M3 X 12 (x4)
Self tapping screw
M2.5 X 8 (x2)
M3 Recessed washer (x6)
Ball link (x2)
Rear pushrod guide insert
Front pushrod guide insert
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
B
B
A
230 mm
120 mm
Flybarless Control Unit and Remote Receiver
Double-sided
foam tape
Electronics Installation (E)
90°
AR7200BX Alignment
Front
viewed from top
A
90°
viewed
from back
Front Rear
viewed from left

14
EN
Electronics Installation cont’d
Speed control and BEC
Flight battery
AR7200BX Arming
1. Lower the throttle.
2. Power on the transmitter.
3. Center the throttle trim.
4. Turn throttle hold ON.
5. Attach hook material to the helicopter frame and
loop material to the battery.
6. Install the flight battery on the helicopter frame.
Secure the flight battery with a hook and loop
strap.
7. Connect the battery cable to the ESC.
8. Do not move the helicopter until the AR7200BX
initializes. The swashplate will move up and down,
indicating that the unit is ready. The AR7200BX will
also emit a solid BLUE Status LED when it is ready
9. The helicopter motor will emit a series of tones,
indicating the ESC is armed.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the Li-Po battery
from the aircraft receiver when not in use to
avoid over-discharging the battery. Batteries dis-
charged to a voltage lower than the lowest approved
voltage may become damaged, resulting in loss of per-
formance and potential fire when batteries are charged.
Double-sided foam tape
Loop material
Hook material
Hook and loop
strap
Hook and loop
material

15 EN
Servo ball link placement
Tail pushrod alignment
Tail servo Rear swash
servos (x2)
Front swash
servo
Canopy Installation
Main Rotor Installation
Servo Arms and Links Installation
15
• The rotor blades should be tight enough to hold their
position if you hold the helicopter sideways, but loose
enough to swing freely if you move the helicopter
and stop abruptly.
Main Rotor Blade parts
2X
Main Rotor Blades
Main blade shoulder bolt M4 X 30 (x2)
M4 Lock nut (x2)
Canopy Grommets
pg
Tail pitch bellcrank
neutral position
(viewed from the bottom)
Tail servo arm
neutral position
(viewed from the right side)
AA
Pushrod lengths
g
Swash to blade grip link, 68mm (x2)
68mm
Servo to swash link, 56mm (x3)
56mm
A
B
B
BB
Self tapping screw
M3 X 8 (x2)

16
EN
Throttle Hold
When you move the throttle hold switch to the ON position, the helicopter motor
turns off. You will still have control of the helicopter cyclic and rudder commands.
The blades spin if throttle hold is OFF. For safety, turn throttle hold ON any time
you need to touch the helicopter or check the direction controls.
You should also turn throttle hold ON to minimize damage if the helicopter is out
of control or in danger of crashing.
See your transmitter manual for more information on programming throttle hold.
SYSTEM LIST
Model Type
HELI
Swash Type
1 Servo 90
FUNCTION MODE
D/R & EXP
0-AILE 100% 30%
0-ELEV 100% 30%
0-RUDD 100% INH
1-AILE 85% 30%
1-ELEV 85% 30%
1-RUDD 85% INH
Thro Curve
NORM 0% 25% 47% 65% 70%
ST-1 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%
ST-2 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
HOLD 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Pitc Curve
NORM 30% INH 50% INH 100%
ST-1 0% INH 50% INH 100%
ST-2 0% INH 50% INH 100%
HOLD 0% INH 50% INH 100%
Travel Adj
THRO 100%
AILE 100%
ELEV 100%
RUDD 100%
GEAR 100%
PIT. 100%
Reversing SW
THRO N RUDD N
AILE R GEAR N
ELEV R PIT. N
Gyro SENS
AUTO F.MODE
STNT 84%
HOLD 84%
Timer
4:00
DX7/DX7se
DX6i
Programming Your Transmitter
Program your transmitter before attempting to bind or fly the helicopter. Transmitter programming values are shown below for the Spektrum DX6i, DX7/DX7se,
DX7s, DX8, and DX18. The files for models using Spektrum TM transmitters with AirWare™ software are also available for download online in the Spektrum Community.
SETUP LIST
Model Type
HELI
Reverse
THRO N
AILE R
ELEV R
RUDD N
GYRO N
PITC R
Swash Type
1 Servo 90
Timer
4:00
ADJUST LIST
D/R & Expo
0-AILE 100% 30%
0-ELEV 100% 30%
0-RUDD 100% INH
1-AILE 85% 30%
1-ELEV 85% 30%
1-RUDD 85% INH
Thro Curve
NORM 0% 40% 80% 80% 100%
STUNT 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
HOLD 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Pitc Curve
NORM 30% 40% 50% 75% 100%
STUNT 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
HOLD 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Travel Adj
THRO 100%
AILE 100%
ELEV 100%
RUDD 100%
GYRO 100%
PITC 100%
Gyro
Rate SW-F. Mode
NORM 84%
STUNT 84%
SYSTEM SETUP
Model Type
HELI
Swash Type
1 Servo Normal
F-Mode Setup
Flight Mode: F Mode
Hold: Hold
Frame Rate
11ms
DSMX
FUNCTION LIST
D/R & Expo
0-AILE 100% 30%
0-ELEV 100% 30%
0-RUDD 100% 0%
1-AILE 85% 30%
1-ELEV 85% 30%
1-RUDD 85% 0%
2-AILE 85% 30%
2-ELEV 85% 30%
2-RUDD 85% 0%
Throttle Curve
NORM 0% 25% 47% 65% 70%
ST-1 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%
ST-2 (DX8/18 only) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
HOLD 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Pitch Curve
NOR 30% 40% 50% 75% 100%
ST-1 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
ST-2 (DX8/18 only) 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
HOLD 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Reverse
THRO N
AILE R
ELEV R
RUDD N
GEAR N
PIT. N
Timer
MODE Countdown
TIME 4:00 Tone/Vibe
START Throttle Out
POS 25
Gyro
SW F Mode
CH Gear
NORMAL/POS 0 68%
STUNT 1/POS 1 68%
STUNT 2/POS 2 68%
HOLD 68%
SERVO SETUP
Travel
THRO 100%
AILE 100%
ELEV 100%
RUDD 100%
GEAR 100%
PIT. 100%
DX7s/DX8/DX18

17 EN
AR7200BX Recommended Blade 550 X Setup
Status-LED: OFF Purple Red Flashing Red Solid Blue Flashing Blue Solid
A Mounting orientation upright
(vertical) flat (horizontal)*
BSwashplate servo - frequency User defined 50 Hz 65 Hz 120 Hz 165 Hz 200 Hz*
CTail servo - center position pulse length User defined 960 μs 760 μs 1520 μs*
DTail servo - frequency User defined 50 Hz 165 Hz 270* Hz 333 Hz 560 Hz
ETail servo - rotor endpoints Tail stick - move to right endpoint and wait/left endpoint and wait
FTail - sensor direction normal reversed*
GSwashplate - servo centering Reference
position ELE center pos. AIL center pos. PIT center pos.
HSwashplate - mixer User defined mechanical 90° 120°* 140° 140° (1=1)
ISwashplate - servo directions nor|rev|rev nor|nor|rev* nor|rev|nor nor|nor|nor
JSwashplate - cyclic pitch geometry Aileron stick – adjust 6° cyclic pitch on the roll axis (blades aligned with fuselage)
K Collective pitch range Collective stick on max and min position and use tail stick to adjust desired pitch.
Stock settings provide +/- 14 degrees of collective pitch.
LSwashplate - cyclic limit Move aileron, elevator and pitch sticks – adjust max limits with tail stick
MSwashplate - sensor directions rev | rev rev | nor nor | rev nor | nor*
N Pirouette optimization direction normal reversed*
Status-LED: OFF Purple Red Flashing Red Solid Blue Flashing Blue Solid
ASwashplate -
cyclic center adjustment Aileron and elevator stick – reset with tail stick
B Control behavior User defined normal sport* pro extreme transmitter
CSwashplate - pitching up behavior User defined very low low medium* high very high
DTail - HeadingLock gain User defined very low low medium* high very high
E Stick deadband User defined 12* 34 5
FTail - torque precompensation IX) User defined off* low - nor high - nor low - rev high - rev
G Cyclic response User defined normal* slightly
increased* increased high very high
H Pitch boost User defined off* low medium high very high
PARAMETER MENU Menu LED is flashing quickly
SETUP MENU Menu LED solid
Firmware version 3.X.X
AR7200BX Parameter Menu Tips
Motor Direction Test
Refer to the Spektrum AR7200BX manual to fine tune the Blade 550 X to your
flying and control style via the AR7200BX parameter menu.
If you would like to change the control behavior of the flybarless system to a
pre-defined behavior in the AR7200BX, adjust parameter B (default behavior is
transmitter).
If you would like to have the cyclic behavior to feel more linear OR more like
a flybarred helicopter, increase the cyclic response by adjusting parameter G
(default is ‘normal’).
Refer to the Spektrum AR7200BX manual for specific details on each
parameter.
Place the helicopter outdoors on a clean, flat and level surface (concrete or
asphalt) free of obstructions. Always stay clear of moving rotor blades.
1. Power on the transmitter. Make sure TH HOLD is ON and the flight mode
switch is in the normal position.
WARNING: The motor will spin when throttle is increased
and TH HOLD is OFF.
2. Lower the throttle completely.
WARNING: Stay at least 45 feet (13 meters) away from
the helicopter when the motor is running.
3. Connect the Li-Po battery to the ESC.
4. Turn TH HOLD OFF. Slowly increase the throttle until the drive train begins to
turn. The main blades spin clockwise when viewing the helicopter from the top.
The tail rotor blades spin counterclockwise when viewing the helicopter from
the right-hand side.
NOTICE: If the drive train does not turn with the motor or spins counterclockwise,
turn TH HOLD ON. Disconnect the battery from the helicopter and reverse any
two motor wire connections to the ESC and repeat the motor control test.
Refer to the Spektrum AR7200BX manual for specific details.

18
EN
Control Tests
Mode 1
Neutral (Viewed from left) Neutral (Viewed from back)
Mode 2
Collective pitch
Swashplate set to 0° (Neutral)
Positive pitch (Viewed from left)
Negative pitch (Viewed from left)

19 EN
Mode 1
Mode 1
Mode 2
Mode 2
Elevator
Aileron
Forward elevator (Viewed from left)
Back elevator (Viewed from left)
Right aileron (Viewed from back)
Left aileron (Viewed from back)

20
EN
Consult local laws and ordinances before choosing a location
to fly your aircraft.
Select a large, open area away from people and objects. Your first flights should
be outdoors in low-wind conditions. Always stay at least 45 feet
(13 meters) away from the helicopter when it is flying.
Do not attempt to fly the Blade 550 X indoors.
CAUTION: The Blade 550 X is intended for pilots with experience flying
aerobatic, collective pitch helicopters. The Blade 550 X is more responsive
than other Blade helicopters. If you are not an experienced 3D or collective pitch
helicopter pilot, do not attempt to fly this product.
Takeoff
Gradually increase the throttle, allowing the rotors time to come up to speed.
CAUTION: Do not give any aileron, elevator or rudder commands before the
helicopter lifts off. Any control inputs prior to liftoff could cause a crash.
The helicopter will lift off the ground when the rotor head reaches a suitable
speed and you apply collective pitch. Once airborne, establish a low-level hover
to verify everything is functioning properly. DO NOT use trim to assist in holding
the Blade 550X in a desired position. The AR7200BX Flybarless Stabilization
System renders trim unnecessary by working to keep the helicopter in whatever
attitude you command with the control sticks.
Flying
This aircraft is extremely sensitive to control inputs. We recommend you fly at
low rate settings for the first few flights until you are familiar with its response.
For pilots new to collective pitch helicopters, familiarize yourself with your Blade
550 X in normal mode and at low rate.
CAUTION: Always fly the helicopter with your back to the sun and wind to
prevent loss of flight control.
Landing
Establish a low level hover. Deliberately lower the throttle until the helicopter
lands. Make only small control corrections during this time to avoid rotor blade
strikes or other damage.
When the helicopter is in stunt mode:
• The rotor head speed is constant.
• The main rotor will increase negative pitch as the throttle/collective stick is
moved from the middle stick position to the low stick position. Negative pitch
allows the helicopter to fly upside down and perform aerobatics.
Change between stunt and normal modes in a hover with the throttle near the
hovering stick position.
The helicopter may go up or down when you change between modes due to the
difference in the throttle and pitch curves.
NOTICE: To minimize damage, always activate throttle hold in preparation for or
during a crash.
WARNING: Only use Blade 550 X approved carbon fiber main blades.
Do not use wooden main blades with the Blade 550 X. Using wooden
main blades may cause injury or property damage.
As you become more familiar with the helicopter’s response, adjust the rates,
expo, pitch and throttle curves to suit your flying style.
Flight Guidelines and Warnings
Flying Your 550X
• Always keep aircraft in sight and under control.
• Always keep people and pets at least 45 feet (13 meters) away when the
battery is connected.
• Keep children out of the vicinity of this product at all times.
• Always turn on throttle hold at rotor strike.
• Always use fullly charged batteries.
• Always keep transmitter powered on while aircraft is powered.
• Always remove batteries before disassembly.
• Always keep moving parts clean.
• Always keep parts dry.
• Always let parts cool after use before touching.
• Always remove batteries after use.
• Always have a first aid kit with you.
• Always have an appropriate fire extinguisher with you.
• Never operate aircraft with damaged wiring.
• Never touch moving parts.
Low Voltage Cuto (LVC)
Low voltage cutoff (LVC) protects the Li-Po battery from overdischarge in flight
and activates when the battery reaches 3V per cell under load.
Set your transmitter timer for 4 minutes and land when the timer expires.
Repeatedly activating LVC damages the flight battery and you will need to
replace the battery.
Crash damage and battery damage are not covered under warranty.
Always disconnect and remove the Li-Po battery from the aircraft after each
flight. Charge your Li-Po battery to about half capacity before storage. During
storage, make sure battery charge does not fall below 3V per cell. A connected
battery will result in trickle discharge.