J. Perkins F9F Panther User manual

2
J Perkins Distribution Ltd declares that this remote controlled model is in compliance
with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
A copy of the declaration of conformity can be obtained from
J Perkins Distribution Ltd, Ashford rd, Lenham, Kent. ME17 2DL
WEEE Disposal
Do not dispose of this product with other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste
equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equip-
ment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natu-
ral resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local council, your
household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Guarantee/Warranty
J.Perkins Distribution Ltd Guarantee this product to be free from manufacturing and assembly defects for a period of
one year from the time of purchase. This does not affect your statuary rights. This warranty is not valid for any damage
or subsequent damage arising as a result of a crash, misuse, modication or for damage or consequential damage
arising as a result of failure to observe the procedures outlined in this manual. Operation of this model is carried out
entirely at the risk of the operator. Please note that, whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of instructions
and material included with this product, mistakes can occur J.Perkins Distribution Ltd nor it’s distributors will be held
liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this model or for any loss or damage arising from omissions or
inaccuracies in the associated instructions or materials included with this product
We reserve the right to modify the design of this product, contents and manuals without prior notication.
© 2010 J.Perkins Distribution Ltd, Lenham, Kent, UK ME17 2DL. www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk
All rights reserved. E&OE
Contents
Guarantee/Warranty .......................................................................... 2
Introduction........................................................................................ 3
Safety Instructions for Charging and Using Li-Poly Batteries ........... 3
Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 3
General Safety Statements ............................................................... 3
Main Specications............................................................................ 4
Required but not included.................................................................. 4
Illustration of Assembly...................................................................... 4
Preparation before ight .................................................................. 10
Recommended control throws for F9F Panther............................... 10
Check before ight........................................................................... 11
Flight Adjustment............................................................................. 11

3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the F9F Panther. This model is designed for the intermediate to ad-
vanced yer. The model is radio-ready and includes everything that you need to assemble and y
your F9F Panther, except for the radio transmitter and receiver. Please read the following instruc-
tions carefully, assembly is easy and should only take an hour or so.
WARNING – THIS IS NOT A TOY! Radio controlled model aircraft are capable of inicting seri-
ous 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 nd an experienced modeler to assist you.
In the UK, please observe the principles of safety as outlined by the governing body for model y-
ing, the British Model Flying Association (BMFA). www.bmfa.org
Completely read through this manual before starting construction.
Safety Instructions for Charging and Using Li-Poly Batteries
• Do not put the battery on, or near anything, that can catch re when charging.
• Always charge the battery on a non-ammable base i.e. a metal tray.
• Do not disassemble the battery.
• Do not short-circuit the battery.
• Do not use, or leave, the battery nearby a re, stove or heated place.
• Do not immerse the battery in water or seawater, do not get it wet.
• Do not charge the battery near a re or under the blazing sunlight.
• Do not drive a nail into the battery, strike it with hammer or apply excessive weight to the battery.
• Do not impact or throw the battery.
Safety Precautions
1. Please do not change any part of the plane without checking with J Perkins (Dist) Ltd. You will be responsible for
any damages caused by these changes.
2. Your ying area should be wide-open and free of obstacles. Never y near highways, railways, airports, power
lines or in residential areas.
3. To avoid personal injury, never y your model near or facing people, or throw the plane in their direction.
4. Do not y your model outdoors in winds over 3MPH.
5. Never dispose of batteries or parts of your model in a re as it could lead to an explosion and personal injury.
General Safety Statements
1. This aircraft is not a toy. It has been designed for the experienced modeller and pilot. You are responsible not to
cause damage to other’s personal property or cause personal injury.
2. This model is designed for use by modelers age 14 and over. This model is not recommended for unsupervised
modellers under 16 years of age.
3. Never use the model or associated electronics in damp or rainy conditions.
4. This material from which this model is made can be damaged by excessive heat. Keep your model away from
excessive heat or out of direct sunlight for extended time periods or it can become warped and affect the ight
performance of the model.
5. Never leave the battery connected while the model is unattended. Accidental operation can occur and cause
personal injury.
6. Before operating the model, make sure to turn on the radio system and check the functions before beginning
ight.
7. Always make sure the throttle at the transmitter has been moved to the low or off position before connecting the
motor battery.

4
Main Specications
Wingspan: 27” (685mm)
Fuselage length: 28-3/4” (730mm)
Flight weight: 19-1/2 oz. (552g)
64mm EDF
4300KV out-runner brushless motor.
3-cell 11.1V 1600mAh 20C lipo battery w/ genuine Deans Ultra Connector
30A ESC w/ BEC and genuine Deans Ultra Connector
3pcs. 9g Servo
Optional Landing Gear (Sold Separately) w/ steerable nose wheel and servo included
Required but not included
Radio System with minimum 3-channel Transmitter and Receiver
Battery charger capable of charging a 3-cell Lipo battery
Illustration of Assembly
1. Open box and carefully unwrap all parts.

5
2. Apply a small amount of epoxy to one 3. Apply a small amount of epoxy to the vertical
of the horizontal stabilizers. stabilizer slot for the horizontal stabilizer
and glue it in place. Repeat for other side.
4. Check that horizontal stabilizers are 5. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the root of
at 90 degrees to the n. one wing panel.
6. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the wing tabs 7. Attach and hold the wing in place until
on the fuselage. the epoxy cures. Repeat for other wing.

6
8. Insert the aileron servo wires into the 9. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the bottom of
holes in the fuselage and route to Rx. the vertical stabilizer with the foam insert
on the right side removed.
10. Carefully install the vertical stabilizer onto the fuselage, making sure the elevator tube
goes into the exit slot. Be sure not to foul the pushrod opening with glue.
11. Epoxy the area where the foam insert goes and carefully install the insert while
making sure the elevator tube goes into the exit slot.

7
12. Slide the elevator pushrods through the tubes and attach the plastic clevises. Center
the elevator servo and while holding the elevators in the neutral position, tighten the
connector screw on the servo horn with a screwdriver.
13. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the nose cone and attach it to the fuselage, making sure it
is aligned properly.
14. The hatch has magnets at the front and a tab at the back. Lift from the front and slide
forward to remove the hatch. Install your receiver using double sided tape or Velcro.

8
15. If not installing the optional landing gear (sold separately), glue the front plastic
nose cover on with contact adhesive or 5-minute epoxy.
16. Installing the optional landing gear (sold separately). Remove the plastic covers on the
wings. Use 5-minute epoxy to install the plastic landing gear base. Next, feed the steering
servo wire into the nose and glue the nose gear base in place. Connect the nose wheel
steering lead to the rudder channel on your receiver.

9
17. Install the battery pack in the nose and position to achieve proper center of gravity.
18. Aileron control throws are 3/8” Up and Down on Low Rates. They are 1/2” Up and Down
on High Rates.
19. Elevator control throws are 3/16” Up and Down on Low Rates. They are 5/16” Up and
Down on High Rates.

10
20. The Center of Gravity for the F9F Panther is 1-3/4” (45mm) back from the leading edge
of the wing where it meets the fuselage. Adjust the position of the battery to achieve correct
balance. Never attempt to y a model that is not correctly balanced.
Preparation before ight
21. Set throttle to the lowest position and set transmitter trims to neutral.
22. Turn on the transmitter
23. Connect the ight battery to the ESC. After ESC initializes check that the correct chan-
nel is
controlling each control surface and that they are traveling in the correct direction when
commanded. Example: right stick moved to the right and the aileron on the right wing
moves upward while the aileron on the left wing moves downward.
24. Adjust each control surface to its neutral position by mechanically adjusting each clevis.
Recommended control throws for F9F Panther
Elevator
Low Rates 3/16” Up and Down
High Rates 5/16” Up and Down
Aileron
Low Rates 3/8” Up and Down
High Rates 1/2” Up and Down
After initial ights adjust the cotrol throws to best suit your ying style and ability.

11
Check before ight
1. Make sure that your transmitter is fully charged. Conduct a range test of your radio system per the manufactur-
er’s specs.
2. Check all ying surfaces for correct direction of movement, correct amount of movement and for correct center-
ing, adjust as required.
3. Fully charge your ight batteries prior to ying.
4. Hand launch into the wind and land into the wind.
Flight Adjustment
1. On initial ight climb to about 75-100 feet and see if any trim is required. If the model rolls to the right, apply some
left aileron trim to level the wings. If the model dives, apply some up elevator trim, etc.
2. Landing should be made into the wind, reduce the throttle to just above idle and keep the nose level or a little
high allowing the airplane to sink toward the ground. Apply a little throttle as the model reaches an altitude of a
foot or so, this will slow the descent and aid in the are to a smooth landing.

12
J Perkins Distribution, Lenham, UK
www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk