Max-Thrust Douglas A1 Skyraider User guide

Douglas A1 Skyraider
Sport Scale Model Aircraft
Assembly and Instruction Manual
Warning:
This radio controlled model is not a toy. It requires skill to fly and is not recommended for
the novice pilot. It should not be operated by children without the supervision of a suitably
experienced adult. Max-Thrust reserves the right to modify the specification of this model at
any time.
© entury UK Limited 2011. All rights reserved.

Safety Precautions
1) Do not attempt to repair or modify this aircraft with non-factory parts.
2) Never fly this model over roads, railway lines, near to power lines, airports, buildings or
any people.
3) Do not fly this model in excessively strong winds, in the rain, or thunderstorms.
4) Do not fly or launch the model towards people.
5) Keep hands and face away from rotating propeller at all times.
6) We strongly recommend that all fixings and fasteners used in the construction of this
model are checked regularly for integrity. Failure to do so could cause a crash or personal
injury.
7) We only recommend the use of 2.4GHz radio equipment with this model.
Disclaimer
1) This radio controlled model is not a toy. Used incorrectly it is capable of inflicting serious
injury to persons or damage to property. The owner/pilot assumes all responsibility for
any damage to persons or property resulting from the use of this product.
2) The manufacturer and distributor decline all responsibility for any liability arising from
use of this product.
3) It is very important that you follow all instructions for assembling and setting up of this
model. Failure to do so could result in a loss of control and possibly a crash.
Overvie
Thank-you for purchasing this MAX-THRUST Douglas A1 Skyraider radio controlled model
aircraft.
The A1 Skyraider offers a stunning combination of terrific looks and sensational flight
performance. Manufactured from “EPOFLEXY” it is extremely robust, however, in the
event of a “less than perfect” arrival, we supply a range of spares to get you flying again in
the shortest time. It is capable of a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres to thrill the
experienced pilot, but with reduced control throws it provides a solid and predictable flight
performance, perfect for the sports flyer. We are certain you will enjoy your new model,
please take the time to read this manual thoroughly and understand its contents completely
prior to commencing assembly.
Key Features
Powerful Brushless Motor
80A Brushless ES
Retracting Undercarriage
Highly Detailed 4 Blade Propeller
Factory Applied Decals
Pre-Installed servos
“Live” ontrol Surface Hinging
Durable “EPOFLEXY” onstruction
Steerable Retractable Tail Wheel
Specification
Wingspan: 1600mm
Length: 1232mm
Flying Weight: 2800g
Motor: 4258 Out-Runner
ES : 80A
Servos: 4 x 9g - 2 x 17g
Battery: 3350mAh - 5550mAh 4S 14.8V Li-Po (Not Included)
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Parts List.
1. Fuselage 9. Drop Tank
2. Wing Panels 10. Bombs
3. Horizontal Stabilizer 11. Retracts and Doors
4. Fin & Rudder 12. Fixings Pack
5. Aerial 13. Propeller
6. Wing Guns 14. Propeller Adaptor
7. anopy 15. “Y” Leads
8. Main Spar
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13 14 15

Tools required to complete
1. Screwdrivers 4. Scissors
2. Pliers 5. Measure or Ruler
3. Modelling Knife
Additional items required to complete
3350mAh - 5550mAh 4S 14.8V Li-Po battery (POWER-TE H 5550mAh 33 4S 14.8V
recommended Part No. PT-B-3355504S)
harger (Power-Tech 6, B606 or X-Drive 6 recommended)
2.4GHz Transmitter
2.4GHz Receiver
Self-Adhesive Tape
Thread Locking ompound
Recommended Item:
Servo Tester (Power-Tech, Part No. PT-A -ST)
Please ote:
“EPOFLEXY” is a very tough and durable material perfect for the manufacture of model
aircraft. When using screwed fixings with “EPOFLEXY” components it is important to
tighten the screws sufficiently to provide a firm fixing.
Excess tightening could result in the foam material becoming compressed, possibly damaging
or distorting the part. Take care to ensure that all screws are tightened sufficiently to provide
a firm fixing, but do-not over tighten. We recommend that all fixings are checked regularly
for security and safety purposes.
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1. Hinge check
heck that all control surface hinges are firmly secured. If required they can be glued in
position using a small quantity of the supplied adhesive.
2. Horizontal Tail Plane
Fix the elevator control horn in the moulded recess
as shown using two M2 x 15mm screws, (image 1).
Make certain that the plastic horn is fitted to the
correct side, with the plastic reinforcement plate
fixed in the moulded recess on the top side of the
elevator.
1
Using a light grade abrasive paper, lightly abrade the painted mating surfaces where the
horizontal tail plane joins the fuselage. This provides a good key for the adhesive. (image 2).
Glue the horizontal tail plane in position using the supplied adhesive, (image 3). Secure in
position using the two M3 x 40mm screws, (image 4). Use the adhesive sparingly towards
the edges of the parts to be glued and immediately wipe any excess from the joint.
2 4
3. Vertical Fin & Rudder
Fix the plastic rudder control horn in the moulded recess using two M2 x 30mm screws,
(image 5). Make certain that the plastic horn is fitted to the correct side, with the
reinforcement plate fixed in position on the opposite side of the rudder.
Using a light grade abrasive paper, lightly abrade the painted mating surfaces of the rudder
and horizontal tail plane to provide a good key for the adhesive, (image 6).
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Apply adhesive sparingly to the mating surface of
the horizontal tail plane and push the fin assembly
into position. Remove any excess adhesive
immediately. Secure in place using the two M3 x
40mm screws via the fixing holes positioned
underneath the fuselage, (image 7).
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4. Fuselage Control Rods
entre the elevator and rudder servos. onnect the
elevator and rudder plastic links to their control
horns. Make certain that the control surfaces are in
their neutral positions and that the plastic links are
“snapped” closed, (image 8). Any minor adjustments
to the neutral positions of the control surfaces can be
made by rotating the plastic link on the threaded
portion of the control rod.
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5. Wing Assembly
The main retract units will need fitting, these are
handed as they twist during the retract and lowering
process.
The wheels should be located on the outside edge of
the oleos when the retracts are lowered. This can be
tested with the units powered up, or with a Power-
Tech Servo Tester. 9
THE RETRACTS SHOULD EVER BE FORCED
onnect the electronic retract unit to the extension lead located in the retract bay, then
ensuring that the servo lead is tucked neatly inside the wing panel, the retract unit can be
sunken into the wing. (image 9)
Locate the twist plate on to the retract unit, the four
holes should line up with the holes in the retract base.
Two M3 x 20mm screws can be screwed into the
trailing edge of the retract unit and twist plate. The
retract cover can be lined up with the leading edge of
the retract cover and secured using two more M3 x
20mm screws. (image 10)
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You may wish to connect the retract door to the leg so the door will close when the leg
retracts, this can be done with a small length of wire tied through hole in the door and the
hole halfway up the oleo itself.
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Starting with the left hand wing panel, fix the aileron
control horn and its backing plate in position using the
four M2 x 15mm screws. The flap control horn is
secured in position using four M2 x 25 mm screws.
heck the operation of the wing servos and ensure
they are correctly centred. Locate the aileron and flap
control rods and connect them to their respective
servos, (image 11 ).
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ote: The Z-bend of the control rod is located on the outermost hole on the servo horn.
onnect the plastic control links to the corresponding horns on the control surfaces, ensuring
that the control surfaces are in their neutral positions
and that the plastic links are “snapped” closed. Any
minor adjustments can be made by rotating the
plastic link on the threaded portion of the control rod.
Locate the wooden wing spar and dry-fit the two
wing halves to ensure a good fit. Make certain that all
of the servo leads are routed correctly and there are
no gaps at the root of the panels, (image 12).
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ote: Due to the moulding process, a very small amount of trimming may be required to
obtain a perfect fit.
For ease of transportation and storage, it is possible to fly your A1 Skyraider without using
adhesive to join the wing panels. However, we always recommend that they are glued
together as this provides a huge amount of additional strength to the model.
Remove the panels from the spar and lightly abrade
the mating surfaces of the wing roots to ensure a
good key for the adhesive. Apply adhesive to one
half of the spar and slide into position on the
corresponding wing panel. Then apply adhesive to
the root section of that wing panel and the remaining
exposed section of the spar (image 13). Slide the
remaining wing panel onto the spar ensuring that the
servo leads are routed correctly and not
13 interfering with the fit.
if you wish to fit the optional guns and bombs
(included) do so now using the supplied adhesive,
(image 14).
ote: The centre drop tank is held in position with
pre-installed magnetic catches. 14
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Position the wing onto the fuselage and fix in place
with the two M3 x 50mm screws, (image 15). Make
certain that all control wires are kept inside the
fuselage and do not foul the wing seat area.
onnect aileron (marked H1) and flap (marked
H6) control leads to the corresponding “Y” lead
connectors. The retracting undercarriage main and
tail wheel control leads connect to the “Y” connector
with 3 female sockets. (marked H5) 15
6. Receiver installation.
ote: We only recommend the use of 2.4GHz radio equipment with this model and make the
following recommendations for receiver location and mounting. These must be followed in
conjunction with the instructions supplied by your receiver manufacturer.
onnect the aileron (marked H1), retracting gear (marked H5) and flap (marked H6)
“Y” leads to corresponding outputs on your receiver. Locate the leads from the ES , the lead
marked 3 is the throttle control and should be connected to the corresponding output on your
receiver. Please double check that all plugs are connected to the correct outputs on your
receiver and that all leads are routed in a neat and
tidy manner.
Mount the receiver inside the fuselage as shown,
(image 16) using your choice of double sided self-
adhesive or “Velcro” tape. The ES should be fixed
inside the fuselage securely where it will not foul
any moving parts.
The 3 airbrakes should be connected together using
the supplied connector, these can then be plugged into 16
a spare accessory channel in the receiver.
7. Final Assembly
Test all servo connections, and make sure that all control surfaces are operating correctly.
Once you are happy that everything is working, it may be easier to manoeuvre the model with
the wing removed.
Fit the aluminium propeller adaptor to the motor
using the 4 x M2.5 x 10mm cap head screws. It is
very important that these fixings are tightened
securely. Slide the propeller onto the shaft, making
sure it is slotted over the keyed prop adapter. Next fit
the spinner washer and secure in position with the
securing bolt (image 17). For optimum performance,
some pilots may wish to balance the propeller. It is
17 very important that the propeller bolt is secure.
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If you wish to install a pilot figure, do so now. We recommend that you drill two small holes
as shown in the clear canopy to allow any heat to disperse, (image 18). The canopy cover
may require some trimming to obtain a perfect fit. This should be tested and trimmed if
necessary before the canopy is assembled. arefully apply adhesive to the foam section of the
canopy assembly. Use the adhesive sparingly and position the clear canopy in place on the
moulding, (image 19). Allow to dry thoroughly before attempting to fit the assembly onto the
fuselage.
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The canopy is held in position with pre-installed magnetic catches. Do not attempt to fly the
model without the canopy secured in position.
8. Battery Installation
Your flight battery, (not included) needs to be firmly
secured in the battery compartment to prevent it from
moving in flight, (image 20). The model includes one
battery positioning strap, however the battery will
require an additional method of fixing to provide
adequate security. Because most experienced pilots will
have a preferred method of battery retention, this has not
been included with the model. We recommend the use of
additional straps combined with self-adhesive 20
“Velcro” tape.
9. Final Checks
Double check that all fixings and fasteners used on the model are secure, including snap
links, servos screws, wheel retaining screws etc. heck that all control surfaces are moving in
the correct direction in relation to control inputs from your transmitter.
We recommend the following control throws for initial flights, however these can be adjusted
to suit your personal preference after flight testing has been completed.
Elevator: 10mm deflection each way.
Ailerons: 10mm deflection each way.
Rudder: 20mm deflection each way.
Flaps: 45° deflection maximum.
The centre of gravity of your A1 Skyraider is 105mm back from the furthest forward point of
the wing. Using the recommended 5550mAh flight battery, this centre of gravity should be
easily achieved. If you choose to use a lighter battery it will be necessary to additional ballast
to the model in order to achieve the correct centre of gravity.
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