Sierra Butterfly User manual
Page 12 Page 1
Balance the aircraft right side up with the LiPO battery installed. Move the LiPO battery forward or aft until the aircraft sits level or slightly
nose down when you lift it up at the balance point. Do not fly the aircraft if it's tail heavy.
C/G AND BALANCING
CONTROL THROWS
Elevator: 16mm (5/8") Up and Down
25mm (1") Up and Down Maximum
Rudder: 22mm (7/8") Right and Left
32mm (1-1/4") Up and Down Maximum
Test Flying
THE CONTROL THROWS ARE MEASURED FROM THE WIDEST POINT OF THE CONTROL SURFACES.
We recommend initially setting up the aircraft using the Test Flying
control throws. These control throws are suggested for initial test
flying because they will allow the aircraft to fly smoother and make it
easier to control. The Test Flying control throws are also suggested for
training. For more "spirited" control response, increase the control
throws by 3mm (1/8") at a time until you're satisfied with the result,
but only AFTER you've become familiar with the flight characteristics
of the aircraft using the Test Flying control throws. Do not increase
the control throws beyond the maximum indicated.
PREFLIGHT CHECK AND SAFETY
? Check the operation of the throttle. Double-check that you're getting full power when the throttle control stick is at full. If you're using
a computer radio, you may need to increase your throttle channel's EPA setting to result in full power. (Refer to your radio system's
operating guide for further information.)
? Check the condition of the transmitter batteries. They should be fully charged.
? Check every glue joint in the aircraft to ensure that everything is tight and well-bonded.
? Double-check that you've installed and tightened all of the servo horn retaining screws.
? Double-check that the LiPO battery is secured into place. There's nothing worse than the LiPO battery coming loose during flight.
? Double-check the balance of the aircraft. Do this with the LiPO battery installed and the aircraft ready to fly.
? Check the control surfaces. They should all move in the correct direction and not bind.
? If your radio transmitter is equipped with dual rate switches, double-check that they are on the low-rate setting for your first few flights.
? Check to ensure that all of the control surfaces are moving the proper amount in both low and high rate settings.
? Check the receiver antenna. It should be fully extended and not coiled up inside the fuselage. Do not cut the receiver antenna shorter
or the range of your radio control system will be greatly reduced.
? You should complete a successful range check of your radio equipment prior to each new day of flying, or prior to the first flight of a
new or repaired model.
? You should not knowingly operate your R/C radio system within 3 miles of a preexisting model club flying field without a frequency
sharing agreement with that club.
BALANCE POINT (C/G):
? 64-76mm (2-1/2"-3") back from the leading edge of the wing, measured at the fuselage sides.
IMPORTANT It is critical that your airplane be balanced correctly. Incorrectly balancing your airplane can cause your airplane to
lose control and crash!
FEATURES
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
? 3-Channel Control is Perfect for Training
? Factory-Cut Foam Parts with High Visibility Colour Scheme
? Designed for Affordable Brushless Power Systems
? Full-Shape Fuselage with Carbon Fibre Tail Boom
? Carbon Fibre Stiffeners for Added Strength
? Prebent Wire Landing Gear with Lightweight Wheels
? Quick-Release Wing Allows Easy Battery Access
? Carbon Fibre Pushrods with Micro Clevises and Control Horns
? Photo-Illustrated Assembly Instructions
SPECIFICATIONS
? Wing Span: 889mm (35 Inches)
? Wing Area: 19.35dm2 (300 Square Inches)
? Length: 914mm (36 Inches)
? Weight RTF: 249gr (8.8 Ounces)
? Wing Loading: 12.86gr/dm2 (4.23 Ounces/Square Foot)
? Functions: Elevator, Rudder and Throttle
? Motor Required: Micro 30 Gram Motor (2205/21 Brushless Outrunner)
? ESC Required: Micro 10-15 Amp Brushless
? Battery Required: 2 Cell 900mAH LiPO
BUTTERFLY
BUTTERFLY
Instruction Manual
Page 2 Page 11
Thank you for purchasing the Butterfly. We're confident that the quality of your new aircraft meets and even exceeds your
expectations. Before completing the final assembly of your new aircraft, please carefully read through these assembly
instructions in their entirety. Doing so will ensure your success the first time around!
These assembly instructions are designed to guide you through the entire assembly process of your new aircraft in the least amount of
time possible. Along the way you'll learn how to properly assemble your new aircraft and also learn tips that will help you in the future.
We have listed some of our recommendations below. Please read through them before beginning assembly.
Please read through each step before beginning assembly. You
should find the layout very complete and straightforward. Our goal
is to guide you through assembly without any of the headaches and
hassles that you might expect.
There are check boxes next to each procedure. After you
complete a procedure, check off the box. This will help prevent you
from losing your place.
Cover your work table with brown paper or a soft cloth, both to
protect the table and to protect the parts.
Keep a couple of small bowls or jars handy to put the small parts
in after you open the accessory bags.
We're all excited to get a new aircraft in the air, but take your
time. This will ensure you build a straight, strong and great flying
aircraft.
I
f you come across this symbol , it means that this is an
important point or an assembly hint.
This R/C aircraft is not a toy! If misused or abused, it can cause serious bodily injury and/or damage to property. Fly only in open
areas and preferably at a dedicated R/C flying site. We suggest having a qualified instructor carefully inspect your aircraft before its first
flight. Please carefully read and follow all instructions included with this aircraft, your radio control system and any other components
purchased separately.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY WARNING
The following tools and supplies will be required to complete the final assembly of your new aircraft. We suggest having these
items onhand prior to beginning final assembly.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIED REQUIRED
Foam-Safe
C/A
Foam-Safe
C/A Kicker
Modeling
Knife Phillips
Screwdriver
Needle Nose
Pliers w/Wire
Cutters
Straight
Edge Ruler
Double-Sided
Tape
Clear Tape
Pencil
Heat Gun
SolderSoldering Iron
Soldering Iron and Solder used for installing plugs on your battery and ESC.
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................2
SAFETY WARNING ..................................................................................2
TOOLS AND SUPPLIED REQUIRED .......................................................2
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................3
LIPO BATTERY WARNINGS - PLEASE READ BEFORE CHARGING....3
KIT CONTENTS ........................................................................................4
TIPS FROM THE PROS - AND A WARNING ABOUT GLUING FOAM ....5
WINGSAIL EP FINAL ASSEMBLY ............................................................5
BALANCING............................................................................. Back Cover
CONTROL THROWS............................................................... Back Cover
PREFLIGHT CHECK AND SAFETY ........................................Back Cover
? Glue the first 25mm (1") of the outer wing panel to the centre wing panel,
making sure that the leading edges of both wing panels are even.
?Pull the trailing edge of the outer wing panel down even with the trailing
edge of the centre wing panel, then double-check that there are few or no gaps
in the wing joint. If there are gaps present, lightly sand the edge of the outer
wing panel until you're satisfied with the fit.
? When satisfied with the fit, glue the last 25mm (1") of the outer wing panel
to the centre wing panel, then sand the trailing edges of the two wing panels
even with each other.
?Turn the wing over and apply a bead of glue to the entire length of the
bottom of the wing joint, making sure to apply glue around the three plywood
wing supports.
? Apply a strip of clear tape (not included) across the top of the glue joint to
reinforce it.
? Repeat the previous procedures to align and install the left-hand outer wing panel to the centre wing panel.
STEP 14: MOUNTING THE WING
? Set the wing onto the wing saddle and push it forward, making sure that the dowels in the leading edge of the wing fully engage the
matching holes in the front of the wing saddle.
? Carefully but firmly pull the wing mounting latch backward, line up the
plywood tab in the trailing edge of the wing with the slot in the latch, then release
the wing mounting latch to capture the plywood tab.
IMPORTANT The wing mounting latch should fully capture the plywood
tab and hold the wing securely in place.
THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
?
Apply a strip of clear tape (not included) across the top of the glue joint to
?
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?
?
?
When satisfied with the fit, glue the last 25mm (1") of the outer wing panel
?
?
Glue the first 25mm (1") of the outer wing panel to the centre wing panel,
Page 10 Page 3
? Slide one wheel onto each axle and secure the wheels into place, using
the two plywood wheel retainers.
IMPORTANT Apply a couple of drops of glue to each of the plywood
wheel retainers to lock them into place. Be careful not to get any glue on
the wheels.
STEP 12: INSTALLING THE RECEIVER, LIPO BATTERY AND PROPELLER
? Plug the elevator, rudder and ESC leads into their proper slots in your
receiver.
? Mount your receiver to the rear of the fuselage floor, using a piece of double-
sided foam tape (not included).
? Run the antenna out through the carbon fibre tail boom.
? Install plugs onto your LiPO battery that are compatible with the plugs on
your ESC, making sure that the polarity is correct.
? Mount your battery to the fuselage side, using a piece of hook and loop
material.
IMPORTANT Depending on the weight of your LiPO battery, you may need to mount your LiPO battery either fore or aft of where
it's shown in the photo below to balance the aircraft.
? Install your propeller onto your motor. If you're using the recommended KMS
Quantum 2205/21 brushless Outrunner motor, hook the rubber O-ring over one
propeller retaining screw, then carefully pull the O-ring over the propeller hub
and hook it over the opposite propeller retaining screw.
WARNING Before installing the propeller in the next procedure, make sure that your LiPO battery is unplugged. This will eliminate
any chance of the motor turning on while you're installing the propeller.
STEP 13: INSTALLING THE OUTER WING PANELS
? Working with the right-hand outer wing panel for now, line up the outer wing
panel with the centre wing panel. When aligned correctly, the leading edge of
both wing panels should be even and there should be few or no gaps in the
wing joint.
IMPORTANT To eliminate any gaps in the wing joint, you may have to
lightly sand the edge of the outer wing panel to fit perfectly. Be careful not
to alter the angle that's precut into the edge of the outer wing panel!
This section describes our recommendations to help you in deciding which types of accessories to purchase for your new aircraft.
Please read through this entire section very carefully. We have provided you with recommendations that, if
followed, will result in a great flying aircraft. Failure to follow our recommendations may result in a poor
flying aircraft.
Xtra 2mm
Gold Plugs
The Butterfly EP is designed to be flown using a Micro 30 gram brushless Outrunner motor. We recommend the Quantum
2205/21 brushless Outrunner motor with an 8x3.8 Slow Flyer propeller, 10 amp brushless ESC and an 2
cell 900mAH LiPO battery. This combination will give good performance and flight times, and is cost effective.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED POWER SYSTEM
You will need to use a 3 or more channel transmitter with a 4 or more
channel micro receiver. Ideally, your transmitter should feature dual
rates and servo reversing.
The receiver should be as light as possible, preferably around 9
grams, and include a crystal that is compatible with your transmitter.
The servos you use should be the lightest available, yet still have
an adequate amount of torque. We suggest using servos that weigh
no more than 5 grams and have a torque rating of no less than
10 ounces per square inch.
RECOMMENDED RADIO, RECEIVER AND SERVOS
Quantum 2205/21
Brushless Outrunner Motor
10A
Brushless ESC
8x3.8SF
Composite Propeller
2C 900mAH LiPO Battery DC LiPO Charger
3 or More Channel
Transmitter 4 Gram Servos x2 4 Channel
Micro Receiver
Crystal to
Suit Receiver
? This product may explode or catch fire. Serious injury can result from misuse. Serious injury, loss of property, fire and death can result
from misuse of this product.
? All instructions, warnings and cautions must be followed at all times. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or fire.
? Do NOT use this product before reading and understanding all directions and warnings.
? Do NOT use or charge if the battery is hot.
? Do NOT leave in direct sunlight or in a hot car or storage area.
? Do NOT overcharge. Maximum voltage for each pack must be followed.
? Do NOT get wet or expose to moisture.
? Do NOT short-circuit the LiPO battery.
? ONLY discharge and charge the LiPO battery outdoors or in a firesafe container.
? Do NOT leave the LiPO battery connected when not in use.
? Do NOT operate or charge unattended.
? Do NOT use the product if you do not understand the warnings and proper use of the product.
?Always let the LiPO battery cool and "rest" between uses and charging.
? We recommend the use of a firesafe container when charging or storing.
LIPO BATTERY WARNINGS - PLEASE READ BEFORE CHARGING
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Before you begin assembly of your new aircraft, group the parts as we list them below. This will ensure that you have all of the parts before
you begin assembly and it will also help you become familiar with each part.
l Do NOT charge inside your car or inside your house.
l Inspect the LiPO battery before each use for swelling or other malformation. If the cell has ballooned, it MUST be discarded.
l First check the polarity and then connect the LiPO battery to your charger.
l In use, do not over-discharge or exceed maximum discharge.
lDo NOT use the product if you do not understand the warnings and proper use of the product.
lAlways let the battery cool and "rest" between uses and charging.
l To avoid over-discharging, only use a speed control that is made for LiPO batteries.
l We recommend the use of a resafe container when charging or storing.
l Do NOT charge inside your car or inside your house.
l Inspect the battery before each use for swelling or other malformation. If the cell has ballooned, it MUST be discarded.
l Set the charger to 1C (charge at 1/2C or less for the rst 5 cycles).
l Check polarity and then connect battery to charger.
l In use, do not over-discharge or exceed maximum discharge.
l When handling the battery, remember not to poke, bend or damage the cells. The cell's outer casing is soft and can be damaged.
lRemember, the cells must never exceed 71º Celcius (160º Fahrenheit) for any reason.
CentreWingPanel HorizontalStabiliserOuterWingPanels Fuselage
VerticalStabiliser MiscellaneousPartsLandingGearandWheels Pushrods,ControlHornsandClevises
if You find anY parTs missinG or damaGed, please conTacT Your local dealer
direcTlY, usinG The separaTe sheeT included wiTh Your kiT.
imporTanT The rudder pushrod is assembled and installed using the same techniques that you used to assemble and install the
elevator pushrod.
q Centre the rudder servo, then slide the end of the carbon bre pushrod
through the predrilled hole in the plywood pushrod support on the carbon bre
tail boom, then through the predrilled hole in the top of the forward vertical
stabiliser mount.
q Attach the servo arm to the servo, making sure that it's centred and that the
pushrod is toward the of the fuselage.
qAssemble and install the rudder pushrod into the hole that is ~13mm (1/2") out from the centre of the servo horn.
q Secure the pushrod assembly to the rudder control horn, making sure that
both the rudder servo and the rudder are centred. Install the pushrod wire and
snap-keeper into the in the control horn.
imporTanT Before securing the pushrod assembly to the rudder control horn, remember to place a piece of tinfoil between the
pushrod and the aircraft to prevent the heat gun from damaging the foam.
q Position the plywood pushrod support so that it's centred between the back
of the fuselage and the front of the horizontal stabiliser,then rotate it until both
pushrods are as straight as possible.
q When satised with the alignment, glue the plywood pushrod support to the
carbon bre tail boom.
q Push the landing gear wire rmly down into the mounting slot in the bottom
of the fuselage, making sure that the landing gear wire is straight when viewed
from the front.
qApply a thin layer of glue to the plywood landing gear retainer, then push
the plywood landing gear retainer rmly down into the mounting slot to lock the
landing gear wire in place.
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q Cut two pieces of wire to a length of 38mm (1-1/2"), then make a 5mm
(3/16") long 90º bend in one end of each piece of wire. Next, make a very short
90º bend [~1mm (1/16")] in the other end of each wire.
imporTanT The short 90º bend will help lock each wire to the carbon
bre rod when the heat-shrink tubing is installed.
q Cut two pieces of heat-shrink tubing to a length of 38mm (1-1/2"), then cut one carbon bre pushrod to a length of 495mm (19-1/2").
qAttach the longer 90º bend in one piece of wire into the hole that is ~13mm
(1/2") out from the centre of your servo arm, using one snap-keeper.
q Slide one piece of heat-shrink tubing over one end of the carbon bre
pushrod.
q With the end of the carbon bre pushrod pushed against the back edge of
the snap-keeper, slide the heat-shrink tubing up over the wire, then use a heat
gun to shrink the heat-shrink tubing and secure the two parts together.
qCentre the elevator servo (the servo on the right side of the fuselage), then
slide the plain end of the carbon bre pushrod through one predrilled hole in
the plywood pushrod support on the carbon bre tail boom, then through the
predrilled hole in the bottom of the forward horizontal stabiliser mount.
q Attach the servo arm to the servo, making sure that it's centred and that the
pushrod is toward the of the fuselage.
q Slide the second piece of heat-shrink tubing over the end of the carbon
bre pushrod, then attach the second piece of wire to the in the
control horn, using one snap-keeper.
q Centre both the elevator servo and the elevator, then slide the heat-shrink
tubing over the wire.
q Double-check that both the elevator servo and the elevator are still
centred, then use a heat-gun to shrink the heat-shrink tubing.
pro Tip Place a piece of tinfoil between the pushrod and the aircraft to
prevent the heat gun from damaging the foam.
l The Wingsail EP is constructed of foam. To make assembly quicker and easier, we suggest using Foam-Friendly C/A and
Foam-Friendly C/A "Kicker". AND
l When applying clear tape to the airframe (to hinge the elevator and rudder, for example), you must not lift the tape back up or the
printed graphics will be pulled away from the foam. Do not use masking tape to hold parts in place.
l Make sure to test-t the parts together before applying glue. This will ensure that the parts t properly before gluing them together.
l We do not suggest storing your aircraft in an extremely hot environment (like the back of your car in direct sunlight) for any length
of time. The extreme heat could damage the foam parts and possibly damage the fragile components of the radio control system or
LiPO battery.
l When gluing anything that has a smooth surface, it's important to lightly roughen the gluing surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper. This
will allow the glue to stick better. This is not necessary when gluing to foam.
l Make sure to use high-quality connectors between your ESC and your motor and battery, and to insulate solder joints with heat-shrink
tubing to prevent short circuits and corrosion.
q Slide your ESC into the bottom of the fuselage so that the three motor plugs
pass through the lightening hole at the rewall.
q Connect the three plugs from your motor to the three ESC motor plugs.
imporTanT If the plugs on your motor do not match the motor plugs on your ESC, you'll need to solder compatible connectors in
their place. If you use the KMS motor and ESC that is recommended, the plugs will be compatible and no soldering is required.
q Mount your motor to the rewall, using the wood screws provided. If you're
using the KMS motor that is recommended, the motor backplate should line
up diagonally with two of the pilot holes.
imporTanT If the holes in your motor don't line up with the predrilled holes
in the rewall, you will need to drill new pilot holes in the rewall to match.
Youmay alsoneedto usesmallerdiameterwood screws(notincluded)if the
wood screws provided are too large to t through your motor backplate.
qCut away the elevator from the horizontal stabiliser and set it aside for now.
q Cut the strip of carbon bre to a length of 368mm (14-1/2"), then place the
strip of carbon bre into the precut slot in the stabiliser.
q While holding the stabiliser down at, apply a strip of clear tape (not included)
over the top and the bottom of the strip of carbon bre to hold it in place.
Page 6 Page 7
qCarefully sand a 45º bevel into the of the leading edge of the elevator.
imporTanT The bottom of the elevator has no printed graphics on it.
qWhile holding the leading edge of the elevator against the trailing edge
of the stabiliser, apply a strip of clear tape to the top of the hinge line.
imporTanT Before you hinge the elevator, double-check the t. You may need to sand the ends of the elevator slightly so that
they don't rub against the edges of the stabiliser.
q Turn the stabiliser over and deect the elevator down approximately 45º.
While holding the elevator at a 45º angle, apply a strip of clear tape to the
bottom of the hinge line.
q With the elevator still deected approximately 45º, gently push the clear tape
down into the hinge line, then pivot the elevator up and down several times to
ensure free hinge movement in both directions.
qGlue one nylon control horn into the precut hole on the bottom of the
elevator.
imporTanT Make sure that the control horn points straight ahead.
q Hinge the rudder to the vertical stabiliser, using the same techniques that
you used to hinge the elevator to the horizontal stabiliser.
imporTanT Sand the 45º bevel into the of the leading edge
of the rudder.
qGlue the second nylon control horn into the precut hole on the left side of
the rudder.
imporTanT Make sure that the control horn points straight ahead.
q Test-t and glue the horizontal stabiliser onto the top of the two plywood
stabliser mounts on the carbon bre tail boom.
qAfter the glue sets up, turn the fuselage over and apply a bead of glue
between the bottom of the stabiliser and each side of the carbon bre tail boom,
to strengthen the stabiliser mounting joints.
q Test-t and glue the vertical stabiliser onto the horizontal stabiliser, making
sure that the back edge of the vertical stabiliser (the hinge line) is even with
the back edge of the plywood mounting bracket.
imporTanT When gluing the vertical stabiliser into place in the next procedure, double-check that the vertical stabiliser is aligned 90º
to the horizontal stabiliser when viewed from the front.
q Install one servo into each side of the fuselage, making sure that each servo
output shaft is toward the back of the aircraft. Use a few drops of glue under
the servo mounting tabs to hold each of the servos rmly in place.
imporTanT Depending on the size of your servos, you may need to cut
the servo mounting holes larger.
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