Stevens Aero Model SQuiRT-700 User manual

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SQuiRT-700
A Speed 700 Primary Trainer
R1.01
Span 57” / Length 39” / Area 560 Sq.” / Flying Weight 40-48 oz.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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WARRANTY
Stevens AeroModel 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 case shall Stevens AeroModel’s liability exceed the original cost of the
purchased kit. Further, Stevens AeroModel reserves the right to change or modify this warranty
without notice.
In that Stevens AeroModel has no control over the final assembly or material used for final
assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by
the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user–assembled product,
the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer
is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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REQUIRED TO COMPLETE KIT:
Kit Contents:
1. Rolled Computer Drawn Plan Sheet
2. Illustrated Instruction Manual
3. Laser Cut Balsa and Hardwood Parts Sheets (See Cut Parts Inventory Sheet)
4. Included Hardware
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2 - 3/16” x 4.5” hardwood dowel.
3 - 1/8” x 24” hardwood dowel.
1 - 1/4” x 4.5” hardwood dowel.
1 - Bag #64 Rubber Bands (10).
2 - 3/16” x 1/16” Neo. Magnet (for battery hatch closure)
2 - 1/8” Star Lock Washer
2 - 1/16” x 11” Push Rods.
1 - 1/16” x 11” Wire
1 - 1/8” Pre formed spring steel landing gear.
1 - Pair of 3” Foam Wheels
1 - Sullivan ¾” Tail Wheel
1 - Du-bro121 E-Z Connectors (2/Pkg.)
1 - Aluminum Tube 3/32” x 6”
Recommended Finishing Items:
•Two rolls of AeroFILM covering available from www.stevensaero.com
Suggested Electronics:
•Your SQuiRT 700 will operate well on a 3-4 Channel Transmitter.
•2 - Hitec HS-81 Servos (use of HS-81 servos will negate the need for two 6” servo extensions)
•2 - 6” Servo Extension (Only required if you do not use the suggested HS-81 Servos)
•1 - Receiver 3-4 Channel
•1 - 30A ESC we suggest the Castle Creations Pegasus 35P.
•1 - Speed 600 Clam Shell Motor Mount*
•1 - 5.0mm Prop Shaft Adapter*
•1 - APC 10x5 E Prop
•1 - Graupner Speed 700 Motor*
•1 - 9-10 NIMH or 3S1P 11.1v Apogee LiPo 2480mAh (or any other 11.1v lipo capable of 25A Continuous).
*Included with Squirt+PS kits. Available as a stand alone motor kit from Stevens AeroModel www.stevensaero.com
Brushless Motor Upgrades: NONE Suggested.
Items You May Need:
•Thin CA (super glue) or White Glue
•Plan/Table Protector (use the bag that this kit came in to protect your work surface from CA glue spills)
•Razor Blade(s)
•Med-Fine Grit Sand Paper and sanding block
•Clear Tape
•Balsa Wood Filler
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
Thank you, for purchasing this Stevens Aeromodel SQuiRT 700 – A speed 700 primary trainer. This kit provides the
builder and pilot a refreshing change of pace from heavy “ARF” style plywood box airframe construction and blends stick
and tissue design methods of the past with state of the art CAD technology and precision interlocking laser cut parts; the
result is something you will find truly exceptional to build and fly. This kit is intended for a beginner-novice builder and
beginner pilot as a primary 3-channel trainer.
Best Regards,
Bill Stevens
[email protected]
Stevens AeroModel “Laser Engineered Kits™”
4550 Beaumont Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Assembly Tips
•READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and the plan sheet prior to starting any work!
•Tape plans to work table. Cover with wax paper or plastic wrap.
•Join all joints with Thin CA unless otherwise specified.
•DO NOT REMOVE THE PARTS FROM THE BALSA SHEETS UNTIL REQUIRED!
•DO NOT FORCE THE FIT – when in doubt double check your parts - removal of material should not be
required. If you feel that you have a poor connection check first to see that the part is not upside down.
Reference each piece against the plan sheet.
•Making solid glue joints: Hold parts together on top of plan sheet using moderate pressure to fit parts - wick thin
CA into joint. (There is no need to pin parts to work table as all pieces interlock and self - jig.)
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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Empennage Assembly
1. Assembly of the empennage or “tail feathers” simply requires locating the parts that make up the H. Stab /
Elevator assembly and the V. Stab / Rudder assembly. The H. Stab parts are etched Ha, Hb, and Hc; remove
these from the 3/16” balsa stock and assemble over the plan sheet. The V. Stab parts are etched Va, Vb, and
Vc; remove these from the 3/16” balsa stock and assemble over the plan sheet.
2. Fill/Sand the joints of the completed H. and V. Stab assemblies to a smooth finish on both sides.
3. Sand the leading edge of the H. and V. Stab assemblies round leaving the trailing edge squared off.
Round Leading Edge
Leave Trailing Edge Square
Sanding Guide - H. and V. Stabilizer
45 Deg. Leading Edge
Leave Trailing Edge Square
Sanding Guide - Rudder / Elevator
4. Remove the Rudder and Elevator Parts and sand a 45 deg. bevel to the leading edge in preparation for tape
hinging. Again, leave the trailing edge square.
NOTE: These parts are cut from heavy 3/16” balsa and are solid. If you are running our suggested stock
S700 motor DO NOT attempt to lighten these components… doing so will limit your ability to balance the
model. Better to leave these heavy and strong then weaken the structure and add lead to the tail.
Fuselage Assembly
1. Assemble Fuselage Sides from 1/8” Balsa parts: Fa, Fb, and Fc. Use the following image as a guide. Fill/Sand
the joints to a smooth finish. Assemble fuselage cross grain components F7 from F7a and F7b.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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2. Lets begin construction by assembling the fuselage core. Locate the following 1/8” Lite Plywood parts marked
F2, F3a, F3b, and F4. Dry fit (no glue) the assembly together as indicated in the photo below. Please note that
F2 and F4 have forward designations these parts are etched with the word “FRONT” do make certain to
assemble these parts with “FRONT” facing the nose of the model. Tip! If a part does not fit properly check the
forward orientation.
3. Locate the 1/8” Lite Plywood part F1 and dry fit to the core as indicated in the photo below. Make certain that
the entire assembly fits together without any gaps; check for square then glue parts together by wicking thin CA
glue into adjoining surfaces.
4. Invert the core assembly and add the 1/16” plywood motor mount doubler F1a to the inside of the core
assembly as pictured below.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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5. Next, install the 1/8” Lite Plywood Parts L1, L2, and F3c to the underside of the core as indicated in the
following photo.
6. Use the 1/8” balsa fuselage sides (assembled previously) and the 1/8” balsa former F5. Dry fit former F5 to the
rear of the core assembly and the fuselage sides as indicated in the photo below. Once satisfied with the fit,
glue the fuselage side to the core assembly. Repeat for the opposite side. Tip! you must fit F5 to the core prior
to joining the fuselage sides.
7. Now install the F7 cabin cross grain doublers (assembled previously). These parts key inside the fuselage as
indicated in the photo below.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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8. Locate the 3/32” balsa part F8 and install to the front of the cabin spanning the fuselage sides and F7 as
indicated in the photo below. Tip! F7 is recessed to receive F8; align the top of F8 with the upper recess in F7.
Next add the second 1/16” ply motor mount doubler F1b atop F1.
9. Now locate the 3/32” balsa part F9 and the 1/8” balsa part F6. Dry fit F9 to the top of the fuselage, next fit the
former F6 to the fuselage and part F9. Invert the fuselage on your work surface, square, and retain parts with
thin CA glue.
10. Locate the 1/16” Plywood servo tray and glue inside the fuselage as indicated in the photos below. Next locate
the 3/32” balsa cross grain doubler for the rear wing dowel, marked F13, and install this directly behind former
F5 matching the 3/16” holes in the doubler with those in the fuselage side.
Receiver
4.5" Dowel (Gear Lug)
Install F13 cross-grain doubler behind
former F5 on the INSIDE of the fuselage
assembly. Match the 316" holes in F13 to
those in the fuselage side. Do this after
installing F9 but prior to installing F11.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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11. Locate the 3/32” balsa part F11 and note the etch mark illustrated in the photo below. We need to glue the
1/16” ply tail gear mount F14 atop F11. To do this align the leading edge of F14 to the etch mark in F11, center
the part F14 to F11 and glue into position. F14 will NOT extend all the way to the aft end of F11. Use the
photos below and the plan sheet as a reference. Should you choose not to make the steerable tail gear
assembly you may mount almost any tail gear to this ply re-enforced area of the SQuiRT fuselage.
12. Next, fit the 1/8” balsa part F10 to the aft end of the fuselage as indicated in the photo below.
13. Use the 3/32” balsa assembly of parts F11 and F14 from the previous step. Key to the fuselage as indicated in
the photo below with the ply doubler F14 on the INSIDE of the fuselage. Once satisfied with the fit, square the
assembly to your work table and secure with thin CA glue.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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14. Locate the 1/8” balsa parts F12 and key within the underside of the fuselage as indicated in the photo below.
F12 doubles the fuselage battery access hatch and is shaped along it’s leading edge to fit snug against the
inside plywood structure. Tip! Make certain that F12 rests upon the F11 decking installed in the step prior.
15. Assemble the battery access hatch catch/cross brace from 3/32” balsa parts C1, C2, and C3 as indicated in the
photos below. With the catch/brace assembled install one 3/16” rare earth magnet in the circular cutout –
secure the magnet with thin CA glue.
16. Install the completed cross brace to the fuselage as indicated in the photo below. The leading edge of the
catch/brace should be flush with the leading edge of the deck part F11. Tip! Sand lightly if the fit is too snug (a
result of the C1,2,3 parts not being aligned properly when gluing) – don’t force the parts to fit.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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17. Assemble the battery hatch from the 3/32” balsa parts H1 and H2. Note that H1 is etched with the outside
shape of H2 to aide in aligning the parts. With H1 and H2 assembled as indicated in the first photo move on to
installing the magnetic catch magnet and forward catch(1/16” balsa part H3). Tip! Check the magnet polarity
prior to installing within the hatch. Magnets will repel each other if they are reversed! Also, make
certain you install your magnet in the hole that matches the magnet installed within the fuselage
assembly.
18. Now locate the F14a, F14b, and F14c balsa sheeting and sheet the nose of the aircraft starting from the leading
edge of L2 following the recess between created by the inner plywood core and the fuselage sides as indicated
in the photos below.
19. You’ll notice that the upper deck slightly overhangs the front of the windshield. Using a medium grit sand paper
and your sanding block sand off the overhang as indicated in the photos below.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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Fuselage Final Assembly Notes
1. Finish off the fuselage by filling any imperfections with balsa wood filler or a lightweight spackling compound
then loading a fine grit (400) sand paper on your sanding block and lightly sand smooth the entire fuselage and
tail feathers.
2. Cover the fuselage using AeroFILM or AeroFILM LITE covering material. Install the 3/16” hardwood wing
dowels and the ¼” landing gear dowel as indicated on the plan sheet. These dowels must be secured with CA
glue. TIP: Sand the edges of the dowel smooth to avoid damaging the rubber bands.
3. Retain the supplied 3” Lite Wheels to the landing gear assembly using the supplied 1/8” star washers as
illustrated.
4. The landing gear is captured by the gap in L1/L2 along the bottom of the fuselage assembly and rubber banded
in place with one single #64 band on either side of the fuselage. You may adjust the gear tension by adding or
removing wraps of the rubber band.
5. Remove the exterior metal shield from your Speed 700 motor as illustrated below:
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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6. Using a standard Speed 600 clam shell motor mount attach the motor as illustrated below using four ¾” long
wood screws.
7. You’ll need to drill your APC 10x5e prop hub using a 5/16” drill to fit the propeller adapter. Once you have
reamed the prop hub to 5/16”, install the appropriate sized precision adapter included with your APC 10x5e
propeller. Balance the propeller and install to the motor as illustrated.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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Wing Assembly
1. Build the sub assemblies for the wing. See illustration below to reference part assemblies:
•3/32” Balsa wing spar S1 from S1a, S1b, and S1c (one spar)
•3/16” Balsa wing trailing edge TE1 from TE1a and TE1b (two each)
•3/32” Balsa wing D-LOC™ sheeting TOP W2 from W2a and W2b (two each)
•3/32” Balsa wing D-LOC™ sheeting BOTTOM W1 from W1a and W1b (two each)
2. You’ll need to locate the 3/32” balsa ribs R2 (there are 5 of R2 in each side) Key the S1 spar assembly to one of
the 1/16” Balsa W1 lower D-LOC™ parts and lock the spar to W1 with each of the five R2 ribs. Reference this
photo and the plan sheet for placement. Lay this half of the wing on your flat building surface and glue the
spar, ribs, and W1 together. Repeat for the opposite wing half. Tip! the spar is notched to only fit on part W1 in
one direction if the part does not fit do not try and force the fit. Additionally, part W1 is etched indicating where
the inner R1 rib will meet W1.
3. Next add the 3/32” ribs R3 at each tip of the wing as indicated in the photo below.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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4. Slide the 3/16” trailing edge part TE1 in position spanning ribs R3 and all of the R2 ribs. Notice the notch
indicated in the following photo – this notch is to be placed toward the root of the wing and will later accept the
1/16” ply doubler which prevents the wing retaining rubber bands from crushing the balsa wing assembly at the
root. Repeat for the opposite wing half.
5. Locate the 3/32” part W5 and install to the center wing section. W5 spans the lower center section of the wing,
keys into the spar, and butts against the W1 parts. Assemble as indicated in the photo below making certain
that the notching in W5 aligns with the notching in the W1 parts.
6. Locate the two 1/16” ply spars S2 and install to both the FRONTSIDE and the BACKSIDE of the balsa spar S1.
Reference this photo and the plan sheet for placement detail.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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7. Now locate the 3/16” balsa root ribs R1 and glue into the center of the wing section. Reference this photo and
the plan sheet for detail.
8. Now find the 3/16” part TE2 and butt against the inside edges of R1 and the aft edges of W5 as indicated in the
following photo. Once satisfied with the alignment glue into position with thin CA glue. You’ll now join the wing
trailing edge TE1 to the outside edge of ribs R1 and TE2 as illustrated below.
9. Locate the 1/16” ply trailing edge doubler part TE3 and glue into position aligned with the notch in the back side
of the wing trailing edge as indicated in the following photo.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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10. Install the lower cap strips, carefully flip the wing onto it’s top and dry fit the 3/32” balsa W9 cap strips atop all
five R2 ribs. Now flip the wing back over and set atop your flat building surface. Secure each cap strip with
thin CA glue. Reference the photos below for the lower cap strip placement.
11. Locate the 3/32” balsa wing tip parts W3. Key W3 to the spar S1 and align the underside with the bottom of the
outer rib R3. Once satisfied with the fit glue W3 into position.
12. Sheet the center section of the wing using the following 3/32” balsa parts W6, W7, and W8 following the plan
sheet and photo series below as a reference.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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13. It is time to install the upper D-LOC™ Sheeting. The 3/32” balsa part W2 forms the upper D-LOC™. To install,
first key to the tabs in the spar S1, tack glue into position then wrap forward and down until the forward tabs
interlock with those in each of the R1, R2, and R3 ribs. Follow the photos below as a reference. Notice that W2
does not wrap all the way down to W1 – this is IMPORTANT – there will be a gap between the W1 and W2
sheets at the wing leading edge. Do not try and pinch W2 down to adhere to W1!
14. Next locate and install the 3/32” balsa W10 upper cap strips atop the ten (10) ribs R2. It is easiest to first tack
glue the cap strip in place atop the rib interlocking with W2. Once the glue has set you can continue to wrap
each cap strip down and back along each rib one at a time.
15. Install the 3/32” balsa wing tip cap stripping part W4 as indicated in the photo below.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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16. Locate the three 24” lengths of 1/8” diameter dowel included with this kit. These dowels make up the leading
edge of the wing and glue between the top and bottom sheeting of the D-LOC™. When assembling the dowel
to the wing it is most important that your wing be weighted flat along your work surface to avoid warping the
structure. First Mark the center of one 24” dowel. Center this dowel using your mark to the wing center section
and glue to the wing center section at the leading edge. Bend the dowel up on either side of the wing center
section to follow the dihedral in the wing. Complete the leading edge by butting the remaining dowels flush to
the center dowel and extending the leading edge out to the wing tip. Trim away the excess length of dowel
flush with the wing tip. Inspect your glue joints and make certain that the dowel is properly bonded to the top
and bottom sheeting.
SCORE AND BEND
INSTALL HERE
TRIM HERE TRIM HERE
18" DOWEL - LEADING EDGE INSTALLATION
JOIN NEXT DOWEL JOIN NEXT DOWEL
17. Now you need to sand the trailing edge of each of the upper W10 cap strips and W4 to “disappear” at the
trailing edge of the wing. Refer to the photos below for guidance. A sanding block is STRONGLY suggested
for this step.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.

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18. Finish off the wing by filling any imperfections or gaps with balsa wood filler or a lightweight spackling
compound then loading a fine grit (400) sand paper on your sanding block and lightly sand smooth the entire
wing.
Covering the model
1. A complete guide to covering using AeroFILM and AeroFILM Lite is available for download from
www.stevensaero.com. Download this document and use it as a guide for covering the SQuiRT. No surprises
here just follow the directions and work slowly remember any imperfections will need to be sanded smooth as
the covering will expose every bump or drip of CA glue.
2. A template has been provided on the plan sheet for cutting out a wind screen decal. We typically cut this from
black adhesive backed AeroTRIM or AeroFILM.
Final Assembly
1. For a detailed final assembly guide for the SQuiRT please visit www.stevensaero.com. Remove a small
piece of covering from the center section of the elevator assembly and remove covering from the
alignment hole in the horizontal stab to allow the vertical to key into these parts. The tabs in the top of the
horizontal stab and the fuselage top/bottom align the vertical stab. The vertical also centers the horizontal
stab. Dry fit these parts then wick thin ca around joints to lock into position.
2. Poke two small holes in the covering at each wing retention dowel point and at the install point for the
3/16” landing gear lug dowel. Reference the plan sheet for more detail.
3. Hinge your rudder and elevator to the vertical and horizontal stabilizers respectively using clear scotch
tape.
4. Install the plywood control horns to the rudder and elevator.
5. Install the motor using a clam shell mount for speed 600 motors. More details are found in this manual
under fuselage assembly.
6. Install your servos (HS-81’s) and connect the rudder/elevator linkage to the servos using the supplied Du-
Bro 121 EZ-Links. Refer to the plan sheet as a guide.
7. Use the plan sheet to create and install the steerable tail gear assembly.
8. Mount the supplied 3” wheels to the landing gear and retain by sliding the 1/8” star washers over the wire
gear assembly.
9. Set the main gear into the groove created by L1 and L2 then wrap one #64 rubber band around each gear
leg and over the gear lug 3-4 wraps seems to be sufficient. More wraps increase your spring gear
resistance to movement.
10. Mount and connect your radio to your esc and servos.
11. Attach the upper wing to the fuselage using no more than four (two per side) #64 rubber bands.
Remember more rubber bands increases the tension on the wing and will make it more likely to break in a
crash.
12. Test your radio setup for function and proceed on to first flight.
© 2005 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.