RV-9 450 Assembly Manual Specifications Wingspan: Length: Wing Area: Weight w/o Battery: Weight w/Battery: 50 in (1270mm) 38 in (920mm) 385 sq in (24.8 sq dm) 31–34 oz (875–965 g) 36–40 oz (1020–1135 g) Pilot figure sold separately (EFLA156) RV-9 is a trademark of Van’s Aircraft and is used with permission.
Table of Contents Introduction............................................................ 2 Important Warranty Information............................... 2 Using the Manual.................................................... 2 Product Registration................................................ 2 Contents of Kit/Parts Layout..................................... 2 Recommended Radio Equipment.............................. 3 Recommended Standard Setup.................................
Recommended Radio Equipment You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter, receiver, and four servos. You can also choose to purchase a complete radio system. If you are using an existing transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment separately. We recommend the crystalfree, interference-free Spektrum™ DX6i 2.4GHz DSM® 6-channel system. If using your own transmitter, we recommend the S75 Sub-Micro Servos from E-flite.
Landing Gear Installation Required Parts Fuselage assembly Landing gear (left and right) 4-40 x 1/2-inch button head machine screw (4) #4 washer (4) Required Tools Hex wrench or ball driver: 5/64-inch Threadlock 1. Attach the main landing gear to the fuselage using four 4-40 x 1/2-inch button head machine screws and four #4 washers. Use a 5/64-inch hex wrench or ball driver (not included) to tighten each of the screws. Make sure to use threadlock on all four screws so they do not vibrate loose.
3. Use two 4-40 lock nuts and two #4 washers to secure the stabilizer to the vertical fin. Use a 1/4inch nut driver to tighten the nuts. 6. Insert the control horn into the pre-drilled holes in the bottom of the elevator. Use a felt-tipped pen to trace the outline of the control horn onto the elevator. Make sure not to over-tighten the nuts, damaging the stabilizer. 5. Use two 4-40 x 1/2-inch socket head bolts and two #4 washers to secure the tail assembly to the fuselage.
9. Apply a small amount of thick CA to the base of the control horn. Insert the control horn in the pre-drilled holes of the elevator as shown. Press the control horn tight against the elevator. 10. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA to each of the control horn posts from the top of the control horn. Make sure to apply the CA as close to the control surface as possible while holding the control horn tight against the elevator.
12. Repeat Steps 6 through 11 to install the rudder control horn. Note that the rudder control horn will be on the opposite side, away from the elevator control horn, when installed. Main Radio Installation Required Parts Fuselage assembly Receiver Servo with hardware (2) Hook and loop material Required Tools Pin drill Pencil Scissors Drill bit: 1/16-inch (1.5mm) Phillips screwdriver: #1 Thin CA 2.
4. Apply 2-3 drops of thin CA in each hole to harden the surrounding wood. This creates a harder surface for the screws to bite into, making them more secure when holding the servo in position. 5. Use the screws provided with the servo to secure it in the servo tray. Tighten the screws using a #1 Phillips screwdriver. 8 6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to install the rudder servo in the servo tray. 7. Plug the rudder and elevator servos into the receiver.
Rudder and Elevator Linkage Installation 9. Use scissors to cut another small piece of hook and loop material to mount the remote receiver in the fuselage as shown. Required Parts Fuselage assembly Nylon pushrod connector (2) Transmitter Flight Battery Speed control or sperate Receiver battery 161/2-inch (420mm) elevator pushrod 173/4-inch (450mm) rudder pushrod Pushrod connector backplate (2) 2mm x 5mm machine screw (2) Required Tools Pin drill Ruler 2. Use a pin drill and 1/16-inch (1.
5. Use the radio system to check the operation of 8. Slide the pushrod wire into the tube in the the rudder and elevator servos. It may be necessary fuselage that exits the same side as the rudder to bind the transmitter and receiver if you are using control horn. Guide the wire through the pushrod a new receiver. Always select a blank model and connector for the rudder servo inside the fuselage.
Aileron Servo and Linkage Installation 11. Use a 161/2-inch (406mm) elevator pushrod wire and repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the elevator linkage.
3. Place the servo on the aileron servo cover. Align the servo horn with the edge of the cover as shown in the first photo. The horn should also be centered in the notch as shown in the second photo. Once positioned, make sure the servo is not hanging over the edge of the cover at the front or rear. Use a pencil to mark the location of the two servo mounting tabs on the servo cover. 4. Use medium grit sandpaper to scuff the two servo mounting blocks as shown.
6. Position the servo back between the blocks. Use a pencil to mark the mounting locations for the servo screws through the tabs on the servo and onto the blocks. 8. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA into each hole to harden the surrounding wood. This provides a harder surface, making the screws more secure when installed. 7. Remove the servo and use a pin drill and 1/16inch (1.5mm) drill bit to drill the holes for the servo mounting screws. 9.
12. Check that you have a matching wing panel and servo. The easiest way is one wing panel has a “N” number, and the servo cover has the matching text. 16. Use side cutters to trim the rear leg of a control horn down to 3/16-inch (5mm). 14. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA in each of the four pre-drilled holes to harden the surrounding wood for the servo cover screws. 13. Tie the string that exits the wing at the servo opening around the end of the servo extension.
18. Remove the control horn. Use a hobby knife with a new #11 blade to remove the covering from inside the outline of the control horn drawn in the previous step. Use care not to cut into the aileron and damage the underlying wood. 19. Use medium grit sandpaper to roughen the surface of the control horn that will fit against the aileron. Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to remove any residue to provide the best possible bond between the control horn and bare wood. 22.
Joining the Wing Panels 2. Slide the remaining wing panel on the wing joiner. It should slide up tight against the first wing panel with no gaps between them. 3. Separate the wing panels. Mix 1/2 ounce (15mL) of 30-minute epoxy. Use a mixing stick to apply epoxy in the wing tube of one wing panel. Slide the joiner into the tube. Required Parts Wing panel assembly (left and right) Wing joiner Wing bolt plate Wing dowel (2) 24.
4. Use an epoxy brush to apply a thin layer of epoxy to the exposed wood on the root rib of the wing. 6. Slide the wing panels tightly together. Epoxy should ooze from the joint between the panels. If not, you have not used enough epoxy and need to apply more as described in Steps 3 through 5. 7. Use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol to remove and excess epoxy from the outside of the joint between the two wing panels. Check the glue joint periodically while the epoxy is curing.
Insert a 4-40 socket head bolt into each hole to keep the plate in position while tracing the outline. 12. Use medium CA to glue the wing bolt plate to the bottom of the wing. Make sure the holes in the plate are aligned with the holes in the wing before the CA has cured. 11. Use a hobby knife with a new #11 blade to remove the covering 1/16-inch (1.5mm) inside the line drawn in the last step.
3. Connect the clevises from the flap linkage to the flap control horns. Do not slide the clevis retainers into position as the clevises may require adjustment to position the flaps properly. 5. Prepare the fixed flap servo cover by inserting a nylon pushrod connector in the hole of the nylon horn on the cover. Use pliers to secure the connector using a connector backplate. 4. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA into each hole to harden the surrounding wood.
Operational Flap Linkage Installation 3. Connect the clevises from the flap linkage to the flap control horns. Do not slide the clevis retainers into position as the clevises may require adjustment to position the flaps properly. 4. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA into each hole to harden the surrounding wood. This provides a harder surface, making the screws more secure when installed.
6. Plug the flap servos into the servo extension from the receiver. Use the radio system to center the servo. Use a #00 Phillips screwdriver to install the servo horn back on the flap servo. 8. Use medium grit sandpaper to scuff the two servo mounting blocks as shown. This allows a better bonding surface when gluing them to the servo cover. 10. Position the servo back between the blocks.
12. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA into each hole to harden the surrounding wood. This provides a harder surface, making the screws more secure when installed. 13. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver and the screws provided with the servo to secure it to the servo mounting blocks. 14. Pass the lead from the flap servo through the hole in the wing as shown. 16. Use the radio to move the flap servo to the up flap position.
Motor Installation Half Flap Required Parts Fuselage assembly Motor battery #4 washer (4) Hook and loop material Motor with hardware Transmitter Speed control Hook and loop strap 4-40 x 3/8-inch socket head screw (4) Required Tools Threadlock Scissors Phillips screwdriver: #1 Hex wrench or ball driver: 3/32-inch Up Flap The installation for the Power 450 and Power 480 motors follow the same procedure. Make sure to use a 30-amp speed control for the Power 450 and a 40-amp speed control for the Power 480.
The blind nuts in the firewall can be positioned for a variety of motors. It may be necessary to adjust them to fit your particular motor. 4. Connect the leads between the motor and speed control. Make sure they are tucked away so they will not interfere with the operation of the motor. 5. Install the battery in the fuselage as shown. Use a hook and loop strap to secure the pack in the fuselage.
Cowling Installation Required Parts Fuselage assembly Spinner cone Propeller Spinner screw (2) 2mm x 8mm machine Cowling Spinner backplate Propeller adapter 2mm washer (4) screw (4) 2. Slide the propeller adapter through the hole in the spinner backplate. The propeller is then placed on the adapter, then the propeller adapter nut threaded on. Do not tighten the nut: It only needs to hold the assembly together at this time. 3. Slide the cowling on the fuselage.
7. Remove the tape and cardstock from the fuselage. Use four 2mm x 8mm machine screws and four 2mm washers to secure the cowl to the fuselage. Use your #0 Phillips screwdriver to tighten those screws.
2. Use an adjustable wrench and 7mm nut driver or box wrench to secure the axle to the landing gear. 4. Slide the wheel pant over the axle. The wheel 5. Use two 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screws will need to be placed on the exle, then a second to secure the wheel pant to the landing gear. wheel collar installed. Use a 1.5mm hex wrench or The screws will require the use of a #1 Phillips ball driver to lower the wheel collar into position. If screwdriver to tighten them.
Canopy Detail Installation 7. Repeat Steps 1 though 6 to install the remaining wheel and wheel pant. 2. Use medium CA to glue the pilot (optional) to the canopy hatch as shown. 3. Place the canopy hatch on the fuselage. Make sure to place a piece of waxed paper or part of a bag from the packaging of your model between the hatch and fuselage so when the canopy is glued to the hatch it won’t accidentally be glued to the fuselage.
4. Use canopy glue to secure the canopy to the hatch. Use low-tack tape to keep the canopy in position on the fuselage until the glue fully cures. Wing Installation Required Parts Fuselage assembly Wing assembly #4 washer (2) 4-40 x 1-inch socket head screw (2) 3. Plug the aileron servos into the Y-harness coming from the receiver. If you are using flaps, plug the flap servo lead into the 3-inch (76mm) extension coming from the receiver.
Control Throws 1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver of your model. Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the stick is moved right, the rudder should also move right. Reverse the direction of the servo at the transmitter if necessary. 2. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Moving the elevator stick toward the bottom of the transmitter will make the airplane elevator move up. 3. Check the movement of the ailerons with the radio system.
Preflight Check Your Radio Before going to the field, be sure that your batteries are fully charged per the instructions included with your radio. Charge both the transmitter and receiver pack for your airplane. Use the recommended charger supplied with your particular radio system, following the instructions provided with the radio. In most cases, the radio should be charged the night before going out flying. Range Test Your Radio Before each flying session, be sure to range check your radio.
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots • Check all control surfaces prior to each takeoff. • o not fly your model near spectators, parking D areas or any other area that could result in injury to people or damage of property. • o not fly during adverse weather conditions. D Poor visibility can cause disorientation and loss of control of your aircraft. Strong winds can cause similar problems. • o not take chances.
Damage Limits HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability is asserted.
United Kingdom: Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address: Horizon Hobby UK Units 1-4 Ployters Rd Staple Tye Harlow, Essex CM18 7NS United Kingdom Please call +44 (0) 1279 641 097 or e-mail us at sales@horizonhobby.co.uk with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode burn, or propel a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft during flight.
© 2009 Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, Illinois 61822 (877) 504-0233 horizonhobby.com E-fliteRC.com Printed 04/09 15391.
