2
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................2
AMA...................................................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................................................2
LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE .....................3
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE ........................................3
Radio Equipment & Electronics...................................3
Motor ...........................................................................4
Electronic Speed Control ............................................4
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED.....................................4
Adhesives & Building Supplies....................................4
Optional Supplies & Tools ...........................................4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES ......................................4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ..............................4
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS............................................5
METRIC CONVERSIONS .................................................5
METRIC/INCH RULER ......................................................5
KIT INSPECTION ..............................................................6
KIT CONTENTS ................................................................6
BEFORE YOU BEGIN .......................................................7
ASSEMBLE THE AIRPLANE............................................7
Install the Wing Tips & Ducted Fan Unit......................7
Install the Servos.........................................................8
Install the Electronics ................................................10
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY .................................12
Check the Control Directions ....................................12
Set the Control Throws..............................................12
Balance the Model (C.G.)..........................................13
PREFLIGHT.....................................................................13
Identify Your Model ....................................................13
Charge the Batteries .................................................13
Range Check.............................................................13
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)....................................14
CHECK LIST ...................................................................14
FLYING ............................................................................14
Takeoff .......................................................................14
Flight..........................................................................15
Landing......................................................................15
Welcome to the exciting world of EDF (Electric Ducted Fan)
airplanes. What you have in your hands is what could be
called a completely new generation of EDF airplanes and
fans. Historically, ducted fan airplanes have been complex
and costly and only those with extensive experience knew
how to handle them. When designing this EDF, Great Planes
set out to make EDF planes possible for everyone while still
delivering the performance associated with them. What you
have in your hands is a fan/airplane design that only
requires a 370 BB brushed motor and a single 910mAh LiPo
battery to push the plane to straight-and-level speeds over
55 mph and more than 65 mph after a short dive. This XPD-8
ARF can also climb at angles over 50 degrees and land at
18 mph. The airplane handles like a high-performance
machine at high speeds and throws, but it is as easy to fly
as any low wing airplane at low speeds and throws. Another
great feature is the extreme ease of launch as the fan thrust
increases airspeed immediately as the plane leaves the
pilot’s hand. The XPD-8 ARF will change the way you think
about EDF airplanes, fan units and motors. This is the first
design of many to come for the Great Planes 370 EDF unit.
Build the airplane per the instructions and enjoy. Note: This
model is also available with the flying wing only (370 EDF
unit not included, GPMA1867).
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the
XPD-8 ARF visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the XPD-8 ARF. If there is new technical information
or changes to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in
the upper left corner of the page.
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing
body of model aviation and membership is required to fly at
AMA clubs. Though joining the AMA provides many benefits,
one of the primary reasons to join is liability protection.
Coverage is not limited to flying at contests or on the club
field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code (excerpts
printed in the back of the manual) may endanger insurance
coverage. Additionally, training programs and instructors are
available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right
way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the
country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below.
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
flying near full-scale aircraft and avoid flying near or over
groups of people.
1. Your XPD-8 ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the XPD-8 ARF, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage to property.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele: (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
AMA
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
