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4

Radio Equipment

The Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF requires a minimum 4-channel 
radio system with a standard receiver.

Since the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF is a large model capable 
of extreme aerobatics, standard servos should not be used to 
operate the control surfaces. Servos with a minimum torque 
rating of 98 oz-in [7.1kg-cm] are required except for the 
throttle servo which may be operated by a standard servo. 
The servos shown in this manual that are used for all of the 
control surfaces are Futaba

®

 S3305 servos. A minimum of 

six high-torque servos and one standard servo (used for 
throttle when installing a glow or gas engine) are needed to 
complete the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF.

❏  

Futaba S3305 Servo High-Torque Standard w/Metal 
Gears (FUMT0045)

❏ 

Futaba S3003 Servo Standard (FUTM0031)

Because of heavy loads on the control surfaces, heavy duty 
servo arms should be used on all of the control surface 
servos. The throttle servo can use the servo arm supplied 
with the servo. This manual shows the installation of Great 
Planes 2" [51mm] aluminum single-sided servo arms. If the 
rudder servos will be installed in the aft location, six arms will 
be needed. If the rudder servos are installed in the forward 
position, only four arms will be needed. See the building 
instructions for details on the rudder servo positions.

❏ 

Great Planes Large Scale 2" Single Side Servo

 Arm 

(GPMM1110)

The following servo extensions and Y-harnesses were 
also used to build the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 ARF as shown in
the manual:

❏  

(2) 36" [914mm] servo extensions for elevator servos 
(HCAM2726 for Futaba J-connector)

❏  

(2) 36" [914mm] servo extensions for rudder servos 
when installed in the optional aft location (HCAM2726 
for Futaba J-connector)

❏  

(2) 24" [610mm] servo extensions for aileron servos 
(HCAM2721 for Futaba J-connector)

❏  

(2) 6" [152mm] servo extensions for rudder servos when 
installed in the forward location (HCAM2701 for Futaba 
J-connector)

❏  

(1) 6" [152mm] servo extension for receiver battery pack 
(HCAM2701 for Futaba J-connector)

❏  

(1) 12" [305mm] servo extension for brushless ESC if 
applicable (HCAM2711 for Futaba J-connector)

If using a radio system that does not support mixing 
of the elevator, rudder, and aileron servos, the following 
items will be required:

❏  

(2) Hobbico

®

 Pro

 HD Y-Harnesses for rudder and aileron 

servos (HCAM2751 for Futaba J-connector)

❏  

(1) Reversing Y-Harness for elevator servos (EMOM0027 
for Futaba J-connector)

Note: The list of servo extensions and Y-harnesses is based 
on the equipment we used to setup the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 
ARF as detailed in the manual. The length or quantity may 
vary depending on the actual equipment being used, radio 
locations, etc.

A battery pack with a minimum of 1500mAh capacity should 
also be used. When fl ying large models such as the Sukhoi 
SU-31 1.60 ARF, ALWAYS check the battery condition before 
each fl ight. If you are installing a gas engine with an electronic 
ignition module, a separate battery pack (the EI pack does not 
need to be high capacity) will also be required in addition to 
the battery pack used to power the receiver and servos.

❏ 

Hobbico HydriMax™ 4.8V 3600mAh NiMH Flat Rx

 U 

(HCAM6333)

A heavy duty receiver switch and charge jack will also
be needed:

❏ 

Futaba Heavy Duty Switch Harness w/Charge

 Cord 

(FUTM4385)

❏ 

Ernst Charge Receptacle Futaba J FM (ERNM3001)

If installing a gas engine, an additional switch (standard 
size) and charge jack will also be needed:

❏ 

Futaba SWH13 Switch Harness & Charge Cord Mini

 J 

(FUTM4370)

Engine Recommendations

The recommended engine size range for the Sukhoi SU-31 
1.60 ARF is 1.6 to 1.8 cu in [26 to 30cc] two-stroke glow engine, 
1.8 to 2.1 cu in [30–34cc] four-stroke glow engine, or 1.9 to 2.6 
cu in [32 to 43cc] gasoline engine. We recommend either the 
O.S.

®

 1.60 FX glow engine (OSMG0661) or the Fuji-Imvac

 

BT-43 EI-2 43cc gasoline engine (FJIG0144). The Sukhoi 
SU-31 1.60 ARF is also designed to accept a Great Planes
63-62-250kV RimFire

 out-runner brushless motor. All 

of these power systems will allow the Sukhoi SU-31 1.60 
ARF to perform the 3D maneuvers it was designed for and 
installations are covered in this manual.

Glow Engine Requirements

The only required accessory needed to install a glow engine 
is a Pitts style muffl er. If using the O.S. 1.60 FX glow engine, 
the order number for a Pitts style muffl er is Bisson O.S. 1.60 
FX Pitts Muffl er (BISG4116).

Summary of Contents for GPMA1412

Page 1: ...ed condition to the place of purchase To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below Hobby Services 3002 N Apollo Dr Suite 1 Champaign IL 61822 USA Include a letter stating your name return shipping address as much contact information as possible daytime telephone number fax number e mail address a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy...

Page 2: ...T 44 Identify Your Model 44 Charge the Batteries 44 Balance the Propellers 44 Ground Check 44 Range Check 44 ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 44 MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 45 AMA SAFETY CODE excerpts 45 IMAA SAFETY CODE excerpts 46 CHECK LIST 47 FLYING 48 Fuel Mixture Adjustments 48 Takeoff 48 Flight 48 Landing 48 3D FLYING 49 ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATES 51 INTRODUCTION For the latest technical updates...

Page 3: ...ot an experienced pilot or have not flown this type of model before we recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R C club for your first flights If you re not a member of a club your local hobby shop has information about clubs in your area whose membership includes experienced pilots 8 While this kit has been flight tested to exceed normal use if the plane will be used...

Page 4: ...CAM2711 for Futaba J connector If using a radio system that does not support mixing of the elevator rudder and aileron servos the following items will be required 2 Hobbico Pro HDY Harnesses for rudder and aileron servos HCAM2751 for Futaba J connector 1 ReversingY Harness for elevator servos EMOM0027 for Futaba J connector Note The list of servo extensions and Y harnesses is based on the equipmen...

Page 5: ...ng 11 1V pack for a total of 33 3V If four 11 1V packs are combined for a total of 44 4V then three series adapters will be needed Other voltage combinations may require more or fewer adapters The recommended hook and loop material is used to join the individual battery packs together securing them onto the battery tray and securing the ESC to the ESC tray One package of Great Planes hook and loop...

Page 6: ...TES There are two types of screws used in this kit Self tapping screws are designated by a number and a length For example 6 x 3 4 19mm This is a number six screw that is 3 4 19mm long Machine screws are designated by a number threads per inch and a length For example 4 40 x 3 4 19mm This is a number four screw that is 3 4 19mm long with forty threads per inch When you see the term test fit in the...

Page 7: ...retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax If ordering via fax include a Visa or MasterCard number and expiration date for payment Mail parts orders and payments by personal check to Hobby Services 3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Champaign IL 61822 Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the Replacement Pa...

Page 8: ...names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list Great Planes Product Support 3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1 Champaign IL 61822 Telephone 217 398 8970 ext 5 Fax 217 398 7721 E mail airsupport greatplanes com Kit Contents 1 Cowl 2 Canopy 3 Fuselage 4 Spinner 5 Engine Mount 6 Fuel Tank 7 Main Landing Gear 2 8 Main Wheels 2 9 Wheel Pants L R 10 Horizontal Stabilizer 11 Elevators L R 12 Wing Jo...

Page 9: ...ng The hinge gap between the aileron and wing should only be wide enough to allow a small line of light through Excessive gap will decrease the effectiveness of the ailerons 2 Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or something similar to the center of each hinge to prevent epoxy from sticking to the joints and keeping the hinge from operating smoothly Read all of Step 3 before proceeding 3 Mix u...

Page 10: ... underside of the wing for the aileron servo Use a trim iron to seal the covering to the inner edges of the opening 4 Tie the string from inside the opening for the aileron servo to the end of the servo extension Remove the tape holding the other end of the string to the wing root rib and pull the servo wire and extension through the wing 5 Temporarily position the aileron servo into the servo bay...

Page 11: ...vis from the servo arm Install another silicone clevis retainer onto the wire and solder the clevis to the pushrod using the Expert Tip that follows HOW TO SOLDER THE CLEVIS TO THE PUSHROD 1 Where the pushrod will make contact with the solder clevis roughen the wire with 220 grit sandpaper 2 Use denatured alcohol to remove any oil residue from the pushrod wire Note Soldering should be done with si...

Page 12: ...ether to ensure a proper fit before gluing Sand the wing joiner or root ribs if necessary to achieve the correct fit The root ribs should join together tightly with no gaps 4 Use a mixing stick or something similar to coat the inside of the wing joiner pockets of both wing panels with 30 minute epoxy Thoroughly coat one half of the wing joiner with 30 minute epoxy and insert it into the joiner poc...

Page 13: ...piece of scrap wood against the wing bolt plate to prevent tear out when drilling the holes HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the area beneath the wing bolt plate The tip of the soldering iron doesn t have to be sharp but a fine tip does work best Allow the iron to heat fully Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that will just melt the...

Page 14: ...ring and not into the wood 8 Use 30 minute epoxy to glue the stab into the fuse by coating the top and bottom of the stab in the area where you removed the covering Slide the stab into position Confirm that the stab is centered as was done in steps 4 and 5 Wipe away any excess epoxy with a paper towel and denatured alcohol Do not disturb the model until the epoxy has fully hardened With the stab s...

Page 15: ...he underside center of the rudder 4 Use a 5 32 4mm drill bit to make a 1 2 13mm deep hole at the mark To improve accuracy drill a smaller pilot hole at your mark first 5 Slide the tail gear collar and nylon retainer onto the tail gear assembly as shown If necessary use a 1 16 1 6mm drill bit to enlarge the hole in the retainer for the tail gear guide wire 6 Temporarily insert the tail gear assembl...

Page 16: ...ll the servos into the servo bays with the splines facing forward using the mounting hardware included with the servos Be sure to harden the servo mounting screws with thin CA 3 Attach a servo arm to each elevator servo pointing downward 4 Just as you did with the ailerons begin assembly of the elevator pushrods using two 095 x 12 2 4mm x 305mm pushrod wires threaded on one end two 4 40 clevises a...

Page 17: ...ollars from the axles and grind flat spots at your marks on the axles for the wheel collar screws using either a file or a rotary tool Reinstall the wheels and wheel collars onto the axles and secure the pants to the gear using four 4 40 x 1 2 13mm machine screws four 4 flat washers four 4 lock washers and threadlocking compound Use four 6 32 x 1 4 6mm SHCS and threadlocking compound to secure the...

Page 18: ... 1 60 FX glow engine Use tape or spray adhesive to hold the glow engine mount template to the firewall Align the vertical and horizontal lines on the template with the embossed lines on the firewall 2 Use a large T pin or a wire sharpened on the end to transfer each bolt hole mark on the template into the firewall 3 Use a 7 32 5 6mm bit to drill holes at the four marks you made on the firewall To ...

Page 19: ...Glow Engine 1 Locate the fuel tank The hardware needed for the fuel tank assembly is inside the tank Remove the stopper and shake out the contents 2 The fuel system for the Sukhoi SU 31 1 60 ARF utilizes a three line system There is a fill line carb line and vent line to muffler The fill line will allow fueling without removing the cowl The fill line is optional and may be omitted if desired or an...

Page 20: ...using a few drops of medium or thick CA Insert the fuel tank into the fuse as shown with the neck of the tank pushed as far forward in the hole in the fuse as it will fit Secure the fuel tank to the mounting tray using the included long tie straps Align the tie straps with the two grooves in the fuel tank Attach a length of fuel tubing approximately 9 229mm long to each of the fuel tank tubes 7 Cu...

Page 21: ...f the throttle servo in the radio tray as shown by positioning the tube as straight as possible When aligning the pushrod tube through the hole in the firewall be sure to consider that the throttle pushrod will need to be bent in order to clear the muffler When satisfied use the hardware included with the servo to mount it to the radio tray Be sure to reinforce the mounting holes with thin CA glue...

Page 22: ... engine manufacturer may provide a mounting template to use on the firewall The gas engine installation will be similar for most model engines Because of the possibility of ignition engines creating radio noise we use a plastic pushrod for the throttle servo installation This isolates the engine and any radio noise from the servos This is an IMPORTANT selection andwecannotrecommendstronglyenoughth...

Page 23: ...ine This distance may vary slightly with other engine models If installing another model engine effort should be made to maintain a similar drive washer distance to the firewall Install the Fuel Tank Gas Engine The fuel line and stopper included with the Sukhoi SU 31 1 60 ARF is NOT gasoline safe Gasoline will degrade the rubber stopper and silicone fuel tubing supplied You will need to purchase a...

Page 24: ... a gasoline compatible fuel line such as Tygon 6 152mm in length to each of the two short tubes in the stopper The long tube vent line should be bent upward Install the included fuel clunks onto the fuel lines 4 Insert the stopper into the tank and check the length of the carb line and fill lines The clunks should almost reach the back of the tank when the stopper is in place but be able to move a...

Page 25: ... each hole to harden the wood Attach the fuel tank brace using two 2 x 1 2 13mm self tapping screws and two 2 flat washers 9 Slide the back of the tank up against the fuel tank brace and draw the tie straps tight against the tank 10 Cut the fuel tubing on the carb line to the necessary length and connect it to the carburetor Leave the fill line fuel tubing uncut and hanging free 11 Cut or sand the...

Page 26: ... template to cut out the necessary openings in the mount Attach the mount to the firewall in the location shown using two 4 x 1 2 13mm self tapping screws and two 4 flat washers Be sure to apply some thin CA to each hole to harden the wood Attach the switch and charge jack to the mount and connect all of the leads Use heat shrink tubing to secure the connections When attaching the cowl near the en...

Page 27: ... to the firewall Clip the throttle pushrod tube support near the aft end of the tube Use the pushrod tube support to align the outer pushrod tube level with the throttle servo arm Glue the pushrod tube support to the fuse former as shown and glue the tube to the support Use the following four images for steps 4 and 5 4 Thread the 2 56 x 1 25mm threaded rod approximately 3 8 9 5mm into one end of t...

Page 28: ...t Use tape or spray adhesive to hold the template to the firewall Align the vertical and horizontal lines on the template with the embossed lines on the firewall 2 Use a large T pin or a wire sharpened on the end to transfer each bolt hole mark on the template into the firewall 3 Use a 7 32 5 6mm bit to drill holes at the four marks you made on the firewall To reduce tear out make pilot holes with...

Page 29: ...f the alignment key on the tray to determine the underside 3 Glue the brushless battery tray support piece in the location shown in the fuse 4 Apply a bead of epoxy or thick CA onto the top edge and tab of the support piece Fit the brushless battery tray into the fuse with the alignment key in the cutout on the left side of the first former The tab on the support piece fits into the slot at the af...

Page 30: ... install the batteries into the plane apply a strip of self adhesive hook and loop material to the bottom of the battery packs and to the battery tray Slide the batteries in place and use the battery strap to hold them securely IMPORTANT Before experimenting with different battery combinations and connecting multiple battery packs with adapter plugs refer to the Battery Precautions on page 41 6 Lo...

Page 31: ... are installing an engine that is heavier than the 1 60 FX you may wish to check the current C G of the plane before proceeding Gas Engine Most gas engine installations including the Fuji Imvac BT 43 EI 2 engine will require the rudder servos to be installed in the aft position We suggest checking the balance before you proceed with the rudder servo installation if you are installing a lighter eng...

Page 32: ...drill all the way through the rudder Using a 4 x 5 8 16mm self tapping screw install and then remove a screw into each of the holes Harden the holes with thin CA Install the control horns with eight 4 x 5 8 16mm self tapping screws 4 Cut the provided pull pull cable into two equal lengths Thread a 4 40 nut and a silicone clevis retainer onto each of the four brass pull pull couplers and then threa...

Page 33: ...for steps 8 and 9 8 Using eight 2 56 x 3 8 9 5mm machine screws eight 2 flat washers and threadlocking compound attach the servo extensions to the servo wheels With a cut off wheel cut off the ends of the screws that protrude from underneath the servo extensions 9 Drill out the inner holes of both servo extensions using a 7 64 2 8mm bit Do not use any other size drill bit for this step Secureaheav...

Page 34: ... servo extensions contact the throttle servo when using the forward radio tray move the throttle servo all the way to the side of the tray and flip the position of the throttle servo arm Install the Rudder Servos in the Aft Position This is the recommended installation for gas engines 1 Trim the covering from the aft rudder servo bays leaving 1 8 3mm around the opening Use a trim iron to seal down...

Page 35: ...y Make a strap by overlapping the mating ends of the included non adhesive hook and loop material by approximately 1 25mm The total length of the strap you make will be determined by the size of the receiver battery pack you will be using Loop the strap through the slots in the tray that best match the width of the battery pack Place the auxiliary battery tray over the opening on the fuse behind t...

Page 36: ...quires additional weight at the nose of the airplane so only the receiver is installed on the forward radio tray in our setup shown here Be sure that the location of the receiver will not interfere with the rudder servo arm extensions 5 With the radio component locations determined connect the servos to the receiver If you do not plan to use a programmable radio that is capable of mixing a Y harne...

Page 37: ...ith a drill bit or reamer to match the crankshaft or prop bolt of the engine that you are using Note The next few steps can be completed by taping the cowl into position while marking the locations for the cowl mounting blocks However having a helper on hand will make the job go quicker and much easier 3 Slide the cowl onto the fuse Fit the cowl alignment jig you made in step 2 onto the engine use...

Page 38: ...ad in this manual for details 6 Remove the epoxy from the areas on the firewall beneath the cowl mounting block locations with 220 grit sandpaper When satisfied use 30 minute epoxy to glue the cowl blocks in position A small dot of medium or thick CA glue will hold the blocks in place while the epoxy cures For added strength after the cowl mounting blocks have been securely epoxied in place drill ...

Page 39: ...ck and remove it Apply a couple drops of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood Using the template you made in step 1 make the necessary cutouts in the cowl cooling hole and exhaust exit glow plug access needle valve access etc using a rotary tool Bolt the muffler to the engine and install the cowl onto the fuse using six 4 x 1 2 13mm self tapping screws and six 4 flat washers Install the Canopy ...

Page 40: ...he wood Use canopy glue such as Pacer Formula 560 to glue the canopy to the canopy hatch Finish the canopy installation by securing it to the hatch using four 2 x 3 8 9 5mm self tapping screws and four 2 flat washers Install the Belly Pan Prop Spinner Spinner Instructions for O S Max 1 60 FX 1 Attach the wing to the fuse using the two 1 4 20 nylon wing bolts Trim the covering from the wing bolt ho...

Page 41: ...e a dishpan or small bucket with a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water about one teaspoon of soap per gallon of water Submerse the decal in the soap and water and peel off the paper backing Note Even though the decals have a sticky back and are not the water transfer type submersing them in soap water allows accurate positioning and reduces air bubbles underneath 3 Position decal on the mod...

Page 42: ...ust the clevises on the pushrods to center the control surfaces 3 Make certain that the control surfaces and the carburetor respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram If any of the controls respond in the wrong direction use the servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos connected to those controls Be certain the control surfaces have remained centered Adjust if necessa...

Page 43: ...h the wing attached to the fuse all parts of the model installed ready to fly and an empty fuel tank place the model upside down on a Great Planes CG Machine or lift it upside down at the balance point you marked If you are using a brushless motor be sure to balance the airplane with the battery pack installed 3 If the tail drops the model is tail heavy and the receiver battery pack and or receive...

Page 44: ...firm that the engine idles reliably transitions smoothly and rapidly to full power and maintains full power indefinitely After you run the engine on the model inspect the model closely to make sure all screws remained tight the hinges are secure the prop is secure and all pushrods and connectors are secure Range Check Ground check the operational range of your radio before the first flight of the ...

Page 45: ...in sanctioned events air shows or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been previously successfully flight tested 2 I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator I will give right of way and avoid flying in the proximity of full scale aircraft Where necessary an obser...

Page 46: ...CTION 5 0 EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF kill switch 5 1 All magneto spark ignition engines must have a coil grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the engine This will also prevent accidental starting of the engine This switch shall be readily available to both pilot and spotter helper This switch is to be operated manually and without the use of the radio system 5 2 Engines with battery powered ign...

Page 47: ... contrasting manner to increase the visibility of the propeller tip arc CHECK LIST During the last few moments of preparation your mind may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight Because of this you may be more likely to overlook certain checks and procedures that should be performed before the model is flown To help avoid this a check list is provided to make sure these impo...

Page 48: ...e of mind Remember to takeoff into the wind When you re ready point the model straight down the runway hold a bit of up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering then gradually advance the throttle As the model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the ground One of the most important things to remember with a tail dragger is to always be read...

Page 49: ...ther thing to remember is maximum control throw is not necessary for all 3D maneuvers Occasionally too much throw can place the model too far into a stall causing it to become uncontrollable Practice your maneuvers at a higher altitude while you become accustomed to your particular plane s stall characteristics WATERFALLS With the model pointing straight up almost in a hover push full down elevato...

Page 50: ...ld come up Depending on the plane setup you may have to make constant aileron wing walking and rudder corrections for this maneuver As the nose of the plane comes up start adding in a little bit of power to help maintain airspeed The rudder is now used to turn the model This maneuver will take some practice as there are a lot of small corrections made to keep most planes in the maneuver This is on...

Page 51: ...ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATES ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATES FUJI IMVAC BT 43 EI 2 MOUNTING TEMPLATE 1 20 TO 1 80 ADJUSTABLE ENGINE BRUSHLESS MOTOR MOUNTING TEMPLATE 51 ...

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