Because this 33% model aircraft is exceptionally large, it is
absolutely paramount that your first consideration in anything and
everything to do with this model be safety-oriented. This model
airplane was NOT designed and NOT intended as a beginner's
model. It should only be assembled and flown by experienced R/C
pilots, fully familiar with high-performance model aircraft. A model
airplane of this size and mass is capable of causing considerable
damage to both property and people.
It is therefore your
responsibility to take every step possible in minimizing and/or
totally eliminating any possible failures of the airframe, radio
equipment, and engine.
Finally, there is the very real issue of transporting this model
safely to and from the flying field. Most modelers that we know,
who fly giant scale models, use a dedicated trailer for this purpose.
Let's face it, the SIG Edge 540T ARF is simply not going to fit in
the back seat of your car! Therefore, serious consideration has to
be given to the safe transportation of this model, in order to avoid
damaging the airframe.
Specifications:
Imperial
Metric
Wing Span:
100 in.
254 cm
Wing Area:
1881 sq. in.
121.4 sq. dm
Length:
98.25 in.
249.6 cm
Flying Weight (typical): 27 lbs.
12.5 kg
Radio Required:
4 Channel, 8 Servos
Engine Required:
5.8 - 6.8 cu. in.
95 - 110 cc
Items Required To Complete This Kit
•
Engine - 95 to 110 cc, gasoline model aircraft type (see Engine
Selection section)
•
Radio System with Eight (8) Servos - (see below and Radio
Equipment section for reference)
•
Servos - The Edge 540T ARF requires a total of eight (8)
servos. The rudder, elevator, and aileron servos must all be
heavy-duty metal gear types with the minimum torque values
as described below. Never use plastic geared servos in this
model - they will fail. The throttle servo can be a standard
system servo, if desired.
Rudder: 1 each
Rated @ 225 in/oz minimum
Elevator: 2 each
Rated @ 160 oz/in minimum
Ailerons: 4 each
Rated @ 160 oz/in minimum
Throttle: 1 each
Standard System Servo @ 38 oz/in (typical)
•
Heavy-Duty Aftermarket Servo Output Arms
•
Large Capacity Battery Pack (airborne system) - We used
2400maH 7.4volt Li-Ion Packs*
(*Note - When using this pack, it is necessary to step down the
voltage to 6 volts using a voltage regulator, such as the Maxx
Products 6 volt regulator, P/N ACC134)
•
Large Capacity Battery Pack (engine ignition) - We used a
2400maH 7.4volt Li-Ion pack*
(*Note - When using this pack, it is necessary to step down the
voltage to 5.4 volts using a voltage regulator, such as the Maxx
Products 5.4 volt regulator, P/N ACC139t)
•
Servo Extensions - See Servo Extensions & Y-Harnesses information
•
Propeller - Sized to match engine of choice
•
Spinner - 4" dia. -
Such as Maxx Products, P/N PS400 (spun aluminum)
Dave Brown, P/N S240-8240 (cast aluminum)
Pete Models, P/N 4-EX (carbon fiber)
•
Engine Mounting Hardware - To mount our F.P.E. 6.8 Twin
engine, we used:
4 each #10-32 x 1-1/2" Hex Head Hardened Steel Bolts
4 each #10-32 Lock Nuts
4 each #10-32 Flat Washers
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your SIG Edge 540T ARF kit.
This aircraft has been carefully designed, tested and refined to
offer you incredible performance, coupled with outstanding
airframe strength. In terms of control response, the Edge 540T
ARF kit is loaded with well-proven innovations.
For example,
precise control of the elevators has been achieved by using two
elevator servos, one in each stabilizer half, keeping the linkage as
short as possible.
Likewise, very precise and powerful aileron
control is achieved by placing two aileron servos into the bottom
of each wing panel.
The rudder control pull-pull system has
also been optimized, by placing the control horn location at the
approximate aerodynamic center of the rudder. Every bit of this
forethought adds up to one very exciting and very precise airplane
in the air!
In terms of construction, the SIG Edge 540T ARF has been
expertly hand assembled by highly skilled individuals, each with
many years of experience, employing accurate fixtures with very
tight tolerances. In addition, all of the Edge 540T structural parts
have been laser-cut using extremely accurate CAD-generated
programs, ensuring that each airframe is as close to identical as
humanly possible. Great care has been taken in the building and
covering of this model to produce an exceptionally light, yet very
strong airframe. This will all show up soon enough when you begin
flying your own Edge 540T. Properly assembled, powered, and
flown, the SIG Edge 540T is a very capable aircraft! Our Edge
prototypes, powered with the F.P.E. 6.8 c.i. twin cylinder engine
shown in this manual, easily performs virtually any 3D maneuver
you can think of. The SIG Edge is both IMAC and IMAA legal and
potentially a great contender in such events. We would urge you
to give participation in these events serious consideration in terms
of honing and furthering your flying skills.
Your SIG Edge 540T has been skillfully and beautifully covered at
the factory, using SIG AeroKote
®
. This makes the airframe very
easy to work with in terms of repair. This also means that your
Edge 540T is both very light and very strong and, with reasonable
care, it will remain beautiful for a long time to come.
The SIG Edge 540T ARF is highly pre-fabricated, making its
completion very straightforward and relatively easy.
However,
there are the all-important issues of engine and radio selection -
and their correct installations - to address. This manual will provide
you with information on how we at SIG dealt with and handled
these issues. This is valuable information that will make your own
custom installations that much easier. To fully take advantage of
this model, we urge you to carefully read this manual completely.
Doing so should provide you with insights and possible solutions in
the installation of your own equipment.