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Flex innovations Raven 180 Instruction Manual

Designed by jase “the ace” dussia
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Summary of Contents for Flex innovations Raven 180

  • Page 1 Instruction Manual...
  • Page 2 BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL OR THE ASSEMBLY OF YOUR AIRCRAFT, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT UPDATES, FEATURE CHANGES AND MANUAL ADDENDUMS FOR THIS PRODUCT. https://www.flexinnovations.com/product/raven-180cc...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..........................1 Specifications: ................................. 2 Required Equipment: ..............................2 Optional Equipment: ..............................3 Ultracote®/Oracover® Colors: ............................ 4 Using this Manual ..........................5 Airframe Assembly ........................7 Control Horn Installation ........................ 7 Main Landing Gear Installation ..................... 9 Landing Gear Installation ............................
  • Page 4 Replacement Parts ........................56 Optional Accessories ........................57 Limited Warranty ........................58 Building and Flying Notes ....................60...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Bringing this pioneering spirit to the giant scale RC arena, the Flex Innovations Raven 180 expands what is capable with a 40% class aircraft. Designed by Jase “The Ace” Dussia, the Raven showcases a distinguished scale appearance while containing cutting edge aerodynamics.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    (4) 24-inch (610 mm) FPZA1047 (2) 36-inch (920 mm) FPZ1048 (4) 48-inch (1200 mm) FPZ1049 Servo Extension Safety Clips: Flex Servo Connector Safety Clips FPZA1040 Spinner: Spinner: 5.5-inch (140 mm) Flex Innovations 5.5-Inch Carbon Fiber, Edge Style Spinner (FPM2522 or FPMA1037 recommended)

  • Page 7: Optional Equipment

    Aura 12 Professional FPMA1040 50oz Lightweight Fuel/Smoke Tank (for smoke) DP1000 Dualsky DP1000 Brushless Smoke Pump FPM2514 Flex Innovations Premium Wing and Tail Bag Set – Raven 180 FPM2525 Protection Pack – Raven 180 FPMA1056 180cc Complete Smoke System Pack FPM2516...

  • Page 8: Ultracote®/Oracover® Colors

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual Ultracote®/Oracover® Colors: Orange Scheme: Ultracote® Oracover® Midnight Blue (HANU885) Dark Blue (21-052) Sky Blue (HANU875) Sky Blue (21-053) Orange (HANU877) Orange (21-060) White (HANU870) Whtie (21-010)

  • Page 9: Using This Manual

    All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Flex Innovations, LLC. For up-to-date product literature, please visit our website at www.flexinnovations.com and navigate to the product page for this product.
  • Page 10 Raven 180 Instruction Manual first flights. If you're not a member of a club, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has information about clubs in your area whose membership includes experienced pilots. 8. Keep the propeller area clear from such items as loose clothing, jewelry, long hair, or tools, as they can become entangled.

  • Page 11: Airframe Assembly

    Mixing Cups o Mixing Sticks (something to mix epoxy with) Note: The Raven 180 features pre-installed and painted control horns for the ailerons, elevators, and rudder. If running three servos per wing, the center horns will need to be installed.
  • Page 12 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 3. Apply epoxy to the control horn slots and control horn and insert the control horn into its corresponding slots. Double check the rudder control horn to ensure it is straight and seated properly. Use a paper towel and isopropyl alcohol to clean up any excess epoxy.

  • Page 13: Main Landing Gear Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual MAIN LANDING GEAR INSTALLATION Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage Assembly o 1.5mm Hex Driver o Blue Thread Lock o Landing Gear o 2.5mm Hex Driver o Red Thread Lock o Wheel Pants (L & R) o 5mm Hex Driver o Rubber Adhesive (e.g.

  • Page 14: Landing Gear Cuff Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual Landing Gear Cuff Installation The landing gear cuffs are glued to the landing gear itself, and not the fuselage. This allows for easy removal of the landing gear. ⃞ 1. Slide the gear cuff up into place against the fuselage. Apply a piece of masking tape at the bottom edge of the cuff on each side of the landing gear.

  • Page 15: Wheel, Axle, And Wheel Pant Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 4. Keep airframe upright and allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours (if using GOOP). Wheel, Axle, and Wheel Pant Installation The wheel, axle, and wheel pants feature a wheel pant saver system which will increase the longevity of the wheel pants when flying off grass runways for example.
  • Page 16 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 3. Locate the long cylindrical collar. This will be applied using the provided set screw facing towards the bottom of the airplane. ⃞ 4. Put the wheel pant in place and notice how the cylindrical collar sits inside the fiberglass...
  • Page 17 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 5. Apply the exterior wheel pant saver bolt from the outside of the wheel pant into the threaded portion of the cylindrical collar. ⃞ 6. Tighten the wheel pants for flight.

  • Page 18: Rudder And Tailwheel Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual RUDDER AND TAILWHEEL INSTALLATION Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage o Flat Head Screwdriver o Blue Thread Lock o Rudder o 2.5mm Hex Driver o Rudder Hinge Wire o Hobby knife o Tail Gear Assembly...

  • Page 19: Tailwheel Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual Tailwheel Installation The tailwheel is mounted using three bolts along with a ball link. ⃞ 1. Locate the hole in the bottom of the rudder that will accept the ball link for the steering arm. It is about 3-3/8 inches (85mm) aft of the rudder hinge line. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to remove the covering from the hole.
  • Page 20 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 5. You can trim the steering wire leaving some overhang. Ensure that the steering wire stays on track within the ball link throughout the rudders full range of motion.

  • Page 21: Aileron Servo And Linkage Installation

    M3 Washer (24-36) o M3 Lock Nut (8-12) o M3 Conical Spacer (4-6) The Raven 180 has an option to use two or three servos per wing. For faster, XA style flying, three high torque servos are recommended per wing. ⃞ 1.
  • Page 22 Raven 180 Instruction Manual has left-hand threads, while the other end has right hand threads, this will allow for adjusting the linkage length without removing either end of the linkage. Jase’s Pro Tip: Use a set of digital calipers to measure the length of threads exposed on each end of the linkage. This allows you to ensure that the ball links are equally threaded onto each end of the linkage.
  • Page 23 Raven 180 Instruction Manual o M3 Washer o M3 Lock Nut ⃞ 10. Center the aileron by lengthening or shortening the linkage as needed. Note: The angle of the linkage when centered is correct. As the servo arm rotates and the control surface deflects, the linkage will straighten.
  • Page 24 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 13. Be sure the leads of the connector are secured within the wing to help prevent them from coming unplugged. ⃞ 14. Repeat for the other wing.

  • Page 25: Elevator Servo And Linkage Installation

    M3 Lock Nut (4-8) o M3 Conical Spacers (2-4) The Raven 180 has an option to use one or two servos per horizontal stabilizer. For faster, XA style flying, two high torque servos are recommended per horizontal stabilizer. ⃞ 1.
  • Page 26 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 6. Using an elevator pushrod, assemble the elevator linkages and ball links so that the total length from center of ball to center of ball is approximately 3 in (75mm). Final length will be adjusted when centering the control surface. Note that both ends of the elevator linkages have opposite direction threads.
  • Page 27 Raven 180 Instruction Manual this method, you can best align the most important part of the control surface, the wider section, rather than referencing something less important, like the elevator counterbalance. ⃞ 10. If you are using two servos per horizontal stabilizer install the second linkage now. Follow the instructions provided with the Aileron Servo Setup to ensure that the servos and linkages are matched properly.

  • Page 28: Rudder Servo And Linkage Installation

    M3 Conical Spacer (2) The Raven 180 is designed to run two rudder servos, both in a push-pull configuration. There is one servo on each side of the fuselage connected to the rudder via pushrods like the ones used on the ailerons and the elevator.
  • Page 29 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 6. Power on your radio system to center the servo. Install a 2-inch (51mm) servo arm onto the servo, pointing up, as close to perpendicular with the servo’s case as possible. Apply a small amount of blue thread lock to the servo arm screw and secure it in place. If your servo arm has clamping screws, apply blue thread lock to these screws and secure them in place.

  • Page 30: Gas Power Setup

    Loop Tape o Fuel Filler o Cable Ties The Flex Innovations 50oz Lightweight Fuel Tank is included with your Raven 180. ⃞ 1. Assemble your fuel tank. Before installing the fuel tank check all fittings are properly installed and that the clunk line inside the tank is appropriately sized. Adjust as necessary.
  • Page 31 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 2. As shown in the picture on the previous page, the fuel tank tray has plenty of room for your fuel tank. If you are using a single tank, you can place the fuel tank in the middle of the tray, If you plan on using a smoke system, two of the 50oz Lightweight Fuel/Smoke tanks (FPMA1040) should be used, installed side by side.
  • Page 32 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 5. The vent line shrould warp around the tank and should then exit the bottom of the fuselage. After the vent line exits the fuselage. A piece of metal tubing coming from the bottom of the airplane can be used for vent. Or the vent line can be run through the bottom of the fuselage and secured with a zip tie.

  • Page 33: Engine Installation

    Standoffs (4 DA-200) Mount the Engine, DA-180 Two-cylinder The Raven 180 features a motor box extension to allow for use of both four cylinder and two- cylinder engines without any modifications. The firewall itself is positioned for a four-cylinder engine such as the DA-200. The motor box extension allows for the use of a two-cylinder engine such as the DA-180.

  • Page 34: Mount The Engine, Da-200 Four-Cylinder

    Note: When using the DA-200 you will have to move your receiver packs around to achieve the proper CG for your Raven 180. It is highly beneficial to use 4 elevator servos in this configuration as it will make it a lot easier to achieve the desired CG.

  • Page 35: 180 & Da-200 Throttle Servo And Linkage Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 2. Mount the engine (without the exhaust) to the firewall using (4) ¼-20 x 2-inch socket head cap screws, (4) ¼-inch flat washers, (4) 30mm-35mm engine standoffs, (4) ¼-inch fender washers & (4) ¼-inch lock-nuts, use red thread locker on these bolts.
  • Page 36 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 2. Attach the servo extension to the throttle servo. Use a Servo Connector Safety Clip (FPZA1040), thread or heat shrink tubing to secure the extension in place. Mount the servo with the output shaft towards the rear of the aircraft and route the servo extension appropriately through the aircraft.

  • Page 37: Ignition Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual IGNITION INSTALLATION Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage Assembly o Hobby Knife w/#11 Blade o Hook and Loop Strap (2) o Ignition o #1 Phillips Screwdriver o Adhesive-Back Hook and o Ignition Switch...
  • Page 38 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 4. You can route the ignition wires through the holes provided in the side of the motor box or through the central hole to best match your installation. Because of the baffling that will be used for cooling on the DA-200 it is easier to rout the ignition wires out the center of the motor box.

  • Page 39: Exhaust And Cowling Installation

    DA-180 or the DA-200 with the stock mufflers we recommend installing the muflers with the pipe end of the muffler facing the rear of the airplane (pictures can be seen on page 32) ⃞ 4A. The Raven 180 features a clear cowling template for simple exhaust hole mapping.
  • Page 40 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 5A. Pre-fit the template by aligning it to the cowling itself and mark where the cowling bolts align to the template. Cut holes for the bolts and bolt the template to the fuselage. ⃞ 6A. Mark where the exhaust needs to be relieved through the template.

  • Page 41: Canister Installation (B)

    Assemble the silicone tubing into the mount if needed. Included with the Raven 180 is a mount for 75mm diameter exhausts, like the KS 1090 canister. If your exhaust is a different size, you’ll need to make one or get one from your exhaust or engine supplier.

  • Page 42: Engine Baffling And Cooling Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual Engine Baffling and Cooling Installation Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage Assembly o Ruler o GOOP or other flexible o Cowling o Hobby knife adhesive o Cowling Baffles o Thin CA o Cooling Plates o (4) M2.5 x 8mm Wood...
  • Page 43 Raven 180 Instruction Manual Baffling for 4-cylinder engines ⃞ 1. The 4-cylinder baffling kit is designed around the DA-200 engine, if you are using a different engine you may need to adapt it accordingly. ⃞ 2. Dry assemble the baffling kit and the bottom cowling into the airplane as shown below, make any adjustments as necessary.
  • Page 44 Raven 180 Instruction Manual Exhaust port cover installation ⃞ 1. The Raven 180 includes a fuselage plate installed on the bottom for can/tuned pipe use and air venting even with a stock muffler setup. ⃞ 2. To install this plate, remove the covering where the plate provisions are located. The plate is installed using four wood screws.

  • Page 45: Cowling, Propeller And Spinner Final Installation

    The Raven 180 takes a 5 ½” spinner. Flex offers a matching spinner (FPM2522) for the Raven 180 scheme along with a solid color spinner (FPMA1037).
  • Page 46 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 4. Drill the spinner and propeller using a drill jig for your engine. ⃞ 5. Torque the engine bolts to approximately 95 in/lbs. ⃞ 6. When applying the spinner, be careful not to overtighten the bolts. Be sure to use the...

  • Page 47: Radio Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual RADIO INSTALLATION Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage Assembly o #1 Phillips Screwdriver o Receiver o Hobby Knife o Receiver Switch o Aura 8 or 12 Professional (Optional) o Receiver Batteries o Hook and Loop Straps...
  • Page 48 Make all the necessary servo connections. Depending on the center of gravity (see the CG section), install your (2) receiver batteries in one of three mounting locations provided in the Raven 180. They are located as follows: o Receiver & Rudder Servo Tray...

  • Page 49: Field Assembly

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual FIELD ASSEMBLY Required for this section Components Tools Adhesives/Building Materials o Fuselage Assembly o None! o Main Wings (2) o Anti-rotation Tube o WingTube o Stab Tube o Canopy Hatch ⃞ 1. Pull out the Flex Canopy Speed-Lock knob until it bottoms out, then twist it CW or CCW 1/4 turn.
  • Page 50 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 3. Unlock the 4 wing Flex Speed-Locks from both right and left side. To unlock them you need to pull out on the knob and then slide it up until it reaches its limit. Note that the Flex Speed-Lock design has a plastic tube extension on the top that shows the unlock position when the tube is sticking out of the top of the airplane frame.
  • Page 51 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 5. Proceed to lock the Flex Speed-Locks by pushing down on the plastic tubes until they are flush with the fuselage, and you hear a “click”. If the plastic tube is not flush with the top of the fuselage, then you know the Flex Speed-Lock is not properly locked.
  • Page 52 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 7. Unlock the horizontal stabilizer Flex Speed-Locks from both right and left side. To unlock them you need to pull out on the knob and then slide it back until it reaches its limit. ⃞ 8.
  • Page 53 Raven 180 Instruction Manual ⃞ 10. Install the canopy hatch back onto the fuselage by first inserting the two front pins in the canopy into the two holes in the firewall. Once the pins are engaged slowly drop the canopy down onto the fuselage as far back as possible so that the studs can enter the key-hole shaped slots in the top of the fuselage.

  • Page 54: Decal Installation

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual DECAL INSTALLATION Use the drawings provided below for a guide to apply the decals to your model. ⃞ 1. Thoroughly clean the model to ensure it is free of oil, fingerprints, and dust. ⃞ 2. Separate the decals, but do not remove the paper backing.
  • Page 55 Raven 180 Instruction Manual...
  • Page 56 Raven 180 Instruction Manual...

  • Page 57: Final Setup And Flying Notes

    The Flex Innovations Raven 180 is a high-performance airplane with large control surface throws, and a very high thrust to weight ratio. These factors combined make the Raven 180 a very enjoyable aircraft to fly, but if the center of gravity is not within an acceptable range, it will make the airplane difficult, if not impossible, to control.

  • Page 58: Range Testing

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual Jase’s Pro Tip: o The measurement noted is the best CG location for flying the Raven 180, and where all tweaks to the airframe have been made. The aircraft is safe to fly within the range of 4 ⅛-inches (105mm) to 5 ⅛-inches (130mm) when measured from the leading edge of the wing at the...

  • Page 59: Before First Flight

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual BEFORE FIRST FLIGHT Before going to the field for your first flight, please go over the finished, fully assembled model at home. The key to a successful first flight is preparation and ensuring that your plane is airworthy.

  • Page 60: Replacement Parts

    Raven 180 Left Wing with Horns Installed Orange FPM2502RA Raven 180 Right Wing with Horns Installed Orange FPM2503A Raven 180 Horizontal Stab and Elevator with Horns Installed Orange FPM2504A Raven 180 Rudder with Horns Installed Orange FPM2505A Raven 180 Cowling with Template Orange...

  • Page 61: Optional Accessories

    OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FPM2525 Protection Pack – Raven 180 FPMA1038 Canopy Cover – Raven 180 FPM2514 Premium Wing & Tail Bag Set – Raven 180 FPMA1041 Flex Aircraft Sunshade 180cc Monoplane FPM2522 5.5" Carbon Spinner (Raven 180 Custom Scheme Orange) FPMA1037 5.5"...

  • Page 62: Limited Warranty

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual LIMITED WARRANTY Warranty Coverage Flex Innovations LLC and its authorized resellers (“Flex”) warrant to the original purchaser that this product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase.

  • Page 63: Warranty Requirements

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual These terms are governed by Florida law (without regard to conflict of law of principals). This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. FLEX RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS WARRANTY AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

  • Page 64: Building And Flying Notes

    Raven 180 Instruction Manual BUILDING AND FLYING NOTES...
  • Page 65 © 2025 Flex Innovations, LLC. All rights reserved. Potenza™ is a trademark of Flex Innovations LLC Rev.A Created 02/2025...

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