Experimental Aircraft Models Vans RV-6 Manual

Radio control scale model

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Vans RV-6/6A & RV-7/7A
Scale: 1= 4.62
Wingspan: 59
Wing Area: 746 sq. in (4814 dm
Flying Weight: 7.5-9.5 lbs (3.4-4.3 kg)
Wing Loading: 23 – 29 oz/ft
Length: 52" (1321 mm)
Radio: 5 Channels with 7 servos
Engines: .61 – .75 cu in 2 Cycle
.70 – .91 cu in 4 Cycle
Experimental Aircraft Models, LLC (EAM) guarantees this kit to be free from defects in
material and workmanship. The warranty does not cover individual parts damaged by
modification or abuse. In no case will EAM's responsibility or liability exceed the original
purchase price of the kit. EAM reserves the right to change or modify this warranty at any
time.
EAM assumes or accepts no liability for the manner in which this model aircraft is used by the
user, in any condition of assembly. By the act of purchasing this kit, the purchaser and any
subsequent user accepts full responsibility and all resulting liability.
If the purchaser is not willing to accept the above liability associated with the use of
this model aircraft, the purchaser is advised to return this kit immediately to the source
from where it was obtained.
Please read this manual thoroughly before starting assembly. It includes critical
assembly instructions and warnings in regards to the safe and enjoyable use of
this scale aircraft model.
"Enhancing the Homebuilt Experience"
Radio Control Scale Model
3
/
" (1518 mm)
4
2
)
2
Experimental Aircraft Models LLC
1224 Amber Dr.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Canada, P7B 6H7
www.rchomebuilts.com
Warranty

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Summary of Contents for Experimental Aircraft Models Vans RV-6

  • Page 1 .70 – .91 cu in 4 Cycle Warranty Experimental Aircraft Models, LLC (EAM) guarantees this kit to be free from defects in material and workmanship. The warranty does not cover individual parts damaged by modification or abuse. In no case will EAM’s responsibility or liability exceed the original purchase price of the kit.
  • Page 2 Vans Aircraft RV 6/7 and truly wish you the best of enjoyment. Please feel free to e-mail us with kit comments from our web site at www.rchomebuilts.com or call us toll free 888-968-7251. Andrew Kondor Managing Director – Experimental Aircraft Models, LLC...
  • Page 3: General Assembly Notes

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 3 GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTES Just as the homebuilder customizes their personal aircraft, your Experimental Aircraft Models kit enables you to build FOUR variations of the full scale aircraft: by changing wing tips fin/rudder and landing gear, you may choose between the RV-6, RV-6A, RV-7, or RV-7A aircraft.
  • Page 4 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 4 Note that the RV-7/7A model will also accommodate a lighting kit in the wing tip. For those unfamiliar with the RV-6/6A and RV-7/7A designation, the RV-6/7 use the Conventional gear (Taildragger) version and the RV-6A/7A variants use the Tricycle gear.
  • Page 5 The recommended engines are a .61 to .75 two stroke or .70-.91 four stroke. Experimental Aircraft Models discourages the use engines larger than this range. The RV is a relatively light and aerodynamically clean design that simply does not require larger than the recommended engines.
  • Page 6: Wing Assembly

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 6 WING ASSEMBLY RV-7 / RV-7A Swept Wing Tip with light cover (formed plastic) RV-6 / RV-6A Straight Wing Tip (fiberglass) Aileron Hinges The flaps are already hinged and ready to go; however the hinge points in the ailerons must be seated and epoxied in.
  • Page 7 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 7 3. When satisfied with the fits, remove the hinge points. Mix a small batch of epoxy and using a toothpick drop some down into each hinge pocket, hold the surface with the hole pointing up so the epoxy can flow down into the hole.
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 8 3. For each of the four covers, start by positioning the servo by centering the servo arm in the center of the slot then use a spring clamp to hold it in position. 4.
  • Page 9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 9 10. Install the horns. Cut off the excess mounting screw length and file or grinding off the burr – it looks better than that extra bolt hanging out! Port Flap Horn Starboard Flap Horn Port Aileron Horn Strbd Aileron Horn 11.
  • Page 10 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 10 Aileron, Rudder or Elevator channel, and then set both servo arms to neutral. When you plug the harness back into the flap channel you should see the servos working together throughout the range of flap settings. Put a fairly abrupt (roughly 30°) bend in the flap links, 75mm (3”) from the pin in the clevis.
  • Page 11 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 11 18. Trial fit the wing joiner block in each wing half, and then slide the wing together over the joiner. It should close up the gap nicely. Wing Joint Trial Fitted 19. Mix a batch of 30 minute epoxy using a popsicle stick. Use the stick to reach into the each wing pocket and wipe with epoxy.
  • Page 12 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 12 For either tip the installation is the same. Fit it in place and mark the attachment screw locations. Remove the tip; drill each of those mounting holes with 1.5mm ( ”) drill by 10mm ( ”) deep.
  • Page 13: Fuselage & Tail Assembly

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 13 FUSELAGE & TAIL ASSEMBLY Certain details of the engine installation will vary depending on whether you use a 2 stroke or 4-stroke engine. We will cover both installations, noting any peculiarities encountered. Luckily the engines we will use as our examples have the same mounting dimensions so we can switch back and forth fairly painlessly.
  • Page 14 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 14 2. This step is optional and cosmetic. Before starting the installation of the engine, paint the front end to cover up the wood; after all the RV’s are all-metal airframes! Use fuel proof dope (like Sig or Brodak) or polyurethane paint in the color of your choice.
  • Page 15 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 15 6. Mount the engine in preparation for cowl fitting. Omit the muffler for now. Engine Mounted 7. Slide the cowl over the engine. The 2-stroke should be easy, but for a 4-stroke you will probably have to remove the rocker cover for the cowl to fit.
  • Page 16 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 16 with care and patience will help you finish the job quickly. Strive for a minimum 2 mm (1/8”) clearance between the exhaust tube and the cowl. In an effort to maintain a cleaner line, note that the sides of the cut follow the sides of the lower cowl scoop.
  • Page 17 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 17 13. THIS STEP IS FOR 4-STROKE ONLY. Using drills, scissors, or your grinding tool cut a hole in the cowl per your template line. Slip the cowl into place, an note any interferences. Continue shaping the opening until you have roughly 2mm (1/8”) clearance to the rocker cover.
  • Page 18 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 18 2. Slide the horizontal stabilizer into the fuselage. Note that there is a hole for a bolt that passes from the vertical fin through the stab just behind the leading edge. For now, slip a small screwdriver through this hole to made sure it is centered.
  • Page 19 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 19 front end of the rods down to keep them from rattling about. Elevator and Rudder Pushrods Installed 6. Install the horizontal stab using 30 minute epoxy and CA. Begin by applying a wet bu not globby coating of epoxy inside the top of fuselage – the top block that contacts the stab.
  • Page 20 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 20 8. Back in step 1 we epoxied the hinge points to the movable surfaces. Now its time to finish the job. If you have not done so already, check out EVERY HINGE and make sure it moves freely and is free of excess epoxy.
  • Page 21 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 21 from the edge of the elevator. Use a pin in one of the horn mounting holes to hold its position on the elevator then drill. Install the bolts and back plates, snug down and cut/file the excess length of the bolt. Rudder Horn Installed Fuel Tank –...
  • Page 22 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 22 5. Reach up inside the tank compartment, you will find that the bottom of the platform has lightening holes cut into it that we will use to VERY LOOSELY install the two tie straps. Intent is to get them into position with plenty of room to slide the tank in.
  • Page 23 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 23 It is shown on the Starboard side but could have just as easily been put ion the bottom (where it would be hard see or access or on top of the fuselage. The valve will be used to fill the tank through the Muffler Pressure line.
  • Page 24: Landing Gear Installation

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 24 LANDING GEAR INSTALLATION RV-6 / RV-7 Conventional Landing Gear (Taildragger) Recommended for grass fields RV-6A / RV-7A Tricycle Landing Gear Trike Gear Set-up 1. Locate the nose gear fairing, wire, wheel, collars and straps. Take the wheel and colors off the wire.
  • Page 25 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 25 2. Fit on of the metal brackets over the wire and onto the fairing near the top. Drill the two 1.5mm ( ”) holes into the fairing where the bracket goes, and install the bracket screws. Repeat for the second bracket to be located somewhere midway along the wire and fairing juncture.
  • Page 26 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 26 The Main Gear mounts are located under the covering just aft of the lower wing fairing. Cut away the covering to expose the mounts, and seal the edges of the covering. OPTIONAL: fuel proof the mounts with a coat of paint before installing the gear using the 4mm bolts provided.
  • Page 27 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 27 3. One of the signatures of the full size Taildragger RV’s is the extended tail wheel – mimicked on our model. Begin by installing the metal bellcrank on the bottom of the rudder. It should be located on center and as far forward as possible without interfering with the movement of the rudder.
  • Page 28: Radio Setup

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 28 RADIO SET-UP Receiver: wrapped in foam, Switch slipped between servo rails, retained with tie strap Battery Pack wrapped in foam, installed in forward bay Elevator Servo Rudder Servo Nose gear pushrod Servo Leads for not shown Flaps &...
  • Page 29: Final Assembly

    ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 29 3. Neutralize the rudder, bend the rudder pushrod to length. In order to use the swing-arm keeper you will need to replace the Elevator servo wheel with an arm. Install keeper and clip the excess wire.
  • Page 30 ASSEMBLY MANUAL: RV6/6A & RV7/7A Page 30 2. WEIGHT AND BALANCE - This is probably the most critical assembly step you do! It is likely that you will have to add nose weight to the model. This would not be unusual as the full-scale aircraft is designed to carry over a third of its empty weight forward of the firewall.

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