Der kleine Falke A1 (F1H) glider 1240mm - Instruction manual
Introduction
The Der Kleine FALKE (Little Falcon) glider is a great entry level kit for any modeller who wants to start build on their own; you can assemble it as a free flight model (meeting the requirements of the F1H alias A1 contest class). You can also install miniature RC gear and small electric power unit in order to enjoy flying with a small RC glider. You will need some basic modeller's tools, glues and dopes – you will find these handy with any of your future projects as well. Please make yourself familiar with the building plans and this manual BEFORE you actually start the assembly.
Before you start
Glue: You can use solvent based modeller's glue (UHU® Hart etc.), medium cyano (KAV9952 KAVAN Medium CA etc.) or water-resistant white glue (KAV9960 KAVAN White Glue etc.).
Dope: KAVAN Classic line Protective Dope ((KAV56.9988) and Thinner (KAV9990) are highly recommended.
Tools and accessories: You will need a perfectly flat building board (at least 150×700 mm) , modeller's knife (Excel K1 with no.11 blades etc.), razor saw, builder's triangle, electric drill with 1.5, 2.5 and 5.5 mm drill bits, sanding blocks/sponges with 180–200 and 360–400 grit sandpaper, needle files, model hobby pins (KAV0355 modeller's pins), soft flat (1/4"– 3/8") brush, thin clear plastic film to protect the building plan/building board (a large PE bag cut open will work).
Precautions
The model you build and fly is not a toy! Although it may seem light and slow in flight, it is capable of causing injury or other damage if mistreated. It is up to you whether you build the model properly, fly properly and continue to fly in accordance with common practice and rules (and common sense). If you are just getting started with aircraft models, ask for advice from your model shop or an experienced modeller at your local modelling club to find a good instructor.
Before construction: Build the model exactly as instructed. Do not change or modify the model. If you do, you risk that the model may be unsafe or unable to fly. Take the time to build everything firmly and reliably. Use appropriate tools, accessories and other equipment that is in top condition. Correctly install all parts of the model and check the model before the first and every subsequent flight.
Specification
| Wingspan | 1240 mm |
| Length | 870 mm |
| All-up weight | ca 160 g (F1H: min. 220 g) |
Assembly
Before you start you should decide which version you are going to build:
Free flight glider: The Der Kleine FALKE conforms to the requirements of the F1H alias A1 contest class once you add additional ballast in order the all-up weight was bigger than 220 g.
RC glider: Install a miniature receiver with two 5–6 g micro servos to get a great little rudder&elevator control glider suitable even as your first RC model. The all-up weight should be also about 220 g.
Electric powered RC glider: You can easily install a power unit with a small brushless motor with a pusher propeller installed on a pylon above the wing. The all-up weight should be in the 300–320 g range.
Wing
1) Carefully sand the entire surface of the wing leading edge halves no.1 and no.2. Sand the leading edge to the shape shown on the detail in the left top of the building plan.
2) Glue the wing spar no.3 to the wing leading edge no.1 together on a flat building board protected with a sheet of thin plastic film. Test fit the parts together before applying the glue. Sand to fit if necessary.
3) Once the glue has cured sand the bottom side of the no.1 and no. 3 parts perfectly flat.
4) Support the wing leading edge with a suitable stick and glue the wing trailing edge part no. 4 to it.
5) Once the glue has cured sand the upper side of the wing half smooth.
6) Glue the no. 8 stick to the outer end of the wing half. Once the glue has cured sand it flat to match the wing surface. Build the other wing half in the same manner.
7) Glue together parts no. 5 and no. 6 in order to make the wing joiner.
8) Insert the wing joiner into the notch in the wing; attach the wing halves together (outer ends supported to create the correct wing dihedral – refer to the picture top left on the building plan) bevel and sand the roots of the wing halves to match each other perfectly.
9) Once satisfied, glue the wing joiner into one of wing halves. Then apply a generous coat of glue to the other wing half and attach them together carefully keeping the correct wing dihedral.
10) Glue together both two no. 9 parts of the wing outer panels. Sand the joint smooth and then glue the wing panels to the wing centre section carefully keeping the correct dihedral.
11) Glue the wing trailing edge reinforcement plate no. 7 in place.
12) Apply a light coat of thinned protective dope to the entire wing. When dry, lightly sand all doped surfaces with the fine sandpaper. Repeat twice more. Sand lightly once every coat has dried. Apply the stickers.