KAVAN HPH 304TS TwinShark - Instruction manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the semi-scale model of the HPH 304TS Twin Shark sailplane. You are about to start assembling a model manufactured from virtually unbreakable EPO (expanded polyolefin) foam powered by a mighty brushless motor and lightweight LiPo battery. Everybody who has already mastered flying a "full house" trainer – with aileron, elevator, rudder, and throttle control – will enjoy this beautiful high-performance glider.

HPH 304TS Twin Shark – a Czech sailplane with German roots

In 1962 Eugen Hänle founded the Glasflügel Segelflugzeugbau GmbH, which soon became famous as the first company to produce fiberglass sailplanes in large numbers. Glasflügel’s designs have always been known for innovative solutions becoming standard features of modern sailplanes: quick assembly systems for wings and tailplanes, trailing edge air brake-flap combinations, highly practical cockpit and control system design and many more. Unfortunately, after the untimely death of the founder in a flight accident in 1975, the company encountered financial difficulties. It was finally dissolved in 1982.

In the middle of 1990, a young Czech company called HPH (already established as a museum quality scale model manufacturer) restored the production of one of the latest sailplanes designed by the Glasflügel – Type 304. The manufacturing plant in Kutná Hora (central Bohemia) started with the HPH 304CZ built using the original moulds and jigs, later upgraded to 15 metres FAI class HPH 304C Wasp. In 2006 they introduced a brand new 18-metre-class design named HPH 304S Shark and finally the 20-metre two-seater class sailplane HPH 304TS Twin Shark in 2017.

Before you start

If you are not an experienced RC pilot, plan to have a fully competent pilot check your completed model and help you with your first flights. Even though we have tried to provide you with a thorough instruction manual, RC models are rather complicated and an experienced modeller can quickly check over your model to make sure your first flights are successful.
Please assemble your model exactly according to these instructions. Do not attempt to modify or change your model in any way as doing so may adversely change its flying characteristics.
Before you begin, please check the entire contents of this kit to make sure that no parts are missing or damaged. This will also help you to become familiar with each component of your plane. If you find that any of the parts are either missing or damaged, please contact your dealer immediately for replacement.
Note: Your dealer cannot accept kits for return if construction has begun.
Trial fit each part before glueing it in place. Make sure you are using the correct part and that it fits well before assembling. No amount of glue can make up for a poorly fitting part.
The manual contains a drawing showing the default position of the Centre of Gravity (CG) and recommended control surface throws. Please note it is essential to keep the recommended CG position for the first flight otherwise the model could be unstable, hard to control or even unable to fly at all! Later you can fine-tune the CG position to suit your flying style and skills.

Precautions

This RC model is not a toy. Use it with care and strictly follow the instructions in this manual.

Assemble this model following strictly these instructions. DO NOT modify or alter the model. Failure to do so, the warranty will lapse automatically. Follow the instructions to obtain a safe and solid model at the end of the assembly.

Children under the age of 14 must operate the model under the supervision of an adult.

Assure that the model is in perfect condition before every flight, taking care that all the equipment works correctly and that the model is undamaged in its structure.

Fly only on days with a light breeze and in a safe place away from any obstacles.

Safety precautions and warnings

An RC aeroplane is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in a safe place following all instructions and recommendations in this manual. Beware of the propeller! Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away from the spinning propeller, including loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Ensure that your and other people’s hands and faces are kept away from the rotating propeller.
As the user of this product, you are solely responsible for operating it in a manner that does not endanger yourself and others or result in damage to the product or the property of others. This model is controlled by a radio signal, that is subject to interference from many sources outside your control. This interference can cause momentary loss of control, so it is advisable to always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model, as this margin will help to avoid collisions or injury.
Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries.
Always operate your model in an open area away from power lines, cars, traffic, or people. Avoid operating your model in populated areas where injury or damage can occur.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for this and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable batteries, etc.) which you use.
Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out of the reach of children.
Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid water exposure to all equipment not specifically designed and protected for this purpose.
The model is mostly made of plastics – it is not fireproof. It may not be exposed to higher temperatures otherwise severe distortion of the foam airframe or other damage may occur.

Specification


Wingspan	2700 mm
Length	1285 mm
Wing area	45 dm²
Weight	1680 g
All–up weight	1950–2050 g
Motor	C3548–750
ESC	KAVAN R–50SB SBEC
Propeller	11×8"

Set contents

Almost ready-to-fly model of a sailplane with the brushless motor, speed controller and servos installed, instruction manual.

You will also need

At least 7-channel RC set, 14.8 V 2600–3300 mAh LiPo flight pack.
Regular modeller’s tools – modeller’s knife, screwdrivers, pliers etc.

Model assembly

Connect the aileron (A) and flap (F) servo cables to the corresponding extension cables in the wing opening in the fuselage. Double check the correct connection. (Fig. 1)
Note: : The kit is supplied with Y-cables for ailerons and flaps so you can use even the most basic 6-channel radios to control your TwinShark. If you intend to use independent control of aileron and flap servos and an advanced computer radio, you will have to replace the default Y-cables with four 25–30 cm extension cables.