Dancing Wings Hobby E3801 1200mm Extra-NG RC Foam Airplane Assembly and Operation Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your Dancing Wings Hobby E3801 1200mm Extra-NG RC Foam Airplane. This model is a 3D EPP aircraft designed for remote-controlled flight. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning assembly or operation to ensure safe and correct usage.

Figure 1: The fully assembled Dancing Wings Hobby E3801 Extra-NG RC Foam Airplane, showcasing its red, white, and blue color scheme and propeller.

2. Safety Information

Operating remote-controlled aircraft requires adherence to safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage. Please observe the following:

• Adult Supervision: This product is recommended for individuals aged 16 years and up. Younger users should always be supervised by an experienced adult.
• Flight Area: Operate the aircraft in open, clear areas, away from people, animals, buildings, power lines, and other obstacles. Avoid flying near airports or restricted airspace.
• Weather Conditions: Do not fly in strong winds, rain, snow, or other adverse weather conditions.
• Pre-Flight Check: Always perform a thorough pre-flight check of all components, including the airframe, control surfaces, propeller, motor, battery, and radio system, before each flight.
• Propeller Safety: The propeller can cause serious injury. Keep hands, face, and loose clothing away from the propeller when the motor is powered. Always disconnect the battery when not operating the aircraft or performing maintenance.
• Battery Handling: Use only recommended batteries and chargers. Follow all battery charging and storage instructions to prevent fire or explosion.
• Radio Interference: Ensure your radio system is free from interference and that you have a clear signal before flight.
• Respect Local Regulations: Be aware of and comply with all local laws and regulations regarding RC aircraft operation.

3. Package Contents (E3801 Kit)

The E3801 package includes the E38 1200mm Extra-NG KIT. This kit requires assembly and the separate purchase of electronic components (motor, ESC, servos, receiver, transmitter, battery) to be flight-ready. Please verify all components are present upon opening the package.

Figure 2: Layout of the E3801 Extra-NG KIT components, including foam airframe parts, landing gear, and small hardware.

Kit Components:

• EPP Foam Airframe Parts (Wings, Fuselage, Tail Sections)
• Landing Gear Set (Wheels, Wire Struts)
• Control Horns and Linkage Rods
• Small Hardware (Screws, Nuts, etc.)
• Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods
• Decal Sheet
• Instruction Manual (this document)

Note: Electronic components such as motor, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), servos, receiver, transmitter, and battery are not included in the E3801 KIT and must be purchased separately. Refer to the specifications section for recommended component types.

4. Assembly Instructions

The Dancing Wings Hobby E3801 Extra-NG is supplied as a kit and requires careful assembly. Refer to the detailed assembly manual included in your package for step-by-step instructions and diagrams. The following provides a general overview of the assembly process.

Required Tools and Materials (Not Included):

• Hobby Knife or Sharp Blade
• Adhesive suitable for EPP foam (e.g., CA glue with accelerator, UHU Por, or hot glue)
• Small Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead)
• Pliers
• Ruler or Measuring Tape
• Marking Pen

General Assembly Steps:

1. Fuselage Assembly: Join the fuselage halves if supplied in sections. Install any internal carbon fiber reinforcements as indicated in the detailed manual.
2. Wing Assembly: Attach the main wings to the fuselage. Ensure proper alignment and secure bonding. Install any wing spars or reinforcements.
3. Tail Section Assembly: Attach the horizontal and vertical stabilizers to the rear of the fuselage. Verify they are perpendicular and level.
4. Landing Gear Installation: Assemble and securely attach the landing gear to the designated points on the fuselage.
5. Control Surface Hinges: Hinge the ailerons, elevator, and rudder to their respective airframe sections. Ensure free movement.
6. Electronic Component Installation:
   • Servos: Install servos into their designated cutouts for ailerons, elevator, and rudder.
   • Motor: Mount the motor to the motor mount.
   • ESC: Connect the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) to the motor and route its wires to the battery compartment.
   • Receiver: Install the RC receiver in a secure location within the fuselage, ensuring antennas are positioned for optimal signal reception.
7. Linkage Setup: Connect the servo arms to the control horns on the control surfaces using the provided linkage rods. Adjust for neutral positions.
8. Propeller Installation: Securely attach the propeller to the motor shaft. Ensure it is balanced and facing the correct direction for thrust.
9. Decal Application: Apply the provided decals according to the manual or your preference.
10. Center of Gravity (CG) Check: Crucially, balance the aircraft at the recommended Center of Gravity (CG) point. This is typically marked in the detailed manual. Adjust battery position or add ballast if necessary. Incorrect CG will severely affect flight performance and safety.

Figure 3: The E3801 kit, showing the main components and an illustration of the assembled aircraft.

5. Operating Instructions

Before your first flight, ensure you are familiar with your radio transmitter and the basic principles of RC flight. It is highly recommended to practice on an RC flight simulator if you are new to the hobby.

Pre-Flight Checklist:

• Battery Charged: Ensure the flight battery and transmitter battery are fully charged.
• Control Surface Check: Turn on your transmitter, then connect the flight battery to the aircraft. Verify that all control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder) move correctly and in the proper direction in response to transmitter inputs. Adjust servo reversals if necessary.
• Propeller Secure: Confirm the propeller is tightly secured and free from damage.
• Flight Area Clear: Ensure your chosen flight area is clear of people and obstacles.
• CG Verified: Re-check the Center of Gravity.

Take-off:

For hand launch, hold the aircraft firmly, apply about 70-80% throttle, and gently push it forward into the wind. For ground take-off, align the aircraft into the wind, slowly advance the throttle, and apply gentle elevator input as speed increases to lift off.

Flight Controls:

• Throttle: Controls motor speed and thrust.
• Ailerons: Control roll (banking) of the aircraft.
• Elevator: Controls pitch (nose up/down) of the aircraft.
• Rudder: Controls yaw (nose left/right) of the aircraft.

Practice gentle maneuvers initially. The Extra-NG is capable of 3D aerobatics, but master basic flight before attempting advanced maneuvers.

Figure 4: The E3801 Extra-NG RC Foam Airplane performing a flight maneuver.

Landing:

Approach the landing strip into the wind. Reduce throttle gradually and maintain altitude with elevator control. Aim for a gentle touchdown, reducing throttle completely just before landing. Use rudder for directional control on the ground.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your E3801 Extra-NG aircraft.

• Post-Flight Inspection: After each flight, inspect the airframe for any damage, cracks, or loose components. Check control linkages for free movement and security.
• EPP Foam Repair: EPP foam is durable but can be damaged. Small tears or dents can often be repaired with appropriate foam-safe glue. For larger damage, replacement parts may be necessary.
• Motor and Propeller: Ensure the motor spins freely and the propeller is balanced and undamaged. Replace bent or chipped propellers immediately.
• Electronics: Check all wiring connections for security. Ensure servos operate smoothly without binding.
• Storage: Store the aircraft in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove the flight battery during storage.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

Figure 5: Packaging box showing dimensions and weight information.

9. Customer Support

For technical assistance, missing parts, or warranty inquiries, please contact Dancing Wings Hobby customer support through the retailer where the product was purchased. Please have your model number (E3801) and purchase date available when contacting support.

You may also visit the official Dancing Wings Hobby store for additional product information and resources: Dancing Wings Hobby Store.

For visual guidance on assembly and flight, an external video resource is available: E3801 Flying Video. Please note this is an external link and not directly affiliated with this manual.