Freewing F9F Panther Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the F9F Panther. This model is designed for the intermediate to advanced flyer. The model is receiver-ready and includes everything that you need to assemble and fly your F9F Panther, except for the radio transmitter and receiver. Please read the following instructions carefully; assembly is easy and should only take an hour or so.

The F9F Panther was Grumman's first jet fighter and one of the United States Navy's first successful carrier-based jet fighters. A single-engined, straight-winged day fighter, it was armed with four 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon and could carry a wide assortment of air-to-ground munitions.

The Panther was used extensively by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the Korean War. It was also the first jet aircraft used by the Blue Angels aerobatics demonstration team, from 1949 through late 1954. The aircraft was exported to Argentina and was the first jet used by the Argentine Naval Aviation.

Total F9F production was 1,382. The design evolved into the swept wing Grumman F-9 Cougar.

Index

• Kit Contents ........................................................................... 2
• Spare Parts .............................................................................2
• Assembly ............................................................................... 3
• Optional Landing Gear Installation.........................................6
• Control Throws ...................................................................... 7
• Center of Gravity ................................................................... 8
• In Flight Adjustments .............................................................8

Main Specifications

• Wingspan: 27" (685mm)
• Fuselage length: 28-3/4" (730mm)
• Flight weight: 19.5 oz. (552g)
• 64mm EDF
• 4300KV out-runner brushless motor
• 3-cell 11.1V 1600mAh 20C lipo battery
• 30A ESC
• 3pcs. 9g Servo
• Optional Landing Gear (Sold Separately w/ steerable nose wheel and servo included)
• Radio System with minimum 3-channel Transmitter and Receiver
• Battery charger capable of charging a 3-cell Lipo battery

Note: All specifications are for the RTF with landing gear. If you purchase another version, you can choose different spare parts.

Notes and Warnings

1. This is not a toy! Operators should have some basic experience. Beginners should operate under the guidance of a professional instructor.
2. Before beginning assembly, please read through the instructions and carefully follow them throughout the build.
3. Freewing and its vendors will not be held responsible for any losses due to improper assembly or operation.
4. Model airplane operators must be at least 14 years of age.
5. This airplane is made of EPO foam material, covered with surface spray paint. Don't use chemicals to clean as it may cause damage.
6. You should avoid flying in areas such as public places, areas with high voltage power lines, highways, airports, or other areas where laws and regulations clearly prohibit flight.
7. Do not fly in bad weather conditions, including thunderstorms, snow, etc.
8. Lipo batteries should be properly stored in a fire-proof container and be kept at a minimum distance away from flammable or explosive materials.
9. Damaged or scrap batteries must be properly discharged before disposal or recycling to avoid spontaneous combustion and fire.
10. At the Flying Field, properly dispose of any waste you have created; don't leave or burn your waste.
11. Ensure that your throttle is in the low position and that your radio is turned on before connecting the Lipo battery.
12. Ensure that the throttle is in the lowest position and transmitter is turned on, before connecting the Lipo Battery to the ESC of the aircraft.
13. Do not try to catch the airplane while in flight or during landing. Wait for the airplane to complete its stop before handling.

Kit Contents

An image displays the F9F Panther jet in flight against a blue sky with mountains. The jet is grey with yellow and red accents, bearing the number '35' and US Navy markings.

Check to ensure that your kit contains all the parts shown in the photo above.

Spare Parts for F9F

• F9F landing gear (Optional)
  Item No.: F170106
• 64mm EDF
  Item No.: F90210
• 2627-4300kv Brushless Motor
  Item No.: F90131
• F9F Fuselage
  Item No.: F170104
• F9F Tail Wing Set
  Item No.: F170102
• F9F Main wing Set
  Item No.: F170103

Assembly

1. Apply a small amount of epoxy to one of the horizontal stabilizers.
2. Apply a small amount of epoxy to the vertical stabilizer slot for the horizontal stabilizer and glue it in place. Repeat for the other side.
3. Check that horizontal stabilizers are at 90 degrees to the fin.
4. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the root of one wing panel.
5. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the wing tabs on the fuselage.
6. Attach and hold the wing in place until the epoxy cures. Repeat for the other wing.
7. Insert the aileron servo wires into the holes in the fuselage and route them to the Rx.
8. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the bottom of the vertical stabilizer with the foam insert removed.
9. Carefully install the vertical stabilizer onto the fuselage, making sure the elevator tube goes into the exit slot. Be sure not to foul the pushrod opening with glue.
10. Epoxy the area where the foam insert goes. Carefully install the insert while making sure the elevator tube goes into the exit slot.
11. Use a radio or servo tester to center the servo. Slide the elevator pushrods through the tubes and attach the clevises to the control horns. Slide the control rods through the servo control arm. Center the elevator and lock the servo control arm down on the control rod by tightening the control arm screw.
12. Apply 5-minute epoxy to the nose cone and attach it to the fuselage, ensuring it is aligned properly.
13. The hatch has magnets at the front and a tab at the back. Lift the hatch from the front and slide it forward to remove it. Install your receiver using double-sided tape or Velcro.
14. If you decide not to install the optional landing gear (sold separately), glue the front plastic nose cover onto the fuselage with contact adhesive or 5-minute epoxy.

Optional Landing Gear Installation

Remove the plastic covers on the wings. Use 5-minute epoxy to install the plastic landing gear base. Next, feed the steering servo wire into the nose and glue the nose gear base in place. Connect the nosewheel steering lead to the rudder channel on your receiver.

Battery Installation and Center of Gravity

Install the battery pack in the hatch and position it forwards or back to achieve the proper center of gravity.

The Center of Gravity for the F9F Panther is 1-3/4" (45mm) back from the leading edge of the wing where it meets the fuselage. Adjust the position of the battery to achieve the correct Center of Gravity. Never attempt to fly a model that is not correctly balanced.

A diagram shows the F9F Panther's underside with a measurement indicating the Center of Gravity (CG) at '1-3/4" (45mm)' from the leading edge of the wing.

Control Throws

Ailerons

• 3/8" Up and Down on Low Rates.
• 1/2" Up and Down on High Rates.

Diagrams illustrate aileron throws with measurements marked as '3/8" (mm)' and '1/2" (12mm)' for low and high rates respectively.

Elevator

• 3/16" Up and Down on Low Rates.
• 5/16" Up and Down on High Rates.

Diagrams illustrate elevator throws with measurements marked as '3/16" (5mm)' and '5/16" (8mm)' for low and high rates.

After initial flights, adjust the control throws to best suit your flying style and ability.

Pre-Flight Checks and In-Flight Adjustments

Pre-Flight Checks

1. Set throttle to the lowest position and set transmitter trim to neutral.
2. Turn on the transmitter.
3. Adjust each control surface to its neutral position by mechanically adjusting each clevis.
4. Make sure that your transmitter is fully charged. Conduct a range test of your radio system per the manufacturer's specs.
5. Check all flying surfaces for correct direction of movement, correct amount of movement, and for correct centering, adjust as required.
6. Fully charge your flight batteries prior to flying.
7. Hand launch into the wind and land into the wind.

In Flight Adjustments

1. On the initial flight, climb to about 75-100 feet and see if any trim is required. If the model rolls to the right, apply some left aileron trim to level the wings. If the model dives, apply some up elevator trim, etc.
2. Landing should be made into the wind. Reduce the throttle to just above idle and keep the nose level or a little high, allowing the airplane to sink toward the ground. Apply a little throttle as the model reaches an altitude of a foot or so; this will slow the descent and aid in the flare to a smooth landing.

Conclusion

Have Fun!

We hope that you have many great flights with your Freewing F9F Panther.

Freewing Model Co.,Ltd.

Website: www.freewing-model.com