assembly manual - horizon hobby p-38/f-5e lightning assembly manual 5 important information about...

SpecificationsWingspan: 48in(1219mm)Length: 35in(889mm)WingArea: 307sqin(19.8sqdm)Weightw/oBattery: 28–35oz(794–992g)Weightw/Battery: 33–40oz(936–1134g)

P-38/F-5ELightning400ARFAssemblyManual

� E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

IntroductionThankyouforpurchasingtheE-flite®P-38/F-5ELightning400ARF.TheP-38/F-5Eisahighlydetailed,highlyprefabricatedandfactoryassembledmodelofoneofthemostcapablereconnaissanceaircraftoftheAlliedarsenalduringWWII.

Owingtoitssignificantamountofprefabricationandfactoryassembly,theP-38/F-5Ecanbeassembledinabout2to4hours.Thefactoryinstalledmotormountsticksallowfortheuseofinrunnermotorsandgearboxes,oroutrunnermotorsusingtheincludedoutrunnerstickmounts.Theincluded10x8Ecounter-rotatingpropshelptoensuretheeasiestandsmoothesttwin-motorflyingexperienceeverbyofferingdeadstraight-aheadtrackingduringaccelerationfortakeoffsandinflight.Theyalsosubstantiallyreduceadverseyawshouldyoueverhappentoloseamotorduringflight,andworkperfectlywiththerecommendedpowersystems.

AndalthoughtheP-38/F-5Eisnotintendedforfirst-timepilots,itssuperiordesignoffersflyingcharacteristicsunlikeanyothersimilarmodelinitsclass,capableofbeingflownbymostpilotswithaileron-equippedmodelexperience.TheP-38/F-5Ecanbeflownfromsmoothsurfacesusingtheincludedlandinggearandoptionalsteerablenosewheel,orfromgrasswiththelandinggearandincludeddroptanksremoved.

FewwarbirdscarrythemystiqueoftheP-38/F-5ELightning,andwehopeyouenjoyflyingyournewmodel.

Table of ContentsSpecifications........................................................................1Introduction...........................................................................2UsingtheManual..................................................................3ReplacementParts..................................................................3RequiredandRecommendedRadioEquipment........................4ImportantInformationAboutMotorSelection...........................5RecommendedBrushedMotorPowerSystemSetup..................5RecommendedBrushlessMotorPowerSystemSetup.................5OptionalAccessories.............................................................5NoteonLithiumPolymerBatteries...........................................5RequiredToolsandAdhesives.................................................6Warning...............................................................................6WarrantyPeriod....................................................................6LimitedWarranty...................................................................6DamageLimits.......................................................................7SafetyPrecautions..................................................................7Questions,Assistance,andRepairs.........................................7InspectionorRepairs..............................................................7WarrantyInspectionandRepairs............................................7Non-WarrantyRepairs...........................................................8Safety,Precautions,andWarnings..........................................8ElevatorServoInstallation.......................................................9RudderInstallation(Optional)...............................................13BrushlessMotorInstallation...................................................18BrushedMotorInstallation....................................................22AileronServoInstallation......................................................26LandingGearandDropTankInstallation(Optional)...............29FinalAssembly....................................................................31CenterofGravity.................................................................33ControlThrows....................................................................33RangeTestYourRadio..........................................................34Preflight..............................................................................342007OfficialAMANationalModelAircraftSafetyCode.......35

3E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Using the ManualThismanualisdividedintosectionstohelpmakeassemblyeasiertounderstand,andtoprovidebreaksbetweeneachmajorsection.Inaddition,checkboxeshavebeenplacednexttoeachsteptokeeptrackofeachstepcompleted.Stepswithasinglecircle()areperformedonce,whilestepswithtwocircles()indicatethatthestepwillrequirerepeating,suchasforarightorleftwingpanel,twoservos,etc.

Remembertotakeyourtimeandfollowthedirections.

Replacement PartsEFL6030 CowlandNoseCoverSetEFL6031 HardwareandPushrodSetEFL6032 LandingGearSetEFL6034 DecalSetEFLA284 Spinner,21/4"GrayEFLA284R Spinner,21/4"Gray,ReverseRotationEFLM1915 OutrunnerStickMountEFLP1080E 10x8ElectricPropEFLP1080ER 10x8ElectricProp,ReverseRotation


Youwillneeda3-channelorgreatertransmitter(atleast4-channelwithoptionalruddersand/orsteerablenosewheel),crystals(ifapplicable),microreceiver,and3sub-microservos(orupto6ifusingtheoptionalruddersandsteerablenosewheel).Youcanchoosetopurchaseacompleteradiosystemthatincludesmostoftheseitemsor,ifyouareusinganexistingtransmitter,simplypurchasetheotherrequiredequipmentseparately.

Note: We highly recommend the crystal-free, interference-free Spektrum® DX6 2.4GHz DSM® 6-channel radio system (SPM2460). The complete system includes four S75 sub-micro servos and a 6-channel micro receiver.

Purchase SeparatelySPM6000 AR6000DSM6-ChannelReceiver

(ForSpektrumTransmitters)Or

JSP30600 RS6006-ChannelUniversalFMReceiverw/oCrystal(ForAnyFMTransmitter)

OrJRPR790 7-ChannelScanSelectPCMReceiver

(ForJRPCMTransmitters)JRPXFR** ReceiverCrystal(forJRReceivers)

AndEFLRS75 7.5-GramSub-MicroS75Servo(3required,

orupto6withoptionalruddersandsteerablenosewheel)

EFLRYH3 3"Y-Harness(1,orupto3withbrushlesspowersystemandoptionalrudders)

JRPA096 ServoExtension9"Standard,Gold(2required,orupto4withbrushlesspowersystem)

JRPA100 ServoExtension12"Standard,Gold(1required,orupto3withoptionalrudders)

Note: When using our recommended Brushless Power System, you do not need to use a separate BEC or receiver battery pack to power the radio gear as long as you are using our recommended servos. This is because the BECs of the two brushless ESCs are working in parallel, allowing them to support up to 6 servos.

Note: When using our recommended Brushed Power System, you MUST use a separate BEC or receiver battery pack to power the radio gear if using more than 3 servos. This is because the BEC of the single brushed ESC cannot reliably support more than 3 servos.

WerecommendtheuseofaseparateBEC(liketheUltimateBEC),orareceiverpackandswitch:

EXRB100 Expert720mAhNi-MH4.8VRxPackEXRA050 ExpertStandardSwitch

Required and Recommended Radio Equipment


Important Information About Motor Selection

TheP-38/F-5Ehasbeenextensivelytestedwiththemotorsandpowersystemswerecommend.Theuseofmotors,especiallythosecapableofhigherpoweroutputthanthosesuggested,isnotrecommended.

Recommended Brushed Motor Power System Setup

Thispowersystemoffersveryscale-likeperformanceandplentyofpowerforallaerobaticmaneuvers.

DYN8840 14GASiliconeWire3',Red*DYN8841 14GASiliconeWire3',Black*EFLA239 FemaleBulletPlugw/Lead(2requiredif

notsolderingmotorsdirectlytoESCleads)EFLAEC303 EC3DEViceandBATTeryConnector/Male

andFemaleEFLM232 480Motorw/19T0.5ModulePinion

(2required)EFLM236 400Gearboxw/56T0.5ModuleSpurGear

(2required)CSEP20P Pixie20PSub-MicroBrushedMotorESC

(1required)THP20703SX 2070mAh3S11.1VLi-Po,13GA(1required)

Note: If you intend to fly mostly at full throttle, especially in warm conditions, we suggest using a 30–35 amp ESC, like the Castle Creations Pegasus 35P (CSEP35P).

*16GAsiliconewirecanbesubstituted

Recommended Brushless Motor Power System Setup

Thispowersystemoffersbeyondscale-likeperformancewithmorepowerthannecessaryforallaerobaticmaneuvers.Itoffersunlimitedverticalandverygoodspeed.

EFLA1025 25-AmpProBrushlessESCw/EC3(2required)EFLAEC303 EC3DEViceandBATTeryConnector/

MaleandFemaleDYN8840 14GASiliconeWire3',Red*DYN8841 14GASiliconeWire3',Black*EFLM1400 Park450BrushlessOutrunnerMotor,890Kv

(2required)THP20703SX 2070mAh3S11.1VLi-Po,13GA(1required)

*16GAsiliconewirecanbesubstituted

Optional AccessoriesEFLA110 PowerMeterEFLC3005 Celectra™1-to3-CellLi-PoDCChargerHAN172 Hangar9®DigitalServoandRxCurrentMeter

Note on Lithium Polymer BatteriesLithiumPolymerbatteriesaresignificantlymorevolatilethanalkalineorNi-Cd/Ni-MHbatteriesusedinRCapplications.Allmanufacturer’sinstructionsandwarningsmustbefollowedclosely.MishandlingofLi-Pobatteriescanresultinfire.Alwaysfollowthemanufacturer’sinstructionswhendisposingofLithiumPolymerbatteries.


Required Tools and AdhesivesTools & Equipment

#0PhillipsScrewdriver(EFLA258)#1PhillipsScrewdriver(EFLA257)1.5mmHexDriver/Wrench(EFLA253)TaperedReamer(DYN5515)PinVise/Drill(XAC7144)Drillbit:.050"HobbyKnife(XAC3201)Needle-nosepliersRazorSaw(Optionalforbrushlessmotorpowersysteminstallation)ThinorMediumFoamSafeCA(Optionalforrudderhingeinstallation;EFLA209)CleartapeFelt-tippedpen(Optionalforrudderhingeinstallation)Solderingironandsolder

WarningAnRCaircraftisnotatoy!Ifmisused,itcancauseseriousbodilyharmanddamagetoproperty.Flyonlyinopenareas,preferablyatAMA(AcademyofModelAeronautics)approvedflyingsites,followingallinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.

Keeplooseitemsthatcangetentangledinthepropellerawayfromtheprop,includinglooseclothing,orotherobjectssuchaspencilsandscrewdrivers.Especiallykeepyourhandsawayfromthepropeller.

Warranty PeriodHorizonHobby,Inc.,(Horizon)warrantiesthattheProductspurchased(the“Product”)willbefreefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipatthedateofpurchasebythePurchaser.

Limited Warranty(a)ThiswarrantyislimitedtotheoriginalPurchaser("Purchaser")andisnottransferable.REPAIRORREPLACEMENTASPROVIDEDUNDERTHISWARRANTYISTHEEXCLUSIVEREMEDYOFTHEPURCHASER.ThiswarrantycoversonlythoseProductspurchasedfromanauthorizedHorizondealer.Thirdpartytransactionsarenotcoveredbythiswarranty.Proofofpurchaseisrequiredforwarrantyclaims.Further,Horizonreservestherighttochangeormodifythiswarrantywithoutnoticeanddisclaimsallotherwarranties,expressorimplied.

(b)Limitations-HORIZONMAKESNOWARRANTYORREPRESENTATION,EXPRESSORIMPLIED,ABOUTNON-INFRINGEMENT,MERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORAPARTICULARPURPOSEOFTHEPRODUCT.THEPURCHASERACKNOWLEDGESTHATTHEYALONEHAVEDETERMINEDTHATTHEPRODUCTWILLSUITABLYMEETTHEREQUIREMENTSOFTHEPURCHASER’SINTENDEDUSE.

(c)PurchaserRemedy-Horizon'ssoleobligationhereundershallbethatHorizonwill,atitsoption,(i)repairor(ii)replace,anyProductdeterminedbyHorizontobedefective.Intheeventofadefect,thesearethePurchaser'sexclusiveremedies.Horizonreservestherighttoinspectanyandallequipmentinvolvedinawarrantyclaim.RepairorreplacementdecisionsareatthesolediscretionofHorizon.ThiswarrantydoesnotcovercosmeticdamageordamageduetoactsofGod,accident,misuse,abuse,negligence,commercialuse,ormodificationofortoanypartoftheProduct.Thiswarrantydoesnotcoverdamageduetoimproperinstallation,operation,maintenance,orattemptedrepairbyanyoneotherthanHorizon.ReturnofanygoodsbyPurchasermustbeapprovedinwritingbyHorizonbeforeshipment.

�E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Damage LimitsHORIZONSHALLNOTBELIABLEFORSPECIAL,INDIRECTORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES,LOSSOFPROFITSORPRODUCTIONORCOMMERCIALLOSSINANYWAYCONNECTEDWITHTHEPRODUCT,WHETHERSUCHCLAIMISBASEDINCONTRACT,WARRANTY,NEGLIGENCE,ORSTRICTLIABILITY.Further,innoeventshalltheliabilityofHorizonexceedtheindividualpriceoftheProductonwhichliabilityisasserted.AsHorizonhasnocontroloveruse,setup,finalassembly,modificationormisuse,noliabilityshallbeassumednoracceptedforanyresultingdamageorinjury.Bytheactofuse,setuporassembly,theuseracceptsallresultingliability.

IfyouasthePurchaseroruserarenotpreparedtoaccepttheliabilityassociatedwiththeuseofthisProduct,youareadvisedtoreturnthisProductimmediatelyinnewandunusedconditiontotheplaceofpurchase.

Law:TheseTermsaregovernedbyIllinoislaw(withoutregardtoconflictoflawprincipals).

Safety PrecautionsThisisasophisticatedhobbyproductandnotatoy.Itmustbeoperatedwithcautionandcommonsenseandrequiressomebasicmechanicalability.FailuretooperatethisProductinasafeandresponsiblemannercouldresultininjuryordamagetotheProductorotherproperty.ThisProductisnotintendedforusebychildrenwithoutdirectadultsupervision.TheProductmanualcontainsinstructionsforsafety,operationandmaintenance.Itisessentialtoreadandfollowalltheinstructionsandwarningsinthemanual,priortoassembly,setuporuse,inordertooperatecorrectlyandavoiddamageorinjury.

Questions, Assistance, and RepairsYourlocalhobbystoreand/orplaceofpurchasecannotprovidewarrantysupportorrepair.Onceassembly,setuporuseoftheProducthasbeenstarted,youmustcontactHorizondirectly.ThiswillenableHorizontobetteransweryourquestionsandserviceyouintheeventthatyoumayneedanyassistance.Forquestionsorassistance,[email protected],orcall877.504.0233tollfreetospeaktoaservicetechnician.

Inspection or RepairsIfthisProductneedstobeinspectedorrepaired,pleasecallforaReturnMerchandiseAuthorization(RMA).PacktheProductsecurelyusingashippingcarton.Pleasenotethatoriginalboxesmaybeincluded,butarenotdesignedtowithstandtherigorsofshippingwithoutadditionalprotection.Shipviaacarrierthatprovidestrackingandinsuranceforlostordamagedparcels,asHorizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted at our facility.AServiceRepairRequestisavailableatwww.horizonhobby.comonthe“Support”tab.Ifyoudonothaveinternetaccess,pleaseincludealetterwithyourcompletename,streetaddress,emailaddressandphonenumberwhereyoucanbereachedduringbusinessdays,yourRMAnumber,alistoftheincludeditems,methodofpaymentforanynon-warrantyexpensesandabriefsummaryoftheproblem.Youroriginalsalesreceiptmustalsobeincludedforwarrantyconsideration.Besureyourname,address,andRMAnumberareclearlywrittenontheoutsideoftheshippingcarton.

Warranty Inspection and RepairsTo receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receiptverifyingtheproof-of-purchasedate.Providedwarrantyconditionshavebeenmet,yourProductwillberepairedorreplacedfreeofcharge.RepairorreplacementdecisionsareatthesolediscretionofHorizonHobby.

8 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Non-Warranty RepairsShould your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be required without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost.Bysubmittingtheitemforrepairyouareagreeingtopaymentoftherepairwithoutnotification.Repairestimatesareavailableuponrequest.Youmustincludethisrequestwithyourrepair.Non-warrantyrepairestimateswillbebilledaminimumof½houroflabor.Inadditionyouwillbebilledforreturnfreight.Pleaseadviseusofyourpreferredmethodofpayment.Horizonacceptsmoneyordersandcashierschecks,aswellasVisa,MasterCard,AmericanExpress,andDiscovercards.Ifyouchoosetopaybycreditcard,pleaseincludeyourcreditcardnumberandexpirationdate.Anyrepairleftunpaidorunclaimedafter90dayswillbeconsideredabandonedandwillbedisposedofaccordingly.Please note: non-warranty repair is only available on electronics and model engines.

Electronicsandenginesrequiringinspectionorrepairshouldbeshippedtothefollowingaddress:

HorizonServiceCenter4105FieldstoneRoad

Champaign,Illinois61822

AllotherProductsrequiringwarrantyinspectionorrepairshouldbeshippedtothefollowingaddress:

HorizonProductSupport4105FieldstoneRoad

Champaign,Illinois61822

Please call 8��-50�-0�33 with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.

Safety, Precautions, and WarningsAstheuserofthisproduct,youaresolelyresponsibleforoperatingitinamannerthatdoesnotendangeryourselfandothersorresultindamagetotheproductorthepropertyofothers.

Carefullyfollowthedirectionsandwarningsforthisandanyoptionalsupportequipment(chargers,rechargeablebatterypacks,etc.)thatyouuse.

Thismodeliscontrolledbyaradiosignalthatissubjecttointerferencefrommanysourcesoutsideyourcontrol.Thisinterferencecancausemomentarylossofcontrolsoitisnecessarytoalwayskeepasafedistanceinalldirectionsaroundyourmodel,asthismarginwillhelptoavoidcollisionsorinjury.

•Alwaysoperateyourmodelinanopenareaawayfromcars,traffic,orpeople.

•Avoidoperatingyourmodelinthestreetwhereinjuryordamagecanoccur.

•Neveroperatethemodeloutintothestreetorpopulatedareasforanyreason.

•Neveroperateyourmodelwithlowtransmitterbatteries.

•Carefullyfollowthedirectionsandwarningsforthisandanyoptionalsupportequipment(chargers,rechargeablebatterypacks,etc.)thatyouuse.

•Keepallchemicals,smallpartsandanythingelectricaloutofthereachofchildren.

•Moisturecausesdamagetoelectronics.Avoidwaterexposuretoallequipmentnotspecificallydesignedandprotectedforthispurpose.

�E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Elevator Servo InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselage/centersectionassembly•Double-sidedtape •Receiver•Servow/hardware•Servoextension,12in(305mm)•Pushrodwirew/clevis,103/4in(273mm)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Phillipsscrewdriver(small)

1.Carefullyremovethecentersectionhatchfromthefuselagebyliftingitfromtherear.

2.Removetheservocoverfromthebottomoftheleftboombyliftingitfromtherear.

3.Locatea103/4in(273mm)pushrodwireandremovetheclevis.Slidethewireintothepre-installedtubeinthefuselagethreadedendfirst.Thecorrecttubewillexitneartheelevatorcontrolhorn.


4.Threadtheclevisbackontothepushrodwire.

5.Securea12in(305mm)servoextensionontotheservolead.Usestringtosecuretheservoleadtotheservoextension.

6.Passtheextensionforwardintheboomandunderneaththeplywoodservotray.Theextensionwillexittheboomintheopeningforthewing.


7.Positiontheelevatorservointheservotrayonthesidewiththe"S9"decalwiththeoutputshafttowardsthefrontoftheboom.Securetheservousingthehardwareprovidedwiththeservo.

8.Routetheservoextensionthroughthechannelinthebottomofthewingtothecenterfuselage.

9.Attachthereceivertothefuselageusingtheincludeddouble-sidedtape.Plugtheelevatorservoextensionintotheelevatorchannelofthereceiver.

Note: Use the manufacturer's instructions for routing your antenna. Never cut the receiver antenna as this will greatly reduce the range of your radio system.

10.Turnonthetransmitterandapplypowertothereceiver.Checkthattheelevatorservoisoperatingproperly.Centertheelevatortrimandcontrolstickandsetanysub-trimsto0.

1� E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

11.Withtheradiosystemstillpoweredon,attachthepushrodwiretotheservoarm.ItmaybenecessarytoenlargetheholeintheservoarmusingadrillbitorsharphobbyknifesotheZ-bendcanmovefreelyinthearm,butwithnoslop.Installtheservoarmontheservosoitisasclosetoperpendicularwiththepushrodaspossible.Securetheservoarmtotheservousingthescrewprovidedwiththeservo.Threadtheclevisonthepushrodinorouttoadjustthelengthofthepushrod,positioningtheelevatorlevelwiththestabilizerwhentheservoiscentered.

12.Replacetheservohatchcoveroncethelinkagehasbeeninstalled.Turnofftheradiosystematthistimeaswell.

13.Elongatethetwoopeningsnearthenosegearrearward3/8in(10mm).Anglethefoambacktotheholestoallowformoreairflowthroughandoverthebattery.

Note: Step 13 is optional to help with cooling of the ESC and battery. It is suggested to enlarge the openings if you plan to fly aggresive and at high throttle settings.


Rudder Installation (Optional)Required Parts

•Fuselage/centersectionassembly•CAhinge(6) •Y-harness•2mmx12mmscrew(4)•Servow/hardware(2)•Controlhornw/backplate(2)•Servoextension,12in(305mm)(2)•Pushrodwirew/clevis,103/4in(273mm)(2)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Hobbyknife •Felt-tippedpen•Thinormediumfoam-safeCA

Note: The installation of the rudders is optional. If you choose not to install the rudders, skip to the next section for the installation of your motor system.

1.Useahobbyknifewithasharpbladetoseparatetherudderfromthefinatthemoldedhingeline.

2.Useahobbyknifetocutthreeslotsintotherudderasshown.


3.Ifusingmediumfoam-safeCA,applyasmallamounttoonehalfofthehinge.MakesuretoapplyCAtobothsidesofthehingewhereitwillbeinsertedintotherudder.Ifusingthinfoam-safeCA,thehingescanbeinsertedintoslotsintherudderandfinwithoutglue.ThentheCAcanbeappliedinthemiddleofthehingesothatitwillsoakintobothsurfaces.

4.Slidethehingeintotheslotmadeinthepreviousstep.Installthethreehingesintotherudder.


5.Attachthecontrolhorntotheoutsideoftherudderusingthebackplateandtwo2mmx12mmscrews.

Note: Make sure to mount the horn on the outside of each rudder.

6.Positiontherudderagainstthefin.Useafelt-tippedpentomarkthelocationofthehingesontothefin.

7.Useahobbyknifetocutslotsforthehingesinthefin.


8.Testfittherudder.Checkthatitcanmovefreelywithoutbindingagainsttheelevator.Trimtherudderorhingeslotsinthefinasnecessary.Completetherudderinstallationbyapplyingfoam-safeCAtothehingesandslidingthehingesintotheslotsinthefin.Besuretosetjustenoughgapbetweenthefinandruddertoallowfreemovementoftheruddertotheleftandright.

9.Installtherudderservousingthesameprocedureusedfortheelevatorservo.

1�E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

10.RepeatSteps1though9toinstallthesecondrudderservo.Thecontrolhornismountedontherudderfacingawayfromtheelevator.Therudderservoispositionedwiththeservoarmpointingtotheinsideoftheboom.

11.Installtheservohatchesbackintoposition.


Brushless Motor InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselage/centersectionassembly•Brushlessoutrunnermotor(2)•Outrunnerstickmount(2) •1.5mmx12mmscrew(2)•BrushlessESC(2) •14-or16-Gaugesiliconewire•3mmx10mmmachinescrew(4) •4mmspacer(4)•Propeller(standardandreverserotation)•Spinnerassembly(standardandreverserotation)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Phillipsscrewdriver •Double-sidedtape•Razorsaw •Hobbyknife•Solderingiron •Solder

Note: The P-38/F-5E Lightning includes standard and reverse rotation propellers and spinners. This allows the use of counter-rotating propellers, just like the full-scale P-38/F-5E used, for improved handling and tracking during acceleration for takeoffs and flight. Make sure to note the direction of the propellers and spinners when it comes time to install them on the aircraft.

1.Attachtheoutrunnermotortotheoutrunnermotormountusingfour3mmx10mmmachinescrewsandfour4mmspacers.

2.Usearazorsawtocutthemotormountsticktoalengthof1

1/4in(31mm)fortheE-flitePark450outrunnermotor.

1�E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Hint: Use a hobby knife to cut a notch in the boom so you can use the razor saw to cut the mount.

Note: The dimension of 11/4in(31mm) is for the E-flite

Park 450 Brushless motor (EFLM1400). Using a different motor will change the length required for the mount.

Important Information About Your Brushless ESC

Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also, be sure to use an ESC with the proper 9V cutoff when using 3-cell Li-Po packs, or 6V cutoff when using 2-cell Li-Po packs.

3.RemovetheEC3connecterfromtheelectronicspeedcontrols.Cuta16in(406mm)lengthofredandblackwire(14-or16-gauge)foreachESCandsolderthemtotheendofthebatteryleadsonthespeedcontroltoextendthemintothefuselage.Routetheservoleadandbatteryconnectionthroughthechannelinthebottomofthewingandintothecenterfuselage.Usedouble-sidedtapetosecuretheESCinsidetheboomwhereitcangetairflowthroughtheopeninginthecowling.

4.Plugthemotorleadsintothespeedcontrolmotorleads.Checkthemotorsticktomakesureitissecureintheboom.Applyfoam-safeCAasnecessarytomakesurethemotorstickissecure.Thenslidethemountontothestickandsecureitusingtheincluded1.5mmx12mmscrew.

�0 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

5.SolderbothsetsofmotorleadstogetherwithamaleEC3connector.Makesuretosolderthepositivetopositiveandnegativetonegative.Checkoperationofthemotors.Theleft-handmotor(whenviewedfrombehind)shouldrotatecounterclockwisewhenviewedfromthefront.Theright-handmotor(whenviewedfrombehind)shouldrotateclockwisewhenviewedfromthefront.

Note: If either motor is running in the opposite direction that it should, simply reverse any two of the wire leads that connect to the ESC.

6.Removethebackingfromthefactoryinstalleddouble-sidedtapeonthesidesoftheboom.Slidethecowlingontotheboom,pressingitagainstthetapeonceyouhaveconfirmedproperalignment.

�1E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

Note: Never check the motor rotation on the bench with the propeller installed. The plane could move and cause serious injury. Always check the motor without the propeller to avoid injury.

Important Information About Your Propeller

It is very important to check to be sure the propeller is balanced before installing on the propeller shaft. An unbalanced propeller may damage the motor, airframe and other components, or cause poor flight and performance characteristics.

Note: If it is necessary to enlarge the hole in the propeller, make sure to check the balance of the propeller afterwards.

7.Installthepropellerandspinnerbackplateasshownusingtheadapterincludedwiththemotor.Thespinnerbackplatewillactuallybeinstalledinfrontofthepropeller,anditwillbenecessarytouseadrillbitorreamertoenlargetheholeinthepropandspinnerbackplatesotheywillfitthepropadaptershaft.Also,youwillneedtoinstallthethickwasherincludedinthekitbetweenthespinnerbackplateandpropadapternutsothatthenutcanseatproperlyonthebackplatewhensecured.

Note: Pay close attention to the orientation of the propellers as shown in the photos.

�� E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

8.Snapthespinnerconeontothespinnerbackplate.

9.RepeatSteps1through8toinstalltheremainingmotor.WhencheckingthesecondmotorinStep5(withoutthepropellerinstalled),themotorswillrotateoppositedirectionsasshowninthephoto.

Brushed Motor InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselage/centersectionassembly•Gearboxassembly(2) •14or16GAsiliconewire•Brushedmotor(2) •1.5mmx12mmscrew(2)•Electronicspeedcontrol •Double-sidedtape•Propeller(standardandreverserotation)•Spinnerassembly(standardandreverserotation)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Phillipsscrewdriver •Double-sidedtape•Solderingiron •Solder

Note: The P-38/F-5E Lightning includes standard and reverse rotation propellers and spinners. This allows the use of counter-rotating propellers, just like the full-scale P-38/F-5E used, for improved handling and tracking during acceleration for takeoffs and flight. Make sure to note the direction of the propellers and spinners when it comes time to install them on the aircraft.

1.Cuttwo16in(406mm)lengthpiecesofeither14-or16-gaugewiretoreplacetheleadspre-installedonthemotor.Useasolderingirontochangeoutthemotorleads.


2.Installthebrushedmotorinthegearboxusingthehardwareprovidedwiththegearbox.Checkthegearmeshtomakesureitisnotsettoolooseortightandadjustasnecessary.

Important Information About Your ESC

Make sure your ESC brake is programmed to Off. Also, be sure to use an ESC with the proper 9V cutoff when using 3-cell Li-Po packs, or 6V cutoff when using 2-cell Li-Po packs.

3.Checkthemotorsticktomakesureitissecureintheboom.Applyfoam-safeCAasnecessarytomakesurethemotorstickissecure.Thenslidethegearboxontothestickandsecureitusinga1.5mmx12mmscrew.Routethemotorwiresthroughthechannelinthebottomofthewingtothecenterfuselage.

4.RepeatSteps1through3forthesecondmotor.


5.Installthespeedcontrolinsidethefuselage.Solderbothsetsofmotorleadstothespeedcontrol,positivetopositiveandnegativetonegative.

6.Checktheoperationofthemotors.Theleft-handgearboxshaft(whenviewedfrombehind)shouldrotatecounterclockwisewhenviewedfromthefront.Theright-handgearboxshaft(whenviewedfrombehind)shouldrotateclockwisewhenviewedfromthefront.

Note: If either motor is running in the opposite direction that it should, simply reverse the two wire leads that connect the ESC to the motor.


7.Removethebackingfromthedouble-sidedtapeonthesidesoftheboom.Slidethecowlingontotheboom,pressingitagainstthetapeonceyouhaveconfirmedproperalignment.

Note: Never check the motor rotation on the bench with the propeller installed. The plane could move and cause serious injury. Always check the motor without the propeller to avoid injury.

Important Information About Your Propeller

It is very important to check to be sure the propeller is balanced before installing onto the shaft. An unbalanced propeller may strip the gears or cause poor flight characteristics.

8.Installthepropellerandspinnerbackplateasshownonthepropshaftofthegearbox.Thespinnerbackplatewillactuallybeinstalledinfrontofthepropeller.

Note: Pay close attention to the orientation of the propellers as shown in the photos.


9.Snapthespinnerconeontothespinnerbackplate.

10.RepeatSteps6through9toinstalltheremainingmotor.WhencheckingthesecondmotorinStep4(withoutthepropellerinstalled),themotorswillrotateoppositedirectionsasshowninthephoto.

Aileron Servo InstallationRequired Parts

•Fuselage/centersectionassembly•Double-sidedtape•3mmx35mmscrew(2) •Wingpanels•Servow/hardware(2) •Servoextension,9"(228mm)(2)•Y-harness •3mmx25mmscrew(2)•Pushrodwirew/clevis,21/4in(57mm)(2)

Required Tools and Adhesives•Phillipsscrewdriver

1.PlugtheY-harnessfortheaileronservosintothereceiver.Connecta9"(228mm)extensiontotheharnessandroutetheextensionoutwherethewingwillplugintothefuselage;runtheendsouteachsideofthewingslotsinthecentersection.

��E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

2.Turnonthetransmitterandapplypowertothereceiver.Checkthattheaileronservoisoperatingproperly.Centertheailerontrimandcontrolstickandsetanysub-trimsto0.Attachtheservoarmtotheservosoitisasclosetoperpendicularaspossiblewhentheservoisintheneutralposition.

3.Usetheincludeddouble-sidedtapetoinstalltheservointhewingwiththeoutputshafttowardthetrailingedgeandcontrolhorn.

4.Removethebackingfromthepre-installeddouble-sidedtapeonthewingpanelcover.Positiontheservoleadinthechannelinthewingandattachthewingpanelcoverafterremovingthebackingfromthefactory-installeddouble-sidedtape.Youcanalsousecleartapearoundtheedgesofthebottomcoversoitismoresecureduringflight.

Note: If you need to remove the servo cover after you have taped it down, use caution as it could pull up your paint with it.

�8 E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

5.Attachtheaileronservopushrodandlinkageasshown.

6.Plugtheservoextensionandservoleadtogether.

7.Slidethesparfromthewingpanelintothetubelocatedinthefuselage.Slidethewingintothefuselageandsecureitusingthe3mmx45mmscrewinthefrontandthe3mmx35mmscrewintherear.

Note: It may be necessary to slide the wing in and out of the slot in the boom a few times so that the fit is not too tight. Also, be sure that the plastic bushings located on the bottom of the wing panel do not interfere and damage the fuselage when installing the wing panel.

8.RepeatSteps1though7fortheremainingaileronservoandwingpanel.

��E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning Assembly Manual

9.Removethebackingfromthepre-installeddouble-sidedtapeonthecentersectioncover.Positiontheservoandmotor/ESCleadsinthechannelinthewingandattachthecentersectioncoverafterremovingthebackingfromthefactory-installeddouble-sidedtape.Youcanalsousecleartapearoundtheedgesofthecoversoitismoresecureduringflight.

Note: If you need to remove the center section cover after you have taped it down, use caution as it could pull up your paint with it.

Landing Gear and Drop Tank Installation (Optional)

Required Parts•Assembledairframe •Maingear(rightandleft)•Nosegear •2mmx10mmpanheadscrew(4)•Steeringarm •Steeringlinkage•Servow/hardware •Double-sidedtape

Required Tools and Adhesives•Phillipsscrewdriver •Hexwrench:1.5mm

Note: The installation of the landing gear and drop tanks are optional. If you are flying from a rough surface or in a situation that may not be conducive to having these items installed you can select to skip this section.

1.Slidethemaingearintotheslotsinthebooms.Usetwo2mmx10mmpanheadscrewstosecurethegear.


2.Slidethenosegearintoposition. 3.Placeapieceofdouble-sidedtapeontothebottomofthesteeringservoandinstallitinthenoseasshown.Usea1.5mmhexwrenchtosecurethesteeringarmonthenosegearwiresothatthearmisasclosetoperpendiculartothenosewheelaspossible.Installtheservoarmsoitisasclosetoparallelwiththesteeringarmaspossiblewhentheservointheneutralposition.Useaknifeordrillbittoenlargetheholeintheservoarmsothelinkagewillfitandmovesmoothlywithnoslop.

Note: You will need to use an unused channel and mix the rudder to the channel for the nose gear to operate in the correction direction. This also allows you to adjust the nose steering servo travel independently of the rudder servo travel. The other option is to use a reversing Y-harness if your transmitter does not offer programmable mixing.


4.Usegluetoinstallthedroptankspermanently,orusedouble-sidedtapesotheycanberemovedinthefuture.

Final AssemblyRequired Parts

•Assembledairframe •Motorbattery

1.Installthemotorbatteryintothefuselage.Usethehookandloopstraptokeepitfromfallingoutduringflight.

Note: When using our recommended Brushed Motor Power System, you MUST use a separate BEC or receiver battery pack to power the radio gear if using more than 3 servos.

Also, you must be sure to disable the BEC of the ESC by removing the positive lead from the servo connector that plugs into the throttle channel of the receiver. Failure to do so when using a separate BEC or receiver battery pack may result in ESC failure and a crash.


2.Installthereceiverbatteryandswitchinthefuselageandplugtheswitchintothereceiver.Or,youcanchoosenottouseaswitchandsimplyplugandunplugthereceiverbatteryfromthereceiverdirectlybeforeandafterflight.

3.InstallthecentersectionhatchtocompletetheassemblyofyourP-38/F-5ELightning.


Center of GravityAnimportantpartofpreparingtheaircraftforflightisproperlybalancingthemodel.

Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!

TherecommendedCenterofGravity(CG)rangeis3/16in(5mm)forwardoftherearpanellineto3/16in(5mm)forwardofthefrontpanellineforarangeof3/8in(10mm).

Placeorlifttheairplanesoitissupportedbetweenthemarksmadeinthepreviousstep.Theplanewillrestlevelwhenbalancedcorrectly.Ifnot,movethemotorbatteryforwardorbackward,oraddasmallamountofweighttothenoseortail,tocorrectanybalancingproblems.

Control Throws

1.Turnonthetransmitterandreceiverofyouraircraft.Checkthemovementoftherudderusingthetransmitter.Whenthestickismovedright,theruddershouldalsomoveright.Reversethedirectionoftheservoatthetransmitterifnecessary.

2.Checkthemovementoftheaileronsusingthetransmitter.Whenthestickismovedright,therightaileronwillmoveupandtheleftaileronwillmovedown.Reversethedirectionoftheservoatthetransmitterifnecessary.

3.Checkthemovementoftheelevatorwiththeradiosystem.Movingtheelevatorstickdownwillmaketheairplaneelevatormoveup.

4.Useathrowgaugetoadjustthethrowoftheelevator,aileronsandrudder.Adjustthepositionofthepushrodatthecontrolhorn,orthetravel/endpointadjustmentsofyourcomputertransmitter,toachievethefollowingmeasurementswhenmovingthestickstotheirendpoints.

Ailerons5/8”(16mm)Up/Down

Elevator1/2"(13mm)Up/Down

Rudders (Optional)1/2"(13mm)Left/Right

Thesearegeneralguidelinesmeasuredfromourownflighttestsandserveasagoodstartingpoint.Youcanexperimentwithlowerorhigherratestomatchyourpreferredstyleofflying.


5.Oncethecontrolthrowshavebeenverified,slidetheclevisretainersontotheclevisestopreventthemfromopeningduringflight.

Range Test Your Radio

1.Beforeeachflyingsession,besuretorangecheckyourradio.Thisisaccomplishedbyturningonyourtransmitterwiththeantennacollapsed.Turnonthereceiverinyourairplane.Withyourairplaneonthegroundandtheenginerunning,youshouldbeabletowalk30paces(approximately100feet)awayfromyourairplaneandstillhavecompletecontrolofallfunctions.

Ifnot,don’tattempttofly!Haveyourradioequipmentcheckedoutbythemanufacturer.

2.Double-checkthatallcontrols(aileron,elevator,rudderandthrottle)moveinthecorrectdirection.

3.Besurethatyourtransmitterbatteriesarefullycharged,pertheinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.

PreflightCheck Your Radio

Beforegoingtothefield,besurethatyourbatteriesarefullychargedpertheinstructionsincludedwithyourradio.Chargeboththetransmitterandreceiverpackforyourairplane.Usetherecommendedchargersuppliedwithyourparticularradiosystem,followingtheinstructionsprovidedwiththeradio.Inmostcases,theradioshouldbechargedthenightbeforegoingoutflying.

Beforeeachflyingsession,besuretorangecheckyourradio.Seeyourradiomanualfortherecommendedrangeandinstructionsforyourradiosystem.Eachradiomanufacturerspecifiesdifferentproceduresfortheirradiosystems.Next,startthemotor.Withthemodelsecurelyanchored,checktherangeagain.Therangetestshouldnotbesignificantlyaffected.Ifitis,don’tattempttofly!Haveyourradioequipmentcheckedoutbythemanufacturer.

Note: Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller away from the prop. These include loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the propeller.

Double-checkthatallcontrols(aileron,elevator,rudderandthrottle)moveinthecorrectdirection.

Checktheradioinstallationandmakesureallthecontrolsurfacesaremovingcorrectly(i.e.thecorrectdirectionandwiththerecommendedthrows).Testrunthemotorandmakesureittransitionssmoothlyfromofftofullthrottleandback.Alsoensuretheengineisinstalledaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions,anditwilloperateconsistently.

Checkallthecontrolhorns,servohorns,andclevisestomakesuretheyaresecureandingoodcondition.Replaceanyitemsthatwouldbeconsideredquestionable.Failureofanyofthesecomponentsinflightwouldmeanthelossofyouraircraft.


2007 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

GENERAL1) Iwillnotflymymodelaircraftinsanctionedevents,airshows

ormodelflyingdemonstrationsuntilithasbeenproventobeairworthybyhavingbeenpreviously,successfullyflighttested.

2) Iwillnotflymymodelhigherthanapproximately400feetwithin3milesofanairportwithoutnotifyingtheairportoperator.Iwillgiveright-of-wayandavoidflyingintheproximityoffull-scaleaircraft.Wherenecessary,anobservershallbeutilizedtosuperviseflyingtoavoidhavingmodelsflyintheproximityoffull-scaleaircraft.

3) Whereestablished,IwillabidebythesafetyrulesfortheflyingsiteIuse,andIwillnotwillfullyordeliberatelyflymymodelsinacareless,recklessand/ordangerousmanner.

4) Themaximumtakeoffweightofamodelis55pounds,exceptmodelsflownunderExperimentalAircraftrules.

5) IwillnotflymymodelunlessitisidentifiedwithmynameandaddressorAMAnumberonorinthemodel.(Thisdoesnotapplytomodelswhilebeingflownindoors.)

6) Iwillnotoperatemodelswithmetal-bladedpropellersorwithgaseousboosts,inwhichgasesotherthanairentertheirinternalcombustionengine(s);norwillIoperatemodelswithextremelyhazardousfuelssuchasthosecontainingtetranitromethaneorhydrazine.

RADIO CONTROL1) Iwillhavecompletedasuccessfulradioequipmentgroundrange

checkbeforethefirstflightofaneworrepairedmodel.2) IwillnotflymymodelaircraftinthepresenceofspectatorsuntilI

becomeaqualifiedflier,unlessassistedbyanexperiencedhelper.3) Atallflyingsitesastraightorcurvedline(s)mustbeestablished

infrontofwhichallflyingtakesplacewiththeothersideforspectators.Onlypersonnelinvolvedwithflyingtheaircraftareallowedatorinfrontoftheflightline.Intentionalflyingbehindtheflightlineisprohibited.

4) IwilloperatemymodelusingonlyradiocontrolfrequenciescurrentlyallowedbytheFederalCommunicationsCommission.(OnlyproperlylicensedAmateursareauthorizedtooperateequipmentonAmateurBandfrequencies.)

5) Flyingsitesseparatedbythreemilesormoreareconsideredsafefromsite-to-siteinterference,evenwhenbothsitesusethesamefrequencies.Anycircumstancesunderthreemilesseparationrequireafrequencymanagementarrangement,whichmaybeeitheranallocationofspecificfrequenciesforeachsiteortestingtodeterminethatfreedomfrominterferenceexists.AllocationplansorinterferencetestreportsshallbesignedbythepartiesinvolvedandprovidedtoAMAHeadquarters.

Documentsofagreementandreportsmayexistbetween(1)twoormoreAMACharteredClubs,(2)AMAclubsandindividualAMAmembersnotassociatedwithAMAClubs,or(3)twoormoreindividualAMAmembers.

6) ForCombat,distancebetweencombatengagementlineandspectatorlinewillbe500feetpercubicinchofenginedisplacement.(Example:.40engine=200feet.);electricmotorswillbebasedonequivalentcombustionenginesize.AdditionalsafetyrequirementswillbepertheRCCombatsectionofthecurrentCompetitionRegulations.

7) Atairshowsormodelflyingdemonstrations,asinglestraightlinemustbeestablished,onesideofwhichisforflying,withtheothersideforspectators.

8) WiththeexceptionofeventsflownunderAMACompetitionrules,afterlaunch,exceptforpilotsorhelpersbeingused,nopoweredmodelmaybeflowncloserthan25feettoanyperson.

9) Undernocircumstancesmayapilotorotherpersontouchapoweredmodelinflight.