We continue building the Predator (kit by TuffFLite). We used our soldering gun with 16 gauge wire to cut out the foam for the HiTec HS77 Servos. These servos control the elevons (controlling both elevator and aileron functions). These servos will provide plenty of speed and torque. Since they are a low profile servo, they will fit neatly into the foam wing. We will wrap them in masking tape and "Goop" them into the wing once it is covered.
	We sprayed the foam with 3M 77 adhesive to help the covering stick to the foam. Midnight Blue and White Supercoat from SIG Manufacturing Company is used with UltraCote on the Elevons. This was covering material that happened to be in our shop. The Midnight Blue is seen in the photo.
	The top side has been covered and the elevons are being covered. The bright red should help with visibility and also to identify out model from others in the air.
	We are attaching the elevons to the main wing of the Predator. The covering material becomes the eleven hinge. This works out pretty well. We covered the top first because the curved gap is in the top of our wing, not the bottom. This is an anti-flutter suggestion provided in the construction manual. So our covering is "upside down" from what the instructions show. We verified that this will not cause a problem with our control horn installation.
	The bottom of the Predator is covered in white. Additional markings will be added to help with visibility and to help us identify our model amongst other's. We will most likely use large black circles on the bottom.
	The AMA number has been added and the covering material has been opened for the elevon servos. The servos, fin, and tank are trial fitted at this time. The CG location has been marked using our traditional orange triangles. We will use these to help locate the rest of the components to achieve the correct CG location.
	The fuel tank was cleaned in our ultrasonic cleaner, assembled and the installed into the Predator. Also the fin and servos are installed using "Goop".
	We used 2-56 links for installing the elevon controls. The push rod is kept 90 degrees to the hinge line and the control horn is centered over the hinge line. 4-40 control links could be used, but weigh more. The 2-56 should be OK for this model, since it is expected to weigh less than 3 lbs.
	We made a custom adapter for our exhaust for the Magnum Pro .28. The engine was owned previously and involved in a crash that damaged the muffler mounting flange and destroyed the muffler. Still, the engine runs fine and with a little work and a muffler from a 60 size SuperTigre, we're back in business. Oh well, it works!
	A close up of the throttle linkage and exhaust system.
	We used the soldering gun to remove areas of foam for the battery and receiver. These were placed to get the proper balance. The completed model weighs just 1156 grams (2.12 lbs). The Magnum Pro spins the APC 8x5 prop with authority.

Last updated: July 25, 2002

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