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DLG Build Guide: Hawk Pro

DLG Build Guide: Hawk Pro

Hawk Pro is a very new DLG, released in 2022.

This is a 1-meter DLG, that has nothing similar to the original Hawk DLG, except for the size 😉

This glider features advanced airfoils, Rohacel wing, and tail feather cores, increased wing area, and a new experience in the 1-meter class.

In addition, Hawk Pro also offers an enlarged pod to give you more space for servos, Rx, and battery.

In this article, you’ll learn how to build a Hawk Pro DLG kit, but the techniques used for this build can be transferred to the other DLG builds as well.

Hawk Pro DLG Build

Since Hawk Pro as well as the other molded DLG gliders ships almost-ready-to-fly (or ARF), usually, you won’t need to do much.

The build mostly comes down to installing servos, control horns, pushrods, and pull-cables.

If you aren’t up for a job like this, consider getting an RTF RC Glider instead and skip straight to the model setup stage 🙂

However, if you prefer to build it your own way, you can use this article to guide you through the process.

Now, let’s dive in!

Install The Control Horns

Let’s start with tails and then cover the ailerons.

The process is very simple.

Note: Use a regular CA, if the foam core inside is Rohacel (Hawk Pro & Falcon F3K), and a foam-safe CA or epoxy (recommended) if the latter is XPS or other not CA-friendly foam (Hawk 2, Falcon F5K, Joy F5J)

Servo Installation

Hawk Pro is designed to keep all 4 servos in the pod of the fuselage.

So, usually, it’s beneficial to create a so-called “servo brick” stacking servos in 2×2, 3×1, or 4-in-a-row configuration.

The choice of the configuration usually depends on the servos you use.

Thin servos like KST X06, A08, CHAServo LV06, DS06, Hitec HS-40, Dymond D47, Emax ES9051, or similar, will fit in as 2×2 or 3×1 brick.

Thicker servos should go in a single row on the bottom of the pod instead.

Also, in this build, I’ve made the servo brick removable. It comes in handy during the installation process and allows for easier servo replacement if needed.

But it is not necessary and you can simply glue your servos in permanently.

Fuselage Openings

Now, it’s time to prepare the openings in the fuselage for the aileron pushrods and tail pull-cables.

Install Aileron Pushrods & Tail Pull-Cables

This is the most complicated part of the build since you need to trim your pushrods and pull-cables the best way.

The accuracy of this work will define how your glider will perform in flight.

Install The Launch Peg

Depending on the pilot’s preference, most of the modern DLGs can build for left or right-hand launch.

So the launch peg can go for the left or right wing tip respectively.

Launch T-Peg

Hawk Pro as well as the Hawk 2 ships with a universal symmetrical T-peg that can install on both left and right wing tip.

Hawk Pro DLG Setup

So, that’s it.

Now you have all the hardware completed and can move to install your Rx, battery, and program your transmitter.

Keep in mind, the nose pod and nose cone of the Hawk Pro, Hawk 2, and Falcon DLGs are 2.4GHz-friendly and allow for running Rx antennas internally.

TBS Tracer 2.4GHz antenna positioned inside the pod

There is a variety of receivers that will hit into a pod of Hawk Pro.

So, you can easily choose one that works with your Tx.

The most common choices are:

For the battery, the best option is Tattu 3.7V 380mAh 1S LiPo or a similar-sized pack.

As soon as you connect and pack your electronics, check the CG.

For Hawk Pro, make sure that the glider balances at 58mm from the leading edge, measured at the wing root.

Next, set up the throws and flight modes as recommended for this glider.

And head to the field for a maiden flight!

How To Maiden

  1. Do a pre-flight routine, making sure your battery is fully charged, and all control surfaces are moving in the right direction.
  2. Toggle a Cruise flight mode.
  3. Give it a gentle leveled toss into an area with soft grass to make sure that the basic settings are spot on.
  4. Grab a glider by a launch peg, and gently send it with a half-turn to an altitude of 5-10 meters. Check how it responds to the transmitter inputs and land.
  5. Now you can give it a proper launch with a full spin, just be careful before you verify all your settings and flight modes.

And lastly, have fun and invite your friends to join you at a flying field.

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