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SwitchBlade-Elite Maintenance

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Rotor Caution

The SwitchBlade-Elite comes with three attached, folding rotors.

Warning sign WARNING: Anytime rotor bolts are removed, apply Loctite 277 (RED)
to the bolts when reattached to keep them from loosening during transport
or operation.

Warning sign WARNING: Avoid contact with the UAS’s high-speed rotors.

✔ Always disarm the UAS before handling
✔ Before starting motors for takeoff, always ensure that the rotors are clear of any obstructions and at least 5 meters (16.5 feet) away from any people, animals, or property before activating
✔ Do not touch moving rotors or approach the UAS while the rotors are spinning
✔ Always disarm the UAS before picking it up
✔ Do not approach the UAS until the rotors stop spinning

Before Every Flight

Arm Locks

The arm locks should move freely and lock solidly both in the storage and flight configurations.

GPS Mast

Check that GPS mast locks should move freely and lock solidly both in the storage and flight configurations.

Landing Gear Retracts

When the landing gear is fully deployed, check that the upper linkage screws makes contact with the lower linkage on both sides of the assembly.

Rear Yaw Mechanism

This applies to the SwitchBlade-Elite UAS only.

  1. Inspect all four connection points of the control links between the servo and yaw motor cradle are securely attached and move freely.
  2. Inspect that the yaw motor cradle moves unobstructed from any debris, wires, etc.
  3. Ensure cradle spring is secured on both sides.

Rotors

  1. Check that all screws in the motor hub assembly are present and tight.
  2. Confirm that the lock nut on the bottom of the rotor is in place and secure.
  3. Inspect for chips, typically found on the leading edge. If chips greater than 1.5mm are found, it is recommended the rotor be replaced.
  4. Inspect for cracks and excessive flexibility. If significantly more flexibility in the rotor is detected, replace the rotor.
  5. An example of a healthy rotor is shown in the image.
  6. Once preflight checks are complete, use the throttle to gently rotate the rotors and check that each prop is rotating in the correct direction.

“Left” and “Right” are inscribed on the rotors for easy identification.

SwitchBlade-Elite 2.3 Rotor Direction

Even serial numbers will have a right tail rotor. Odd serial numbers will have a left tail rotor.

Every 25 Flights

Tools Needed: 2mm Allen key, thread locker, and Phillips screwdriver.

  1. Motors
    With the aircraft unpowered, slowly rotate each motor feeling & listening for any grinding or rubbing, any significant grinding or rubbing warrants a motor replacement or rebuild.
  2. Batteries
    Plug each battery pack into the charger and complete a full charge via the balance charging program. Once complete, compare the highest voltage cell to the lowest voltage cell. If the difference is greater than 50mV (0.05V) recycle the pack.
  3. Arms
    Inspect carefully the carbon fiber arms & empennage for cracks and/or delamination. Small surface level delaminations of the clear coat pose no significant threat, however any crack or separation that is deeper than the clear coat warrants an immediate replacement of the arm.