Skywalker X8

Assembly manual January 2013

This Manual Was Created by Ray Grauberger           www.raygrauberger.com
Technical Data 

This is the X-8 FPV wing from Skywalker Technology. The BIG FPV wing! 

The X-8 has been specifically designed for FPV and UAV, customized for F-Tek stabilizer 

systems. 

An awesome looking and fantastic flying FPV / UAV platform, molded out of EPO so it's nearly 

indestructible! 

This model offers a huge amount of under canopy space, excellent glide performance, and fast 

low power cruise speeds in the region of 80-90 kph. 

The airframe was designed from the outset to take FPV and other video devices, the equipment 

bays have been laid out to suit FPV / UAV applications, there is a camera mount in the nose 

and there's a forward oblique mount to suit a Gopro. Transporting the airframe is easy, both 

the wing panels and the vertical stabs are bolt on affairs. 

Nice design points are the molded in wing reflex, removable vertical stabilizers, ventral 

launching grips, nose camera bay, canopy retained via strong magnets , molded battery and 

FPV trays and 2 through fuselage spars - plus a molded in spar in each wing panel. 

It's an impressive airframe that spans 2120mm and has a rather imposing silhouette! 

Specs:

Wingspan: 2120 millimeters 

Dry Weight: 880 grams

Take Off Weight: 3200 grams

Motor: 400 – 800 watts dependent on payload 

Suggested Motor: 2820 KV730 with 60 amp Esc

Prop: 12 x 6 – 13 x 8 – 13 x 7

Battery: 4s 3000 mA - 6S 5000 mAh 

Esc: 40-70 amp 

Maximum Weight: 3500 grams 

Not Included But Required:

3 or more channel radio system 

2 x standard size servos 

Propeller and adapter 

Brushless out runner 

Brushless ESC 

Lipo battery 

FPV or UAV system 
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS 

When flying your Skywalker X8, please keep in mind these manufacturer guidelines. As everything, 

there are exceptions to the rule but these are good points to start with. 

Please note that you should, control the Skywalker X8 flight speed within 85 km/H. 

If you need a high speed flight you should strengthen wings, otherwise the wings support structure 

may fail. Try to keep the Skywalker X8 within 3200 grams. If your build exceeds the 3200 gram 

limit, you should strengthen the wings. 

If there are technical problems or suggestions, please email or consult your local dealer or distributor 

that you purchased your model from. 

If you have any questions about this document or anything I can help you with, please email 

me@raygrauberger.com and I will respond as soon as possible. 

AFTER BUILD 

Skywalker suggests you use brand name quality propeller such as CAM or APC. The design of the Skywalker X8 

makes it easy to break down and carry to a field, or store in a smaller space.

CENTER OF GRAVITY 

The position of the center of gravity for the Skywalker X8 is 440 millimeters away from the nose, a 5 millimeter 

correction either forward or backwards from this point may be needed. The design of the Skywalker X8 puts the 

Center of Gravity point and the rear edge of the hand hold slots on the bottom of the model, so measuring is not 

needed.

MY CONFIGURATION 

Motor: Hacker A40-12S V2

ESC: HACKER X-70 SB PRO

BATTERY: ZIPPY Flightmax 8000 mAh 6S1P 30C 

 Turnigy nano-tech 8000 mAh 5S 25~50C Lipo Pack 

 ZIPPY Flightmax 8000 mAh 5S1P 30C

PROPELLER: Graupner CAM Folding Propeller 13 X 7 

SPINNER: Aeronaut 2-Blade Black Spinner for Folding Propellers

BLADE STOPPER: Aeronaut Fiberglass Blade Stopper for 2-Blade Spinners 

YOKE: Aeronaut Yoke for 2-Blade Spinners 
PARTS LIST

QUANTITY DESCRIPTION 

1     2 Part EPO (expanded polyolefin) Split Fuselage

1     EPO Fuselage Hatch

2     EPO Main Wings

2     EPO Main Wing Access Panels

2     EPO Winglets

1     590.55 millimeter Front Carbon Fiber Wing Tube

1     889 millimeter Rear Carbon Fiber Wing Tube

1     Wooden Oval Motor Mount

4     Wooden Main Wing Butt‐Plate

2     Wooden Upper Winglet Butt‐Plate  (used on the Winglets)

2       Wooden Lower Winglet Butt‐Plate  (marked with a T) (Used on the Main Wings)

2     Standard 3 Wire Servo Extensions

2     Wire Control Arms

2     Pressure Fit Rudder Control Horns

8     Neodymium Magnets

8     Magnet Mounting Surfaces

8     Screws

2     Black Pushrod Connector Screws

2     Pushrod Connectors

2     Squeeze Tubes of Glue

Skywalker X8 Assembly Procedure 

1. Glue the winglet butt‐plate to the winglet       PHOTOS 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D

2. Glue the magnetic hold down structures together     PHOTOS 2A, 2B

3. Glue the magnetic hold down structures into the wing body PHOTOS 3A, 3B, 3C

4. Gluing the rudder horns           PHOTOS 4A, 4B

5. Trial fitting the servo and elevon configuration        

6. Advanced wing configuration using Drag Rudders (see Appendix A)

7. Gluing the servos in place             PHOTOS 7A, 7B

8. Mounting the pushrod and pushrod connector     PHOTO 8A

9. Gluing the main wing winglet butt‐plate       PHOTOS 9A, 9B    

10. Separating the control surface from the wing     PHOTO 10A

11. Wing plate bonding with servo extension Installation    PHOTOS 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D

12. Adding the wing butt‐plate to the main wings     PHOTOS 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D

13. Running the servo extension into the main fuselage body    PHOTOS 13A, 13B

14. Installing the motor mount into the fuselage       PHOTOS 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D

15. Gluing the fuselage halves           PHOTOS 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D

16. Installing the wing butt‐plate onto the fuselage     PHOTOS 16A, 16B, 16C

17. Winglet final assembly             PHOTO 17A

18. Attaching the motor             PHOTOS 18A, 18B

19. Recessed camera mount           PHOTOS 19A, 19B 19C

20. The Skywalker X8 final assembly           PHOTOS 20A, 20B, 20C,

21. Skywalker X8 center of gravity           PHOTO 21A

22. Assembly and Disassembly for Transportation       PHOTOS 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E

23. Finished Skywalker X8           PHOTO 23A   

APPENDIX A – Converting Standard Elevon To Drag Rudder Configuration
Assembly Instructions 

1. Glue the winglet butt‐plate to the winglet

Spread the supplied glue evenly over the winglet bottom.  Also spread the supplied glue on one side of the

wooden butt‐plate, (make sure this is NOT the butt‐plate marked with a “T”).  Wait approximately 5 minutes for

the glue to dry until it is no longer sticky. Do this for both pieces before pressing them together, this will allow

you to better align the winglet and the butt‐plate.  See Photos: 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

PHOTO  1A

PHOTO  1B
PHOTO  1C

PHOTO  1D

2. Glue the magnets and the hold down structure together

Assemble the hatch magnets into the magnet holders by forcing them into the precut holes in the wooden

magnet holders.  Make sure you have 4 North and 4 South Pole sets, mark the holders in a way that you don’t

mix them up.  Doing this incorrectly will reverse the magnetic force, the wrong magnetic direction could cause

an unwanted failure or hatch loss in flight.  After you have forced the magnets into place, use Cyanoacrylate or
(CA) to affix the magnets permanently in the wooden magnet holders.  Just a drop will be plenty to hold the

magnets.  See Photos 2A and 2B.

PHOTO  2A

PHOTO  2B

3. Glue the magnetic hold down structure into the wing body

Using the supplied glue apply liberally to the magnetic hold downs, allow the glue to dry for approximately 5

minutes.  Apply glue to the wings hatch and fuselage wait approximately 5 minutes for the glue to dry.  After the

glue has dried, paying close attention to the North and South poles of the magnets insert them into the wing
and fuselage.  If you previously marked the North and South poles of your magnet hold downs as mentioned in  

Step 2, this assembly procedure will go much easier.  After the glue has set in both the fuselage and hatch put

the two pieces together and inspect the fit, make any adjustments at this time to insure there is a solid fit

between the hatch and the wing.  Pay careful attention to the spacing between the two hold down parts and the

wing and hatch.  See Photos 3A, 3B, and 3C.

PHOTO  3A

PHOTO  3B
PHOTO  3C

4. Gluing the Rudder Horns

Spread just enough glue onto the wings control surface to accept the rudder control horn.  Make sure you

spread the glue evenly and allow it to dry.  Do the same for the control horn itself.  After both the control

surface and control horn have dried, insert the control horn into the pre‐marked holes in the control surface.  

See Photos 4A and 4B.

PHOTO  4A
PHOTO  4B

5. Trial fitting the servo and elevon configuration

This is the standard radio set‐up for the Skywalker X8.  At this point you should have your radio setup for a delta

wing, elevon configuration.  If you have not set‐up your radio yet, do this now before continuing.  With all of

your electronics turned on let the servos self‐center themselves.  Turn off your electronics and attach the servo

horns to your servos at a right angle to the longest surface of the servo.  

6. Advanced Wing Configuration using Drag Rudders

There is a more advanced flying configuration that requires control surface and wing modification with

advanced radio set‐up discussed later in this document.  See Appendix A.

7. Gluing the servos in place

Use a standard size servo or a servo that has more than 2.5 KG of force for the Skywalker X8.  Plug in the servo

extension cable supplied with the kit.  Apply glue to one side of the servo and also apply glue to the servo cut‐

out in the wings.  Wait for the glue to dry (approximately 5 minutes) then place the servo into the wing. Place

the servo extension wire into the preformed channel in the wing.   See Photos 7A and 7B.
PHOTO   7A

PHOTO  7B
8. Mounting the Pushrod and Pushrod Connector

Insert the pushrod into the uppermost hole in the servo arm.  Slide the pushrod connector onto the pushrod and

attach the pushrod connector with one of the supplied black screws.  Cut off any excess length off the pushrod.  

The pushrod should not extend more than 1/8” of an inch past the pushrod connector.   See Photo 8A.

PHOTO  8A

9. Gluing the Main Wing Winglet Butt‐Plate

Liberally apply a smooth layer of glue to the winglet butt‐plate these butt‐plates are marked with a “T”.  Apply a

smooth layer of glue to the main wing as well.  Allow the glue to dry on both the wing and butt‐plate (about 5

minutes), then press them together aligning them accurately.  See Photos 9A and 9B.

PHOTO  9A
PHOTO  9B

10. Separating the Control surface from the Wing

Use a new or extremely sharp blade to cut the control surface sides from the wing.  You will NOT be removing

the control surface completely, just allowing it to move up and down with the longest side uncut.  It is

recommended to leave a 1.5 millimeter gap between the wing and the control surface.  See Photo 10A.

PHOTO  10A
11. Wing Plate Bonding with Servo Extension Installation

If you are using drag rudders, do NOT do this step until you have read and completed Appendix A.  Spread glue

onto the recess in the wing where the wing plate will sit.  Make sure you do NOT cover the Wing Tube area with

glue.  Carefully insert the servo extension into the wing panel cut‐out channel, make sure that the servo wire is

firmly in place and the extension is tight from the servo.  Spread glue evenly onto the wing plate allowing the

wing glue and wing plate to dry (about 5 minutes).   Carefully compress the wing panel to the wing adjusting for

fit.  Try to make sure that the butt end of the wing plate is even with the end of the wing.  See Photos 11A, 11B,

11C and 11D.

PHOTO  11A

PHOTO  11B
PHOTO  11C

PHOTO  11D

12. Adding the Wing Butt‐Plate to the Main Wing

Apply the supplied glue to the inner wing edge, make sure not to get any glue into the wing tube hole.  Also

apply glue to the butt‐plate, allow the glue to dry on both pieces for about 5 minutes.  After the glue has dried

insert the wing tube into it the wing tube cavity to help align the butt‐plate for the most accurate fit.  Next insert

the wing tube into the wing tube hole in the butt‐plate, and attach the butt‐plate to the wing.
See Photos 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

PHOTO  12A

PHOTO  12B
PHOTO  12C

PHOTO  12D
13. Running the Servo Extension into the Main Fuselage Body

You will need to widen the slot in the fuselage so that the plug end of the servo lead will fit through the hole

after the fuselage has been glued together.  See Photos  13A and 13B.

PHOTO  13A

PHOTO  13B

14. Installing the Motor Mount into the Fuselage

Optionally you can attach your motor to the motor mount before gluing it into the fuselage.  If you do not attach

your motor at this time you should have no problems mounting the motor after further construction.  See

Photos  14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D
PHOTO  14A

PHOTO  14B.
PHOTO  14C

PHOTO  14D
15. Gluing the Fuselage Halves

Apply glue to the top and bottom sections of your fuselage.  Wait approximately 5 minutes for the glue to dry.  

After the glue has dried press the two halves together forming a tight bond between the two halves together.  

Make sure to avoid the wing tube cut‐out area.  See Photos 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D.

PHOTO  15A

PHOTO  15B
PHOTO  15C

PHOTO  15D

16. Installing the Wing Butt‐Plate onto the Fuselage

Apply the supplied glue to the inner fuselage wing edge, make sure not to get any glue into the wing tube hole.  

Also apply glue to the butt‐plate, allow the glue to dry on both pieces for about 5 minutes.  After the glue has

dried insert the wing tube into it the fuselage wing tube cavity to help align the butt‐plate for the most accurate

fit.  Next attach the butt‐plate to the fuselage.  See Photos  16A, 16B, and 16C.
PHOTO  16A

PHOTO  16B
PHOTO  16C

17. Winglet Final Assembly

Attach the winglet to the main wing with the two supplied 3x8 screws.  If you plan on removing the winglets and

re‐attaching prior to transport and flying you should add some foam safe CA to the winglet screw holes.  By

adding CA to the screw holes you are hardening the wood to accept the screws for multiple attachment and

detachment of the winglet.  See Photo  17A

PHOTO  17A
18. Attaching the Motor

If you did not pre‐attach the motor in step 15, you should attach the motor now.  Follow the directions from the

manufacturer of your motor to mount it.  If your motor is not centered using the pre drilled holes in the motor

mount, you should drill new holes to attach your motor, trying to keep the shaft as centered as possible in the

center of the rear fuselage hole.  See Photos 18A and 18B.

PHOTO  18A

PHOTO  18B
19. Recessed Camera Mount

There are a multitude of fixed board cameras that will mount in the front of your Skywalker X8 without

modification.  There is also a pre‐formed hole in the fuselage to run your camera wires through.  Also with the

wide fuselage you have plenty of room to separate your video and audio transmitter from you radios receiver.  If

you are using a GOPRO camera for you FPV implementation you will need to make some modifications to the

fuselage.  First you will need to cut out a round hole to accommodate the GOPRO’s round lens, also beveling the

surface so that you are not obscuring the wide‐angle lens.  See Photos 19A, 19B, and 19C.

PHOTO  19A

PHOTO  19B
PHOTO  19C

20. The Skywalker X8 Final Assembly

Your final assembly should look almost identical to what you see in the photo.  See Photos 20A, 20B, and 20C.

PHOTO  20A
PHOTO  20B

PHOTO  20C
21. Skywalker X8 Center of Gravity

The center of gravity is marked by the rear most part of the cutouts for hand launching.  This position is 440

millimeters away from the front of the fuselage.  You may have to adjust the CG approximately either 5

millimeters forward or backwards from this starting point.  See Photo  21A.

PHOTO  21A

22. Assembly and Disassembly for Transportation

Here the Skywalker X8 is shown partially disassembled for transportation or storage.  See Photos 22A, 22B, 22C,

22D, and 22E.

PHOTO  22A
PHOTO  22B

PHOTO  22C
PHOTO  22D

PHOTO  22E
23. Finished Skywalker X8

At this point the assembly of the Skywalker X8 should be complete.  The last part of your assembly should be

you radios receiver and you FPV equipment.  See Photo  23A.

PHOTO  23A
APPENDIX  A

READ THIS COMPLETELY BEFORE CONTINUING ON TO THIS CONFIGURATION

CONVERTING STANDARD ELEVON TO DRAG RUDDER CONFIGURATION

To convert the Skywalker X8 to a drag rudder configuration, you will need the following additional parts.

Quantity     Description

2       Control horns

2       Control rods

2       Pushrod connectors

2       Servos with a minimum of 2.5 Kg of force

2       Servo extensions

1.  Measure the control surface, divide the control surface into two equal parts marking the location.

2.  Cut the control surface into two equal parts, leaving about a 1.5 millimeter gap between the now two control

surfaces so that they move independently of each other.

3.  Find the place best suited for the mounting of the new servo.  Cut or melt a hole into the wing, similar to the original

servo hole in the wing that was provided by the manufacture.  Make sure you have enough room for the servo arm to

move correctly.

4.  Create a channel for the servo wire extension to lay in.  The servo wire channel should meet up with the original

servo extension under the wing plate and, the new servo extension should exit under the wing plate at the same

location on the butt‐end of the wing as the original servo extension wire.

5.  After you have completed the above steps you can now continue through the rest of your build.  At this point you

should be at Step 7 or Step 11.

6.  Your radio will have to have advanced configuration, or advanced programming ability to build your Skywalker X8 in

this manner.

7.  The basic idea of the drag rudder configuration is:  When moving you aileron stick to the left (left turn) the outer

control surface should move down while the inner control surface moves up the same distance from center.  A right turn

is the same.  When moving the aileron stick to the right (right turn)  the outer control surface should move down while

the inner surface moves the opposite direction up.