Designed by Bobby Bailey, the Tempest is an FAI Class 4 light sailplane circa 1998, using tube and fabric construction, and composite cockpit. It can be dismantled into three parts for transport. The semi-enclosed fiberglass cockpit has a canopy that hinges to one side.
Launchable by towing from an UL, it was availablein the US as a kit for $10,000 or as a completed sailplane for $12,500, through Quest Air Soaring Canter, 6548 Groveland Airport Road, Groveland, Florida 34736.
Tempest Wing span: 13 m / 42 feet Wing area: 14 sq.m / 150 square feet Height: 5 ft Length: 21 ft Aspect ratio: 12:1 MTOW: 400 lb Empty weight: 100 kg / 220 lb Vzmin: 0.8 ? 40 m/sec Stalls: 29 km/h Speed max: 80 mph Glide Ratio: 25 @ 60 kph L/D: 24 @ 68 km/h L/D ratio: 5:1 Min sink: 170 fpm Seats: 1 Landing gear: single wheel Price (1998) $ 10500 (kit)