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 ẚ 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)
The main product from the LiteFlite stable is the Dragonfly. The Dragonfly is a three axis ultra light aircraft which takes off in a reasonably small area and lands in a reasonably small area. It has dual seating and dual controls.
Due to the slow flying speed, the Dragonfly is a favoured hang gliding towing aircraft and has been sold to 12 different countries. The Dragonfly provides a low cost form of aviation which can be flown almost anywhere and is really easy to learn.
The Dragonfly has been in production since 1990 and during this period, in excess of 100 aircraft have been manufactured.
The Dragonfly is constructed from 6061 grade aluminium tubing, is structurally supported by stainless steel wire and has fabric covered wings. It is powered by either a two stroke or four stroke engine. It has a range of options available depending upon your requirements and financial constraints.
Engine: Rotax 582, 65 hp Overall Length: 5.974 m / 19 ft 6 in Maximum Height: 2.316 m / 7 ft 6 in Wing Span: 10.363 m / 34 ft Wing Area: 15.8 sq.m / 170 sq.ft MTOW: 385 kg Gross Weight: 800 lb Empty Weight: 150 kg / 330 lb Fuel cap: 6 USG / 20 lt VNE: 57 knots / 100 kph VC at 5200rpm: 40 knots / 60 kph Stall: 14-17 kt Normal Landing Approach Speed: 26 kt ROC: 1400 fpm /16 m/s Take-off dist: 50 ft Take-Off Distance (To 50ft): 195 feet Landing dist: 100 ft Landing Distance (From 50ft): 363 feet Range: 100 sm Fuel consumption: 16 lt/hr Service ceiling: 16,000 ft Seats: 2 Kit price (1998): US$15,700 Landing gear: tail wheel
The 1990 Intermediate Moyes XT 165 is reputed to be a good first glider, very safe, stable, with better performance then a floater. The 70 % double surface wing has Mylar in the leading edge.
The XT145 has a very low stall speed and excellent flare authority across the full recommended wing loading area. Easy to launch because the glider with its positive handling at lower air speeds gives maximum control and safety. The quick roll response and incredible sink rate make for easy thermalling, and the Moyes XT145 perfectly compliments the Moyes Sonic, and extends the range of available gliders for lighter pilots.
It is recommended to check batten profiles periodically and “flip” leading edge mylar every 20 hours or so.
XT145 Hang glider circa 1998. Area: 13.5 sq.m / 145 sq.ft. Span: 8.4 m / 27.5 ft Nose Angle: 115 degrees Aspect Ratio: 5.21 Glider Weight: 24 kgs / 53 lbs Optimal Pilot Weight: 60 kgs / 132 lbs Hook-In-Weight: 45-91 kgs / 100-200 lbs Packed Length: 5200 mm / 17.1 ft Packed Length – Short: 3700 mm / 12.1 ft Centre of Gravity (Front of Keel): 1520 mm / 4.99 ft Number of Battens Top: 15 Number of Battens Bottom: 6 VNE: 74 kph / 46 mph VA: 69 kph / 43 mph Trim Speed: 32 kph / 20 mph Stall Speed: 26 kph / 16 mph Maximum Speed: 64 kph / 40 mph Best Glide Speed: 40 kph / 25 mph Best Glide Angle: 8:1 Certification: DHV 2/USHGA Price (1998) £ 2195
XT-165 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 15.3 sq.m Certification: DHV 1-2/USHGA Pilot weight: 63-118 kg Wing span: 9.15 m Nose Angle: 115 deg Number of battens: 22 Glider Weight: 30 kgs Packed length: 5.4 m Aspect ratio: 5.45 Price (1998) £ 2195
The Moyes Ventura is aimed at those pilots entering the sport of hang gliding as well as the old stalwarts who want a glider to enjoy the aesthetic aspects of flight.
The Ventura is an easy glider to fly, impossible to spin, and possesses all the qualities of relaxng, responsive and enjoyable glider with a window of performance when needed. The Ventura is available with mylar inserts and a speedbar.
Ventura 170 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 15.8 sq.m Hang glider weight: 22 kg Certification: USHGA Pilot weight: 44-84 kg Wing span: 9.3 m Nose Angle: 118 deg Number of battens: 11 Aspect ratio: 5.45 Price (1998) £ 1995
Ventura 190 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 17.6 sq.m Hang glider weight: 24 kg Certification: USHGA Pilot weight: 22-110 kg Wing span: 10.1 m Nose Angle: 118 deg Number of battens: 13 Aspect ratio: 5.7 Price (1998) £ 1995
Moyes created the new Malibu open frame floater primary single surface hang glider. The Malibu offers an airframe built from 7075 aluminium tube, covered with a 4oz dacron sail. The sail is shaped and supported by 15 battens made from 7075 aluminium as well as a leading edge insert manufactured from Mylar and foam. Effort has been made to ensure the sail design is efficient, and capable of flying in very light conditions.
The sail design offers a number of stock colour designs, or optionally choose your own colour combination if desired. The standard Moyes Malibu is delivered with round uprights and a straight round base bar. Options include aerodynamic uprights and a round speed bar.
The Malibu offers an extremely slow stall speed with an extremely forgiving and progressive stall. Tip stalls are almost impossible and the glider is very easy to recover from most difficult situations.
The Malibu 2 for novice pilots appeared in 2008. By 2014 the price was near 4000 euros.
As of April 2010, the 166 square foot size has been flight tested and should be available.
First appearing in 2000, the Sonic is for intermediate pilots.
The Sonic is a 60% double surface flex wing with round down tubes and a padded speed bar. The frame is made with Moyes custom seamless 6061T6 aluminium tubing which possesses excellent flex characteristics for maximum strength. The SONIC also boasts Moyes renown neutral static balance, granting the pilot greater ground handling control. In addition, the SONIC’s slow speed handling properties allow the pilot to soar with minimum effort and maximum safety while aiding in trouble-free landings.
Known for being an excellent dune/ridge soaring wing and “first double surface” glider, some models add a VG system. Described as easy to take off and land, and a fantastic glider for the new student who wants a glider that they can grow into.
2002 Moyes Sonic 190
Sonic 165 Area: 15.3 sq.m (165 sq.ft.) Span: 9.3 m (30.5 ft) Nose Angle: 120 degrees Aspect Ratio: 5.6 Glider Weight: 26 kgs (57 lbs) Optimal Pilot Weight: 75 kgs (165 lbs) Hook-In-Weight: 54-100 kgs (120-220 lbs) Packed Length: 5540 mm (18.2 ft) Packed Length – Short: 3920 mm (12.9 ft) Centre of Gravity (Front of Keel): 1640 mm (5.38 ft) Number of Battens Top: 15 Number of Battens Bottom: 4 VNE: 74 kph (46 mph) VA: 69 kph (43 mph) Trim Speed: 32 kph (20 mph) Stall Speed: 24 kph (15 mph) Maximum Speed: 72 kph (45 mph) Best Glide Speed: 43 kph (27 mph) Best Glide Angle: 9:1
Sonic 190 Area: 17.7 sq.m (190 sq.ft.) Span: 10 m (32.8 ft) Nose Angle: 120 degrees Aspect Ratio: 5.6 Glider Weight: 29 kgs (64 lbs) Optimal Pilot Weight: 90 kgs (198 lbs) Hook-In-Weight: 73-109 kgs (160-240 lbs) Packed Length: 6400 mm (21 ft) Packed Length – Short: 4260 mm (14 ft) Centre of Gravity (Front of Keel): 1680 mm (5.51 ft) Number of Battens Top: 17 Number of Battens Bottom: 6 VNE: 74 kph (46 mph) VA: 69 kph (43 mph) Trim Speed: 32 kph (20 mph) Stall Speed: 23 kph (14 mph) Maximum Speed: 72 kph (45 mph) Best Glide Speed: 43 kph (27 mph) Best Glide Angle: 9:1
When Enterprise Wings was wound up it appears the Enterprise Wings “Rage” plans were sold/given to Moyes and became the Moyes Max. The Moyes Max single-place hang glider was designed and produced by Moyes Delta Gliders of Botany, New South Wales, Australia, in the mid-2000s. When it was available the aircraft was supplied complete and ready-to-fly.
The Max was developed as an intermediate-level hang glider, incorporating a variable geometry system. The Max is made from aluminum tubing, with the 70% double-surface wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Available in only one size, the Max 157, its 9.82 m (32.2 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost.
The circa 1998 MAX has been designed for the recreational pilot who wants to enjoy the relaxing qualities of flight but still demands a high performance wing. By incorporating a variable geometry system the MAX has been designed to provide a combination of easy handling and high performance glide.
Intermediate pilots flying the Moyes MAX will enjoy the versatility of a tunable wing that is easy to control during take off and landings.
The MAX also exhibits excellent low speed performance which enables it to climb easier while thermalling. Whether in soaring or in cross country flight, the MAX is the all purpose glider.
The Max is not a hands-off glider. It is roll unstable and care is needed when landing transitioning from the basebar to the uprights, or it will climb unexpectedly. Also needs an aggressive flair with hands about shoulder height, as the manual states as it comes in almpost as quick as an advanced glider. Once you consider these techniques its all round a very safe and fun glider to fly.
MAX 157 Wingspan: 9.82 m (32 ft 3 in) Wing area: 14.5 sq.m (156 sq ft) Aspect ratio: 6.6:1 Empty weight: 26 kg Gross weight: 140 kg (309 lb) Pilot hook-in weight: 50-95 kg Nose angle: 125° Number of battens: 18 Certification: DHV 2/USHGA
As well as user-friendly features such as smaller diameter uprights for more comfort and grip control on take-offs and landing, and redesigned aerodynamic tip leavers which make tensioning easier, the 1993 SX is the high performance glider for the recreational pilot.
SX
Towing the SX pitch pressures are light and roll is standard giving great feedback. The SX is underated on the whole and is a stable and predictable glider. The VG is very stiff so apply some sailkote to the pulleys and it will free it up. The best way to fix the VG line is to use metal ball-bearing pulley from patio sliding glass doors. It makes it much smoother to pull.
The 1996 advanced Moyes Super Xtralite builds upon the successful plan frorm of the Xtralite while incorporating the sail design advances made by the CSX.
Experience Last 100 hours been flying a Super Xtralite, which is great. The only complaint I have, I can’t keep up with the others when gliding at speed. Mr. Green
Not exactly known for its “light weight”, the Extralite is however known as a fine wing. Aside from it’s weight, it is a no-surprises glider. It does what you expect, when you expect it. Also known as “a pleasure to fly”.
It yaws a little, bit slow in roll unless you pitch coordinate, then it is sweet. Great speed and energy retension. Tricky cross wind landing no trouble. Flares nice.
The XLT164 aerotows at 40mph well but requires a small amount of VB for Aerotow or will yaw above 45mph.
Xtralite 137 Wing area: 12.8 m² Wing span: 9.85 m Aspect ratio: 7.6 Hang glider weight: 31 kg Minimum pilot weight: 59 kg Maximum pilot weight: 110 kg Minimum speed: 26 km/h Maximum speed: 85 km/h Max glide ratio speed: 42 km/h Best glide angle: 13,02/1 Best sink rate: 180 fpm at 25mph Packed length: 4.94 m Packed length short: 3.75 m Number of battens: 26 Nose angle: 127°
Xtralite 147 Wing area: 13.7 m² Wing span: 10.3 m Aspect ratio: 7.7 Hang glider weight: 33 kg Minimum pilot weight: 72 kg Maximum pilot weight: 113 kg Minimum speed: 24 km/h Maximum speed: 86.4 km/h Max glide ratio speed: 42 km/h Best glide angle: 13,02/1Packed length: 5.15 m Packed length short: 3.75 m Number of battens: 28 Nose angle: 127°
Xtralite 164 Wing area: 15.3 m² Wing span: 10.8 m Hang glider weight: 34 kg Minimum pilot weight: 82 kg Maximum pilot weight: 172 kg Packed length: 5.5 m Packed length short: 4.6 m Number of battens: 28 Nose angle: 127°
Super Xtralite SX 2 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 11.8 sq.m Pilot weight: 52-90 kg Wing span: 9.15 m Nose Angle: 127° Aspect ratio: 7.1 Price (1998) £ 2999
Super Xtralite SX 3 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 12.8 sq.m Wing span: 9.85 m Certification: DHV Pilot weight: 59-110 kg Hang glider weight: 32 kg Nose Angle: 127° Aspect ratio: 7.6 Price (1998) £ 2999
Super Xtralite SX 4 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 13.5 sq.m Certification: DHV 3 Pilot weight: 68-114 kg Wing span: 10.1 m Nose Angle: 127° Aspect ratio: 7.6 Hang glider weight: 35 kg Price (1998) £ 2999
Super Xtralite SX 5 Hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 14.2 sq.m Certification: DHV 3 Pilot weight: 73-118 kg Wing span: 10.26 m Nose Angle: 127° Aspect ratio: 7.7 Hang glider weight: 36 kg Price (1998) £ 2999
Super Xtralite SX6 Wing area: 15.15 m² Wing span: 10.61 m Aspect ratio: 7.7 Hang glider weight: 37 kg Minimum pilot weight: 85 kg Maximum pilot weight: 127 kg Nose angle: 127°
The Moyes CSX hang glider for advanced pilots first appeared in 1997.
On 12/02/1998 Rohan Holtkamp of Australia set a World Out-and-return distance record of 330.6 km at Eucla, Australia, in a Moyes Delta Gliders CSX-5.
CSX 3 137 A topless hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 12.8 sq.m Certification: USHGA Pilot weight: 52-90 kg Wing span: 9.9 m Nose Angle: 130 deg Aspect ratio: 7.6
CSX 4 149 A topless hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 13.9 sq.m Certification: DHV/USHGA Pilot weight: 60-95 kg Wing span: 10.1 m Nose Angle: 130 deg Aspect ratio: 7.6 Price (1998) £ 3750
CSX 5 153 A topless hang glider circa 1998. Wing area: 14.2 sq.m Certification: DHV/USHGA Pilot weight: 65-105 kg Wing span: 10.3 m Nose Angle: 130 deg Aspect ratio: 7.7 Price (1998) £ 3750
The 1984 Moyes Mars are very lightweight gliders with docile handling (even for a single surface glider). They have locked crossbars, predating the floating crossbar, and need to be flat rigged because of this. The hang straps slide to the front of the keel when de-rigged and are held to the crossbar junction by a strap when rigged. Failure to connect this strap can prove fatal.
Until 1991 ICARO sold, in Europe, more then 3,000 gliders (Moyes models like Mega II, Missile, Mars, GT, GTR and XS).
Icaro Mars
The Icaro Mars hang glider was from 1986 for novice pilots. Lovely simple glider, very easy take off and landing, great sink rate at trim. A little too heavy in roll for comfortable flying in rowdy conditions, otherwise a good first or fun glider.
Moyes Mars 150 Wing area: 14.6 m² Wing span: 6.6 m Hang glider weight: 22 kg Nose angle: 120°
Moyes Mars 170 Wing area: 15.75 m² Wing span: 8.84 m Hang glider weight: 24 kg Maximum flying weight: 122 kg Nose angle: 125°
Icaro Mars 150 Wing area: 14.6 sq.m Certification: DHV 1-2/SHV Pilot weight: 50-80 kg Wing span: 8.84 m Nose Angle: 120 deg Price (1998) £ 1190 Aspect ratio: 5.3 Hang glider weight: 19 kg Packed length: 5.2 m Packed length short: 3.3 m Number of battens: 16
Icaro Mars 170 Wing area: 15.75 sq.m Certification: DHV 1-2/SHV Pilot weight: 60-110 kg Wing span: 9.57 m Nose Angle: 125 deg Price (1998) £ 1190 Aspect ratio: 5.8 Hang glider weight: 23 kg Packed length: 5.5 m Packed length short: 3.75 m Number of battens: 14
