moyes Litespeed RX 3, Litespeed RX 3.5, Litespeed RX 4, Litespeed RX 5 Owner's Manual
Moyes Delta Gliders Pty. Ltd.
Version 2
LITESPEED RX
owners manual
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
Version 2
1
CONTENTS
Contents ................................................................................................ 1!
Amendments ......................................................................................... 2!
Introduction ........................................................................................... 3!
Description of Design ............................................................................ 4!
Specifications ........................................................................................ 5!
Operating Limitations ............................................................................ 6!
Disclaimer ............................................................................................. 7!
Getting Started ...................................................................................... 8!
Assembly Procedures ......................................................................... 12!
Pre-Flight Check ................................................................................. 17!
De-Rigging the Litespeed RX ............................................................. 19!
Flying the Moyes Litespeed RX .......................................................... 23!
Tuning Hints ........................................................................................ 27!
Performance Tuning ........................................................................... 29!
Glider Care .......................................................................................... 31!
Maintenance Schedule ....................................................................... 33!
Sail Removal ....................................................................................... 34!
Checking The Litespeed RX Stability System ..................................... 35!
Purchase Record ................................................................................ 38!
AN Bolt IndeX ..................................................................................... 39!
Maintenance Log ................................................................................ 39!
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
2 Version 2
AMENDMENTS
Version
Date
Changes
1.00
18/10/12
• Created original owners manual
2
17/2/15
• Combined RX3, RX3.5, RX4 and RX5 into one manual
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
Version 2
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Moyes Delta Gliders Pty. Ltd.
Unit 4/5 Clerke Place, Kurnell, NSW 2231, Australia T: +61 (0)2 9668 8686 E: moyes@moyes.com.au
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Moyes Litespeed RX. You have chosen wisely.
The Litespeed RX incorporates the latest high performance hang gliding
design technology.
Since 1967, Moyes Delta Gliders has strived to be on the cutting edge of
developing hang gliders of the highest calibre. We aim to provide a
comprehensive international network to service all pilots. We work with some
of the best pilots and designers in the world to ensure that our gliders have
the best possible performance, handling and safety.
We wish you the very best flying,
The Moyes Team
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN
The latest evolution and third generation of the innovative Moyes Litespeed range is the Moyes Litespeed RX.
This glider has been specifically designed for racing and offers a larger wing span and higher aspect ratio
providing enhanced glide and climb characteristics. Despite the larger span and aspect ratio, the Moyes
Litespeed RX handles extremely well due to the advanced sail design and it makes launching, landing and
climbing pleasurable tasks.
The sail top surface is fully constructed from durable PX Mylar cloth and is standard as a full white surface with
Titanium Oxide finish reducing UV effects on the sail. An optional “Technora” sail is also available. The
Technora inlaid sail uses a lighter semi-transparent dark Mylar cloth in the centre of the wing surrounded by
white PX Mylar., the smoke inlaid sail reduces the weight of the sail by approximately 1.5kgs an is
aesthetically pleasing. The under surface is made from Dacron, and is divided into three areas which can be
customised to suit the colour requirements of the pilot.
The Moyes Litespeed RX is supplied standard with full aluminium leading edges, carbon fibre cross bars,
standard aerofoil uprights and a round base bar. The glider flies very nicely in this configuration, however
glider weight can be reduced and handling improved through the inclusion of an extensive range of
performance options.
If using the standard uprights, an aluminium aerodynamic FAST base bar can be added. The preferred option
is to upgrade the A-frame to the Moyes Zoom uprights and carbon fibre speed bar. The Moyes Zoom uprights
have a very low drag coefficient. They are made from extruded aluminium with an electrically etched black
finish. The Moyes Zoom carbon fibre speed bar uses the same aerodynamic profile as the Zoom uprights. The
base bar is hand laid using pre-impregnated carbon fibre cloth and is pressure cured at high temperature to
ensure an attractive and durable finish.
A range of carbon fibre performance options are available when ordering the Moyes Litespeed RX. These
include carbon fibre outer leading edges, carbon fibre inner leading edges, carbon fibre dive sticks, carbon
batten set and carbon fibre leading edge inserts. Except for the carbon batten set, all these options are hand
laid using pre-impregnated carbon fibre and pressure/temperature cured to provide light yet strong
components. The carbon fibre options provide a stiffer and lighter alternative to the standard aluminium
components, contributing to the handling and performance of the glider.
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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SPECIFICATIONS
Model Size
Litespeed RX 3
Litespeed RX 3.5
Litespeed RX 4
Litespeed RX 5
Area (between tight
and loose VG)
12.8 sq.m
13.5 sq.m
13.9 sq.m
14.8sq.m
138 sq.ft.
145 sq.ft.
150 sq.ft.
159 sq.ft.
Span (tight)
9.77 m
10.07 m
10.27 m
10.4 m
32.1 ft.
33.0 ft.
33.7 ft.
34.1 ft.
Nose angle (tightloose)
130-125 deg.
130-125 deg.
130-125 deg.
130-125 deg.
Aspect Ratio
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.3
Weight (carb - alu)
31-33 kgs
32-34 kgs
33-35 kgs
34.5-36.5 kgs
68-72 lbs
71-75 lbs
73-77 lbs
76-80 lbs
Optimal pilot weight
63 kgs
73 kgs
83 kgs
93 kgs
139 lbs
161 lbs
183 lbs
205 lbs
Hook-in weight
59-89 kgs
68-108 kgs
75-115 kgs
85-119 kgs
130-196 lbs
150-238 lbs
165-254 lbs
187-262lbs
Packed length
4900 mm
5120 mm
5220 mm
5320 mm
16.07 ft.
16.79 ft.
17.12 ft.
17.45ft.
Short packed length
4020 mm
4240 mm
4340 mm
4500 mm
13.18 ft.
13.91 ft.
14.23 ft.
14.8ft.
C of G front of keel
1343 mm
1343 mm
1353 mm
1343 mm
52.9 inches
52.9 inches
53.3 inches
52.9 inches
Number of battens:
Mainsail
21
23
23
23
Undersurface
6 6 6
6
VNE (truck test)
100 kph
100 kph
100 kph
100 kph
62 mph
62 mph
62 mph
62 mph
VA
74 kph
74 kph
74 kph
74 kph
46 mph
46 mph
46 mph
46 mph
Trim speed
35 kph
37 kph
37 kph
35 kph
22 mph
23 mph
23 mph
22 mph
Stall speed
27 kph
28 kph
29 kph
28 kph
17 mph
17 mph
18 mph
17 mph
Max speed
+120kph
+130 kph
+130 kph
+120 kph
+75 mph
+81 mph
+81mph
+75mph
Best glide speed
47 kph
48 kph
48 kph
47 kph
29 mph
30 mph
30 mph
29 mph
Best glide angle
14.5/1
15/1
15/1
15/1
Glide angle 10:1
70 kph
77 kph
77 kph
75 kph
44 mph
48 mph
48 mph
46 mph
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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OPERATING LIMITATIONS
Your Moyes Litespeed RX is a sophisticated, state of the art high performance hang
glider. If maintained correctly it will give you years of safe enjoyable soaring. It is
important that you display a healthy respect for all aspects of aviation and that you
especially understand the increased risks of flying in dangerous conditions or in a
manner that exceeds the glider’s operating limitations.
• Flight operation should be limited to non-aerobatic manoeuvres where the pitch
angle doesn’t exceed 30 degrees up and down to the horizon and bank angles don’t
exceed 60 degrees
• The Moyes Litespeed RX has been designed for foot launched soaring flight and
should not be flown by more than one person at a time
• It should not be flown backwards or inverted
• The recommended minimum pilot skill level is Advanced (Hang 4)
• The Moyes Litespeed RX should not be flown with auxiliary power
• The Moyes Litespeed RX should not be flown in excess of the placard VNE or VA
• VNE (speed never to exceed): 53 mph / 84.8 kph
• VA (maximum rough air manoeuvring speed): 46 mph / 73.6 kph
• Stall speed with maximum pilot weight: Less than 21 mph / 34 kph
• Maximum speed with minimum pilot weight: Less than 77 mph / 124 kph
The Moyes Litespeed RX will resist spinning and will recover quickly if control pressures
are relaxed. Recovery from a stalled turn can be achieved without extreme height loss or
without extreme attitude change if the angle of attack is reduced. Recovery from an
incipient spin will be achieved within half a turn if the angle of attack is lowered to a
normal flying angle.
The Moyes Litespeed RX is capable of flying at speeds greater than the VA and VNE.
We recommend you use an accurate airspeed indicator and familiarise yourself with
control bar positions at these speeds and normal flying speeds.
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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DISCLAIMER
The owner and operator must understand that due to the inherent risk involved in flying
such a unique vehicle, no warranty is made or implied of any kind against accidents,
bodily injury or death. Operations such as aerobatic manoeuvres or erratic pilot
technique may ultimately produce equipment failure, and are specifically excluded from
the warranty.
This glider is not covered by product liability insurance, nor has it been designed,
manufactured or tested to any state or federal government airworthiness standards
or regulations.
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
8 Version 2
GETTING STARTED
Your new Moyes Litespeed RX may have been shipped to you in the 4.5 metre
breakdown form. If so, you can assemble your glider to its full length by following the
assembly procedures. All references to ‘top’ & ‘bottom’ and ‘left’ and ‘right’ are referred
to with the glider in flying mode.
Please check your packing list.
• Glider
• 2 x Back section leading edges: note that the back sections are different between
left and right
• 1 x Batten Set: Right=Green/Left=Red/Blue=Undersurface
• 1 x Speed Bar
• 2 x Tip Bags
• 3 x Padding Pieces: A-Frame top & bottom, Keel sleeve
• 1 x Batten Pattern
• 1 x Snack Pack with owner’s manual and Batten Profile
Assembly from 4.5m Breakdown Form
1. Open the glider bag and roll the glider onto its undersurface.
Undo the straps and extend the sail.
Picture 1
Lay the glider on
Its undersurface
and unfold the sail.
2. Expose the leading edge/cross bar junction through the inspection zip. Remove the
bubble wrap and tape from the leading edge/cross bar junction and the end of the
middle sleeve.
Picture 2
Remove packing materials from leading edge end.
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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3. Aluminium Rear Leading Edge
Insert the right hand back section of leading edge. The right hand back section
differs from the left in the mounting of the outer sprog. You can check this by
picturing that the cable must be on the top side of the leading edge and the sprog
must fold inboard. Push the back section into the mid sleeve while depressing the
push button pin. Continue to push the back section in until it reaches its stop, then
rotate the back section until the mid sleeve location holes align with the push
button pin. Closely check that the push button pin has fully released and that the
back section is secure against rotation forces.
Picture 3
Insert the back
ends of the
leading edge.
Carbon Rear Leading Edge
a. Remove the clevis pin and safety ring from the front
leading edge via the inboard dive stick zipper on the
under surface of the right wing.
b. Access the back end of the aluminium leading edge via
the outboard dive stick zipper. Note the position of the
mid eccentric ring locating screw, as the eccentric ring
must be refitted to the exact same position. Remove
the retention screw and the mid eccentric ring from the
leading edge.
c. Select the right carbon rear leading edge (RLE). This can be done by
extending the dive strut. The dive strut wire must be on the top of the leading
edge to support the dive stick.
d. Fit the mid eccentric ring over the carbon rear leading edge.
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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e. With the outer dive stick folded
towards the nose of the glider,
slide the carbon rear leading edge
into the sail via the glass tip
pocket, allowing the outer dive
stick to exit the sail at the
undersurface zipper. Insert the
carbon rear leading edge into the
front leading edge.
f. Refit the clevis pin and safety pin, ensuring the pin goes through the holes at
the end of the carbon rear leading edge.
g. Slide the mid eccentric ring into the end of the front leading edge, ensuring its
location is the same as when it was removed. Insert the retention screw.
4. Secure the sail by attaching to the tip webbing using the clevis pin and ring supplied.
Insert the pin through the webbing and into the bottom hole at an angle. Straighten
the clevis pin while sliding the webbing towards the leading edge as shown in
Picture 4. Ensure the tip webbing is not twisted and is on the bottom of the leading
edge.
Picture 4
Insert sail pin into end of leading edge.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to install the left hand back section of leading edge.
Your Litespeed will now be ready for the standard assembly. Before flight, make
a thorough inspection of all tubing and nuts and bolts to ensure no damage has
occurred during transportation (refer to section on pre-flight check).
The rear leading edges are marked “RLE”. This is an abbreviation of “Rear
Leading Edge”, not right leading edge. The left and right side RLE’s must be
identified by ensuring dive strut wire is on top of the leading edge.
NOTE
!
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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Picture 5
Assembled glider
showing dive sticks
extruding from under
surface zippers.
The inner and outer sprogs must exit the sail from the large cord wise zippers.
The zippers must be opened when the glider is in standard break down form
with both sprogs folding toward the wing tip outside the sail.
IMPORTANT
!
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
1. Place the glider on the ground, zipper up. Open the bag, undo ties, remove A-frame
bottom padding and battens.
2. Assembly the A-Frame.
Picture 6
Standard uprights and
base bar assembly.
Roll the glider over so that
it is standing on the
control frame.
3. Roll the glider over so that it is standing on the control frame.
Picture 7
Roll the glider onto the
A-frame and attach the
front wire to the Bailey Block.
Take special care with the wires, the Litespeed RX features 1x19 cable which
can easily be kinked unless special care is taken.
NOTE
!
With standard uprights, the uprights will naturally toe-in as shown in
Picture 6. Hold the base bar and the upright, twisting the upright so the
connection lines up.
NOTE
!
LITESPEED RX OWNERS MANUAL
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After initial assembly it is suggested that the nose batten be left in but pulled
out slightly and left beside the nose plate for pack-up. Check that the nose
batten sits over the lug on the keel securely.
NOTE
!
4. Insert the ring of the lower front wires in the Bailey Block making sure that the spring
is firmly locked and the wires untwisted.
Picture 8
Attaching the front wires to the Bailey Block.
5. Insert the nose batten. The batten may need some “feeding” through the Sail by
pulling the sail forward to remove any wrinkles as the batten slides into its pocket.
Picture 9
Insert nose batten.
6. Carefully spread each wing making sure that you do not raise them above the keel.
Picture 10
Spread the wings.
Check bottom wires are not twisted or kinked.
NOTE
!
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