LITESPEED RX
OWNERS MANUAL
Version 2
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FLYING THE MOYES LITESPEED RX
Take-off
The Moyes Litespeed RX has a slight tail heavy static balance and therefore is very easy
to launch in calm or windy conditions and on steep or shallow slopes. The nose should
be held slightly above horizontal with the wings level. Your run should be a smooth
acceleration with appropriate pitch control for the situation. Once a safe excess over
minimum air speed is acquired, a slight easing out of the bar will give a smooth lift-off. In
winds over 10-15 mph (16-24 kph), some wire assistance may be required.
Using the VG for Take-Off
In some situations we recommend launching the glider with up to 1/3 VG. It should be
noted that the Litespeed has an large VG range, and 1/4 VG is equivalent to VG loose
on many other gliders. For launch, never to use more than 1/3 VG, as the glider will
become very difficult to control if turbulence is encountered during or just after take off.
In windy conditions, some VG can help the glider penetrate forward away from the take-
off and away from any danger. With 1/3 VG the glider has a more solid feel and it
becomes more difficult to over-control or produce pilot induced oscillations. On the other
hand, many experienced pilots prefer to fully open the VG during windy or turbulent
take-offs to allow for maximum control. For your first windy take-off on the Litespeed we
recommend 1/4 VG.
For light wind or nil wind take-offs some VG can help the glider lift sooner making
take-off easier. This is especially helpful for take-offs on shallow slopes as the gliders
increased performance will allow for a shorter take-off run. It’s important to note that with
more VG, the glider becomes more prone to tip stalling, so if VG is used during take-off
special care must be taken to keep the wings level.
For cross wind take-offs a hang glider becomes more vulnerable to tip stalling; usually its
best to launch with the VG fully opened in these situations.
Litespeed RX Variable Geometry
The Litespeed RX has a large VG range with that is powerful and effective. The initial
pull of the VG has the most significant effect on the sail tension. When VG is half on,
much of the washout has already been taken out of the wing and with 1/2 to 3/4 VG the
sail is already beginning to rest on the dive struts in normal flight. The remaining 1/2 to
1/4 of the VG travel begins to take the washout out of the root and mid span. The extra
sail tension has the effect of flattening the battens slightly and producing a better high
speed airfoil. The VG system also operates the inboard dive strut compensator system
creating increased pitch stability and safety margin when the VG is not full tight. The
Litespeed RX features an enclosed VG system with bearing pulleys, a double pulley
assembly on the keel and a second double pulley assembly mounted inside one upright.
The pulley assembly in the upright has miniature needle bearings while the pulleys on
the keel are conventional rolling ball bearings.