LITESPEED OWNERS MANUAL
Version 1.01 4
DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN
The Moyes Litespeed is a glider designed by elite competition pilots for competition and
enjoyable high performance cross country flying. The Litespeed utilises a similar plan
form as its predecessors the Xtralite and CSX, and has improved other facets of the
glider to provide better performance, safety and handling.
The Litespeed features a 7075 aluminium airframe which allows minimum weight with
excellent flex characteristics. The leading edge features a step down taper design with
revised sleeving and tube diameters to produce a lighter weight outer leading edge with
improved flex distribution across the length. The weight reduction provides considerable
reduction of inertia and thus roll pressures are minimal.
The elliptical fibre glass wing tip has been a feature of Moyes high performance gliders
since the early 80’s. The fibre glass tip creates a washout distribution allowing better
turning coordination than conventional designs. With the full tight VG setting, the fibre
glass tip allows for a tighter mainsail and a more desirable washout distribution.
The Litespeed features a revised sail design which allows for minimum twist without
losing pitch stability. The double surface has been increased to 92% which provides
better washout control under positive load and allows the enclosed stability system to be
mounted further rearward for better support. The leading edge tension has been markedly
increased to minimise airfoil distortion at high speeds. Many design steps have been
taken to produce a low minimum flying speed and allow easycontrol at these speeds.
The pitch stability system utilises cable braced inner and outer aluminium sprogs
providing support for battens 7 to 11 via two transversal battens. The inner sprog
features a unique compensator system operating from the geometrical change of the
X-bar to leading edge angle. This allows for the inner sprog to rise 80mm when the VG
is released. The stability system was designed with maximum strength and stiffness in
mind, and demonstrates excellent structural integrity under any flight load.
The Litespeed sail has a total of 8 internal cloth ribs. These internal ribs restrict the
under surface from ‘blowing out’ which prevents pilot induced oscillations. The internal
ribs are cut to a specific airfoil, which produces the desired under surface camber for low
drag high speed gliding.
The Litespeed features a spar constructed entirely of pre-impregnated carbon fibrecloth.
The pre-impregnated carbon provides maximum consistency in production. The spar
utilises combinations of biaxial fibre and unidirectional fibre to produce load absorbing
flexibility and maximum impact resistance.
