The Tempest is an ultralight sailplane manufactured by Moyes Microlites Pty. Ltd., Australia, and is assembled by Moyes-Bailey Ultralights at Quest Air in Florida (6548 Groveland Airport Road, Groveland, FL 34736, USA, 652-429-0213). Following are manufacturer-supplied details and description.
"The Tempest is an ultralight sailplane designed and built to take advantage of modern technology and materials. The technology used in the construction of hang gliders in the form of wire-braced aluminum tubing with dacron wing surfaces has been borrowed and extended to produce the Tempest. The unique features of the Tempest are that the airframe and airfoil structures are constructed of tubular aluminum in a unique construction. The wings are strut-braced and internally wire-braced. The wing surfaces are and control surfaces are covered with stabilised Dacron constructed precisely to be slipped on to the corresponding airframe. This design makes inspection and repairs simple and lesss expensive. The Tempest owes its lightness and strength to this design."
"The cockpit is a moulded fibreglass monocoque design and will seat a pilot up to 6'3" (190 cm) and a weight of 240 pounds (110 kg). The canopy is made to hinge open to the left side giving full exposure for a pilot to enter and exit. A second section and frame is available to completely close the cockpit for cold weather [the standard canopy leaves a 1' (30 cm) opening at the aft end for fresh air entry]."
"The Tempest is controlled by standard 3-axis controls plus spoilers and dive brakes. Differentially coupled ailerons give good roll control. A full-flying elevator gives instant pitch response. The rudder is connected to adjustable leg-length pedails and give the glider direction. Spoilers [actuating on the top surface] are coupled together to form dive brakes and are operated by cable using the left hand. The tow release is also operated by cable using the left hand. Aerotows necessitate a tow from under the nose of the cockpit and the release in mounted in this position, and the Tempest is supplied with the release."
"The Tempest is easily towed by any ultralight having a tow system and sufficient power at 40-50 mph. The pilot will find exceptional handling and visibility through the ample canopy. Gliding flight compares exactly as with any sailplane, with the exception of flight speeds, which are lower."
| Item | Imperial | Metric |
| wing span | 42'6" | 12.95 m |
| area | 150 sq.ft. | 13.9 m2 |
| aspect ratio | 12 | 12 |
| weight | 155 lb. | 70 kg |
| cockpit canopy parachute | 66 lb. | 30 kg |
| best L/D | 25 |
25 |
| min. sink rate | 150 ft/min | 0.76 m/s |
| max. speed, VNE | 80 mph | 130 km/h |
| best L/D speed | 42 mph | 68 km/h |
| min. sink speed | 30 mph | 48 km/h |
| stall speed | 27 mph | 43 km/h |
| price | $US 12,500 | $US 12,500 |
Here are some photos of the Tempest at Quest Air flight park, taken on October 28, 2000.
