Moyes Dragonfly

Moyes Dragonfly
Role	Ultralight glider tug
National origin	Australia
Manufacturer	Moyes Microlights Bailey-Moyes Microlights LiteFlite
Designer	Bob Bailey
Introduction	1990
Status	In production
Number built	100 (2006)

The Moyes Dragonfly is an Australian two-seats-in-tandem, high-wing, strut-braced, open cockpit, conventional landing gear-equipped ultralight aircraft. The aircraft has been in production since 1990 and was designed as a special-purpose tug for hang gliders and ultralight sailplanes. It is available as a complete aircraft or as a kit for amateur construction. The aircraft has been variously produced by Moyes Microlights, Bailey-Moyes Microlights and currently LiteFlite of Botany, New South Wales, all different iterations of the same company.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]}

Design and development

The Dragonfly was developed in the late 1980s specifically as a hang glider tug for use in flatland areas where hang glider flying, which usually relies on hill launches, was not possible. This role requires an aircraft that can climb quickly at low speed. The Dragonfly achieves this goal, with a power-off stall speed of 17 kn (31 km/h) by using a large area wing of 170 square feet (16 m²) in conjunction with Junkers-style flaperons. The aircraft has been successful as a hang glider tug and is also used for livestock mustering in its home country, as well as for recreational flying where STOL capabilities are required.^{[1][2][5][6][7][8]}

The aircraft is constructed of bolted 6061-T6 aluminium, with the two seats mounted on a fuselage boom tube that runs from the front rudder pedals to the tail. The standard Rotax 582 engine is mounted in pusher configuration and its liquid-cooling aids in fast descents while towing, without subjecting the engine cylinders to shock-cooling. The wing is supported by a V-strut and jury struts. The wing and tail surfaces are covered in pre-sewn Dacron envelopes. A unique feature is the extended rudder post, which is supported by steel cables from the wings and used as a tow attachment point. The aircraft is equipped with dual controls for pilot training and the rear seat is removable when not needed. It is reported that the aircraft takes about 200 hours to assemble from the kit.^{[1][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

Operational history

The Dragonfly has been exported to 12 countries, where it is primarily employed as a hang glider tug.^[9]

Variants

Dragonfly

Base model powered by a 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke powerplant^[8]

Dragonfly C

Up-engined model powered by a 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL four-stroke powerplant^[8]

Specifications (Dragonfly)

Data from Cliche and LiteFlite^[1][9]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Length: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)
• Wingspan: 34 ft 0 in (10.36 m)
• Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
• Wing area: 170 sq ft (16 m²)
• Empty weight: 331 lb (150 kg)
• Gross weight: 661 lb (300 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 6 US Gallons (23 litres)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, two-stroke aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)

Performance

• Cruise speed: 40 kn (46 mph; 74 km/h)
• Stall speed: 14 kn (16 mph; 26 km/h) power on
• Never exceed speed: 57 kn (66 mph; 106 km/h)
• Service ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,900 m)
• Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Pterodactyl Ptug - another ultralight used for hang glider towing
  

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-73. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
2. ^ ^{a b} LiteFlite Pty Ltd (2006). "Welcome to the website of LiteFlite - Home of the Dragonfly". http://liteflite.com.au/Default.aspx. Retrieved 4 February 2011. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, pages 22-23. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
4. ^ ^{a b} Downey, Julia: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 57. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
5. ^ ^{a b c} Downey, Julia: 2001 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 12, December 2000, page 32. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
6. ^ ^{a b c} Downey, Julia: 2002 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 18, Number 12, December 2001, page 25. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
7. ^ ^{a b c} Newby-Gonzalez, Tori: 2004 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 20, Number 12, December 2003, page 67. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
8. ^ ^{a b c d e} Downey, Julia: 2005 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2004, page 69. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
9. ^ ^{a b c} LiteFlite Pty Ltd (2006). "Dragonfly". http://liteflite.com.au/ProductsDragonfly01.aspx. Retrieved 4 February 2011. 

External links

• Official website
• Photo of a Dragonfly