Moyes Sonic

Design and development

The Sonic was designed as a beginner and intermediate glider with a 60% double surface wing and neutral static balance for improved maneuverability.

The aircraft is made from 7075-T6 aluminum tubing, with the double-surface wing covered in 4 oz Dacron sailcloth. The aircraft was produced in two models, the 165 and 190, designated by their wing area in square feet.

Variants

Sonic 165

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 9.3 m (30.5 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120°, wing area is 15.3 m² (165 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.6:1. The glider empty weight is 26 kg (57 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 54 to 100 kg (119 to 220 lb).

Sonic 190

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10 m (32.8 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120°, wing area is 17.7 m² (191 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.6:1. The glider empty weight is 29 kg (64 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 74 to 109 kg (163 to 240 lb). This model has a variable geometry system.

Specifications (Sonic 190)

Data from Bertrand and manufacturer

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wingspan: 10 m (32 ft 10 in)

Wing area: 17.7 m² (191 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 5.6:1

Empty weight: 29 kg (64 lb)

Gross weight: 138 kg (304 lb)

Performance

Maximum speed: 72 km/h (45 mph; 39 kn)

Cruising speed: 32 km/h (20 mph; 17 kn)

Stall speed: 23 km/h (14 mph; 12 kn)

Never exceed speed: 74 km/h (46 mph; 40 kn)

Maximum glide ratio: 9:1 at 43 km/h (27 mph)