Kite control systems
These systems have evolved from simple manual controls, to intricate automated and powered configurations, reflecting the spectrum of kite uses from recreational activities, to scientific research and energy generation.
The development and refinement of these control systems have significantly expanded the capabilities and applications of kites, sometimes changing them from traditional leisure objects, into tools for modern-day purposes.
High-altitude kite control systems, especially notable in record-setting flights, incorporate advanced mechanisms such as on-board angle-of-attack adjusters.
These systems are designed to manage kite line tension, often limiting it to a safe threshold to prevent breakage or loss of control.
These high-altitude kites feature safety and tracking mechanisms like radio beacons for detection over long distances and strobe lights for enhanced visibility.
The complexity of these systems shows the significant engineering and design efforts, aimed at maximizing the performance and safety of kites in challenging conditions.
These movements include tugs, jerks, releases, and directional shifts, essential for maneuvering the kite in desired patterns or engaging in aerial combat.
The evolution of control systems in this area highlights the blend of skill, tradition, and technological innovation in kite flying.
The control systems are often complex, involving patented technologies to manage the forces at play.
Control via use of reels and pulleys become critical when tension is high; the team had to repair and replace parts during the flight session.
They may be as simple as a person flying a kite while standing on a specialized skateboard, or be complex systems fixed to the vehicle with powered and automated controls.
Ship-pulling kites run to hundreds of square meters of area and require a special attachment points, a launch and recovery system, and fly-by-wire controls.
These were the invention of Paul E. Garber, doing war work while on leave from the Smithsonian (where he was responsible for the acquisition of much of the Air and Space collection).
The sail was sky blue with the profile of a Japanese Zero or German aircraft painted in black.
Control of the attitude of the kite's wing is achieved frequently by the pilot's grabbing the kite's stiffened airframe part called the control frame and pushing or pulling the kite's airframe left or right or forward and aft in various combinations; this control system is most commonly called "weight-shifting" although mechanically the situation is altering positions of mass to alter the center of gravity of the entire system relative to the aerodynamic center of pressure in order to effect leveraging moments to control the flight.
A key article by Mike Meier, Pitch Stability & Center of Mass Location,[25] focuses on this concern of control.
However, since gusts occur, the student learns that hands-off flying is not the normal status—rather the kite pilot is almost always handling the control frame.
[27][28] Here the unpowered kite is tethered to a pilot who arranges to have a harness to which is attached a thrusting prime moving engine or motor; the total system is a powered aircraft while the kite itself remains unpowered (very differently is when an engine is mounted on a wing).
Bungee launch control systems for kited hang gliders has its own special details.
When the payload or pilot is simply falling without adding a prime moving engine or motor, then the kited flexible wing is a paragliding wing; when the payload or pilot is additionally arranged with a thrust engine or motor, then the kited unpowered flexible wing with such thrust payload or pilot is a powered aircraft system or powered paragliding system.
When used for delivery of sensitive payloads or carrying humans, the fast opening from packed format is damped by use of a slider.
The size and design of the kited wing is customized for the final type of use where packing, opening, and sink rate are important feature.
The most problematic KAP flights are when the best camera shot requires the kite to be flown amongst tall trees or buildings, so quick haul-in can be a plus.
The penalty of the radio control rigs is weight, which requires higher winds to do photography.
