Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1993 04:58:49 -1000 From: andrew@tug.com (Andrew Beattie) Message-Id: Organization: /usr/lib/news/organisation Subject: Re: Question: Soft powerkites and extreme flying (Robin J Green) writes: >out-of-the-bag-and-fly solution would be heaven to me and I'm >wondering if anyone has any ideas? Homemade radical powerkites are a >great way to waste a week of evenings cutting and sewing, but I am >usure of how to make a decent high aspect ratio kite without resorting >to spars. Please, any suggestions? I'd look at the Sputnik by Nop. Plans are available (and probably listed in the plan FAQ) >P.S. How do you stop stacks of flexis oscillating on takeoff Skill. Get it off the ground, turn it over and take the tension off as it dives, when you pull it out of the dive, they should be pulling together. As you gain experience, you will handle the stack more gently and have less (I said "less", not "no") trouble with them fighting. Andrew -- Work: gaffer@rec.com Phone: +44 793 614 110 Fax: +44 793 614 297 Play: andrew@tug.com Phone: +44 256 464 912 Car: +44 831 527 614 Interested in kite traction? mail kites@tug.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1993 23:33:41 -1000 From: R.J.Green-CSSE91@cs.bham.ac.uk (Robin J Green) Message-Id: Organization: School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, UK Subject: Question: Soft powerkites and extreme flying I kind of fancy the idea of a large, soft body kite, high aspect ratio with skudding or Kite jumping potential. I have heard of Quadrifoils and they sound cool, but how do quad controls handle under extreme conditions? Surely it's somewhat difficult to lever your weight onto a handle that is angle sensitive? Are there any alternatives? I have a trio of homemade 10foot flexifoils (I am poor you see, but I don't mind paying for quality gear) which are pretty good. The only thing that annoys me is having to cart around these damn spars. An out-of-the-bag-and-fly solution would be heaven to me and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas? Homemade radical powerkites are a great way to waste a week of evenings cutting and sewing, but I am usure of how to make a decent high aspect ratio kite without resorting to spars. Please, any suggestions? - Robin Green. P.S. How do you stop stacks of flexis oscillating on takeoff short of = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =