Date:	Mon, 25 Apr 1994 10:54:09 -1000
From:	c.v.dunton@LaRC.NASA.GOV (Charlie Dunton)
Message-Id: <2phalh$o79@reznor.larc.nasa.gov>
Organization: NASA, Langley Research Center
Subject: WRAP Challenge Sneak Preview

The following is a sneak preview of the MKS WRAP Challenge that will appear in
the next issue of the AKA newsletter. For those Rec.Kiters who are not current
members of AKA, maybe this will be the incentive you need. - Charlie

This information was supplied by Jon Burkhardt with the assistance of the
MKS WRAP committee.


At its recent Winter Kitemaking Retreat in Westminster, Md., the Maryland Kite
Society established the Wide-Range-Airborne-Platform (W.R.A.P.) Challenge to all
kitemakers for competition at AKA's 1994 Annual Convention in Wildwood, NJ. The
basic challenge is as follows: *Build the best possible single kite for aerial
photography*.

Here are the rules established by the MKS W.R.A.P. Committee:

1) The one kite (no kite trains!) must be able to lift a single, detachable,
   compact weight of at least 2.25 pounds in a variety of winds (between 1 and
   25 mph is suggested). The weight, which may be suspended from any point
   from or on the kite or kiteline, must be positioned such that it has an
   unobstructed view of the ground.

2) The launching, flight, and retrieval of the kite and its payload must be
   handled by only one person during the competion.

3) The kite will have the same configuration and sturcture for all wind speeds.
   No alterations will be permitted.

4) The launching, flight, and retrieval of the kite during the competition must
   be accomplished with enough care and stability so as not to endanger a
   precious payload (such as a valuable camera).

5) Fliers may supply a single, compact weight with no dimension greater than 12
   inches. At the judges' option, the judges, not the flyer, will supply the
   standard weight to be lifted during the competition.

6) The prize-winning kite will be that kite which, in the opinion of the judges,
   best achieves

    * minimum flight time (at least five minutes) at the minimum altitude (100ft)

    * the most stable flight at a decent angle,

    * flight over the widest range of wind speeds, and

    * maximum safety for the payload.

    Decisions of the judges are final.

7) If the kitemaker is not a registered attendee at the Convention, the kite may
   be flown by another registered attendee. In such a case, both the kitemaker
   and the kiteflier must be current AKA members.

The Maryland Kite Society will provide the judges and the trophy for this event.
A minimum of two flights will be performed, one at low wind speeds and one at
higher wind speeds.

Maryland Kite Society members who are also members of the Wide Range Airborne
Platform Challenge Committee are Bevan Brown, Bill Bigge, Jon Burkhardt, Mel
Govig, Arnold Simon, and Bobby Stanfield. Any questions should be addressed to
Bevan Brown, Executive Secretary, Maryland Kite Society, 3633 Turbridge Drive,
Burtonsville, Maryland, (301) 890-1178.

-- Posted for the WRAP Challenge Committee by Charlie Dunton
--
Charlie Dunton
c.v.dunton@larc.nasa.gov
May you never stand in the shadow of your kite.


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