Date:	Thu, 27 Jan 1994 18:11:53 -1000
From:	tanaka_be@swam1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <9401280404.AA09771@enet-gw.pa.dec.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Standoff placement

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From:	"cora@midway.uchicago.edu" "MAIL-11 Daemon" 26-JAN-1994 21:14:26.74
Subj:	Standoff placement -how does it influence performance?

The question is : where along the trailing edge should one attach the 
standoffs? While I realize that an exact answer would depend upon the overall 
design of the kite, are there general guidlines? How does moving the attachment
points further toward the wing tips or in towards the spine influence
flight and handling characteristics?
Thanks in advance,
Andre
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Andre,

Ron Reich has already posted a pretty comprehensive answer to this question.

>From my own limited experimentation, I have observed the following additional
factors that may interest your friend.  If your kite is properly adjusted
without standoffs, than adding standoffs usually requires that you also
raise the adjustment on the bridle slightly.  The standoffs give it more
bottom.  The length of the standoffs may vary, depending upon the size
and shape of the sail, and the amount of billow when framed.  Most that
I have seen average between 6 to 10 inches where the pocket is deepest.
I don't know a method of figuring the optimum length for a standoff but
have observed that when it is "too short", the kite tends to be quicker,
and less stable in low wind.  When the standoff is "too long", the kite
tends to be slower, and less stable in any kind of wind (too much bottom).
An interactive factor to consider is trailing edge tension.  Generally,
most kites fly better with a tight trailing edge.  A wing that is more
"rigid" can accept more pressure along its entire length, especially near
the tips, and does a better job of preserving sail shape.  Usually this
translates into more desirable performance characteristics.  It might
prove to be a good idea to try and get frame, sail, and standoff to
match up with each other to also provide a nice firm trailing edge.

Good luck, and good winds,
Bert Tanaka
West Covina,Ca.


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