Broad Seaming (Was: K
Jim Oliver
MS>From:
MS>Newsgroups: rec.kites
MS>Subject: Re: Broad Seaming (Was: KTA Trade Show Orlando)
MS>Date: 2 Feb 1995 15:13:17 -0500
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sas...@netope.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) writes :
Edited
MS>What I would like to see is a real increase in the efficiency of
MS>kites. This will require a more radical change than broad
MS>seaming. Thicker leading edges, thicker airfoils, truly high aspect
MS>ratio wings, movable control surfaces, rigid wings, etc will
MS>substantially change the way kites fly and will change the way we fly
MS>them.
Now, here's a man talking my language. Marty, will you, (for my
benefit at least) rave on a bit more about the term "efficiency"
so that I can really understand what it is _you_ mean by this.
When I talk efficiency I can mean a few things. High Line angle
possible firstly, but also design features such as weight per
area and aspect ratio. Designs can also "look" efficient, take
the Indian or Japanese fighters for example.
I reckon we've still got a long way to go yet with conventional
designs (soft covers etc). The designs from John Loy and H.B.
Alexander prove this.
Of course kites are kites after all and usually fly in a stall,
but it's fun to get right up to the limit with this and make
kites that will truly glide under light winds, but stall when the
wind gets going again. Great for those light wind days.
Jim Oliver <jim.o...@welcom.gen.nz> (3:771/370)
* SLMR 2.1a * Eggs in a day for hens ; ham's a lifetime commitment