Date: Fri, 2 Jul 1993 09:07:58 -1000 From: Colin_Douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz (Colin Douthwaite) Message-Id: Organization: Equinox Networks Subject: Fighter Kite Design Elements The latest issue of the magazine "KiteLines" Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 1991, page 26, carries a very informative and detailed article by Ed Alden on Design Elements and Aspects of Fighter Kites. There is a lot of detail about all aspects, including sizes; dimensions; sail area; ratios; wing tip positioning; bridling and flying lines. As usual, the Bridling section says little or nothing about overall bridle lengths relative to kite dimensions, and nothing about position of towing points and the relative Upper/Lower Leg Bridle Ratios ( one of my favourite criticisms of Kite Plan Data and books on kites ). However, this article is a must for all those interested in Fighter Construction and Design. "KiteLines" magazine is available by mail order. For all countries outside the USA it costs US$18 for 1 year ( 4 issues ) delivered by First Class Mail ( includes air-lift service ). All payments have to be made in US$ and Visa Card payments are accepted. Many local Kite Stores round the world do carry "KiteLines" but sometimes supplies are slow and erratic unless you order by direct subscription. The address : KiteLines P.O. Box 466 Randallstown Maryland 21133-9987 USA DISCLAIMER: I have no connection with KiteLines. I am just a regular reader :-) Colin Douthwaite New Zealand 3/7/93 Email address: colin_douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1993 12:09:28 -1000 From: e_splett@trofs.enet.dec.com (Evan Splett) Message-Id: <1993Jul5.211923.17508@nntpd.lkg.dec.com> Organization: Digital Equipment Corp. Subject: Re: Fighter Kite Design Elements In article , Colin_Douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz (Colin Douthwaite) writes... > >The latest issue of the magazine "KiteLines" Volume 10, Number 1, >Spring 1991, page 26, carries a very informative and detailed >article by Ed Alden on Design Elements and Aspects of Fighter Kites. I made the size of fighter in the middle of the table, using mylar giftwrap edged with filament tape, graphite rod spine, fibreglass rod bow. It flies very well, and is much easier to control than my Grandmaster. The different bridle lengths I have tried didn't seem to make much difference. I made up a template of a Japanese crest design, and used it to scratch off the black coating on the mylar leaving clear plastic for the design. This shows up very well in the air. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Evan Splett Digital Equipment of Canada Ltd. phone 819-772-7205 Fax 819-772-7226 e_splett@kaofs.enet.dec.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1993 16:43:04 -1000 From: Colin_Douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz (Colin Douthwaite) Message-Id: Organization: Equinox Networks Subject: Re: Fighter Kite Design Elements Evan Splett (e_splett@trofs.enet.dec.com) wrote: Re: Ed Alden's Fighter Kites ( KiteLines Magazine ). CD> The latest issue of the magazine "KiteLines" Volume 10, Number 1, CD> Spring 1991, page 26, carries a very informative and detailed CD> article by Ed Alden on Design Elements and Aspects of Fighter Kites. Correction : The KiteLines issue should have read... Spring 1993 not 1991. Ooops !! ^^^^ ES> I made the size of fighter in the middle of the table, using mylar ES> giftwrap edged with filament tape, graphite rod spine, fibreglass ES> rod bow. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Some questions: 1) What is "filament tape" ? What width ? and where do you buy it ? I suspect you mean a type of Sellotape with reinforcement threads running lengthwise through the tape ?? Similar to Ripstop Fabric ?? 2) What diameters did you use for the Graphite Spine and Fibreglass Cross-Spar ? 3) Did you try splitting, bending and glueing the tip of the spine as described by the author Ed Alden ? Did the spine bend and set properly at the correct angle using this method ? ES> It flies very well, and is much easier to control than my ES> Grandmaster. The different bridle lengths I have tried didn't seem ES> to make much difference. So what _were_ the final Width & Length of your new kite, and what were your final Bridle Dimensions, Upper Leg/Lower Leg lengths ?? Does it fly without a TAIL ? :-) :-) [ I have to report that I actually flew my smallest Indian Fighter last Saturday for a few minutes with _NO_ Tail. It reached quite good height then went into a propeller-spin and just would not come out of it. << Sigh ! Back to the Tuning Manual :-) >> Colin Douthwaite New Zealand 7/7/93 Email address: colin_douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1993 18:30:14 -1000 From: e_splett@kaorsc.enet.dec.com (Evan Splett - Ottawa) Message-Id: <1993Jul8.035831.6286@e2big.mko.dec.com> Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation Subject: Re: Fighter Kite Design Elements Colin_Douthwaite@equinox.gen.nz (Colin Douthwaite) writes... >1) What is "filament tape" ? What width ? and where do you buy it ? >I suspect you mean a type of Sellotape with reinforcement threads Yes, the 3M Scotch brand 18 MM wide filament/strapping/packing tape with the reinforcing fibres lengthwise. >2) What diameters did you use for the Graphite Spine and Fibreglass > Cross-Spar ? .080" carbon rod and .076" fibreglass rod. I also made a thinner bow using .060" . >3) Did you try splitting, bending and glueing the tip of the spine > as described by the author Ed Alden ? > Did the spine bend and set properly at the correct angle using > this method ? Yes, I split the rod and glued it in a jig made for 9/8" above the plane, it ended up with a 7/8" bend. Looks like you need to bend it further while glueing to get the bend you want. >So what _were_ the final Width & Length of your new kite, and what >were your final Bridle Dimensions, Upper Leg/Lower Leg lengths ?? 20 1/8" high, 21" wide, 13 1/4" leading edge, 16" trailing edge. Lower leg of bridle 13, upper 5 1/2 to two 7 1/2 roll bridle legs. >Does it fly without a TAIL ? :-) :-) Yes [:Q ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Evan Splett Digital Equipment of Canada Ltd. phone 819-772-7205 Fax 819-772-7226 home 613-733-0593 e_splett@kaofs.enet.dec.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------