The Kite The History of Kites and How Kites Influenced Technology

Way Back When?……Kites were invented. Some scholars think 1000 BC in China Others think no way to determine where and when Current thinking China and Malaysia First documented 200 BC China Han Dynasty Early accounts of kites exist in Korea, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand India oldest festival celebrated for centuries Early mention 1295 Europe - Marco Polo

Early Uses For The Kite 200 BC Han general used kite to find correct distance to dig a tunnel (triangulation) New Zealand and Asia kite fishing Asia- religious- Koreans released kites to take away bad luck from babies Thailand- farmers flew kites- asked gods to make monsoon winds to prevent flooding rains Toys and Celebrations

Han general Flying Kite

European Kite History 1405 manuscript reference about kite flying in military 1430 directions for making kites appear 1589,1643 books show how to lift fireworks with kites 1618 Middleburg, Holland an illustration shows children flying diamond kites Kite is regarded as a toy in Europe

1700’s Kites-More Scientific And Begin To Influence Technology 1749 Alexander Wilson (Scottish) uses kites to lift thermometers. Proves that temperature changes with altitude Ben Franklin experiments prove there is electricity in lightning. Modern scholars doubt the view that he personally held the kite string, probably would have killed him.

Franklin Flyin’

1800’s Kites on Steroids 1804 George Cayley -concept of heavier than air flight,introduces idea of gliders 1827 George Peacock uses kites to pull a carriage 1847 Homan Walsh, age 10, flew kite across Niagara Gorge, first step in building a bridge 1890’s Larwence Hargrave, Wright Brothers and others used cellular kites for lifting people and flight studies. 1800’s many scientific studies involving kites.

Wright With Hargrave Design

1900’s Kite Uses Multiply 1900 Guglielmo Marconi used a kite to lift antenna for historical radio link between Europe and North America 1901 Coyne kite used to raise military observers 1903 Wright Brothers 1903 S.F.Cody uses kite to pull his canoe across English Channel

First Powered Flight

More Technology 1906 Kites used to take Aerial Photographs (Damage from San Francisco earthquake) Alexander Graham Bell- tetrahedral cell kite lifts his wife off the ground Kite train flown to 31,955 ft. Lindenberg, Germany Kites used for targets, observing, and communication in WWII Francis Rogallo Flexi-wing kite. Forerunner of hang glider and delta kite

1800’s Kite With Camera

Town In France Late 1800s

1906 San Francisco Earthquake

Modern Kite Photo

WW II Target Lt. Commander Paul Garber

Ragallo Wing Design

Modern Kites 1964 Domina Jalbert designs parafoil. No sticks or supports- Used as parachutes and personal powered aircraft 1972 Peter Powell multi-line stunt kites Kuzuhiko Asaba flew 4128 kites on a single line 1989 Kite flying becomes a sport, National Stunt Kite Competition established

Jalbert Parafoil

Multi-line Stunt Kite Peter Powell 1970’s

What is a kite? Heavier than air craft that….. Depends on air moving across lifting surfaces Lifting surfaces have aerodynamic shape and generate force to overcome downward pull of gravity Tethered object using one or more lines Has a bridle to hold kite at an efficient angle to the wind

Types of Kites Flat Bowed Box Compound Box Delta Parafoil Sled

Flat planar, need tails

Bowed Kite dihedral angle, tail not needed

Box Kite (Cellular) cellular, many surfaces

Compound Box cellular, with wings

Delta keel,triangular, billow in sail

Parafoil no spars, air keeps them open

Sled held open by wind, has spars

Parts of A Typical Kite Sail- the paper, plastic, nylon,or cloth, cover Spars- any sticks or supports Spine- a spar that runs vertically (top to bottom) and is usually on the centerline Bridle- line that connects the kite to the flying line and controls angle of attack in flight (keel on delta kite) Bridle Point-point where flying line attaches to the kite Angle of attack- angle of the kite as it meets the wind Tail- strips of material, that increase drag for decoration or to improve flight

Flight Safety Rules Choose a large clear area for flying. Fly in good weather and never fly when raining or stormy, ground should be dry Use string, do not use wire or monofilament line Avoid power lines, airfields, antennae Wear gloves for strong pulling kites Watch out for spectators Carefully consider safety when retrieving kites from trees

The End Visit your library to learn more Tons of Websites Google Search! Intothewind.com a great place to buy kites and kite supplies American Kite Fliers Association