This kite uses a horizontal spar with 2 standoffs and a corresponding line
tensioner on each side of the vertical center spline. This gives the top wing a
return angle from the initial dihedrhal angle from the spline.
I had built a
couple of cross deck designs and wanted to eliminate the bottom winglet. This
design evolved from that thought.
The materials needed for construction include:
Ripstop nylon, 3/4 oz. --
5 yds @ 40 in. wide
Fiberglass tubing, .298" dia. -- 3 pcs x 32 1/2"
lg.
Fiberglass tubing, .317" dia. -- 3 pcs x 39 1/2" lg.
Fiberglass
tubing, .248" dia. -- 2 pcs x 32 1/2" lg.
Graphite tubing, .188" dia. -- 6
pcs x 32 1/2" lg.
Misc. -- arrow nocks, Fg rod for internal ferrules, barrel
beads, 1/2" dia. metal slip rings, and 20+ ft. of line for the bridle and some
of the connection points.
I have mentioned in several other of the designs I can not sew folded over
hems on curved edges that look decent. Have always liked using black, double
folded bias tape for these curved edges. This black bias tape also "outlines"
the kite in the sky plus I don't need to add hem allowances to the panel
patterns. This is your preference......
Before the panel cutting and sewing steps would be the planning of the graphics or panel colors. As suggested in the Kite Plan Index, this planning could use Paint Shop Pro or Windows Paintbrush.
| ITEM | QTY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 1 | .298" dia. x ~79" lg. fg tubing w/ arrow nock on one end & internal ferrule of disassembly. |
| #2 | 6 | .188" dia. x ~24 3/4" lg. fiberglass tubing . An option would be to use .248" dia fg tubing |
| #3 | 2 | .248" dia. x ~13 1/4" lg. fiberglass tubing. |
| #4 | 1 | .317" dia. x 13 1/4" lg. fg tubing. |
| #5 | 2 | .317" dia. x 40" lg. fiberglass tubing w/ arrow nock on one end, an internal ferrule on the other end and a line tensioner. |
| Determine exact lengths at time of rigging. |
Takedown requires Step 1) loosening the 2 line tensioners, Step 2) removing
the bottom half of the spline #1, Step 3) removing the #2 standoffs from the
connectors on Panel C, leave them connected to the spar holders on Panel B. I
epoxy them in place permanently. Step 4) Remove the #5 cross spars, leaving the
#4 spacer in place and Step #5 is rolling up and bagging the kite for another
day.
Of course, reverse these steps for initial setup.
The adjustment of the 2 top line tensioners does need some care that they are
set at an equal length. Not adjusted equally will make the return angle of the
top wing to be "lopsided" with one side presenting more "projected" area to the
wind than the other side. You will notice this being a problem when launching
and the kite continuously drops off to the side.
The use of the tail in higher winds speeds is recommended.