In the beginning fifties William Allison had patented his "flexible
kite". Frank Scott and Ed Grauel had developed this design to the kite, today known as sled-kite. Next step was Ed Grauel and his "bullet-kite".
The stability of kite was further improved by introducing cells.
Finally Nick Morse has developed the parasled, on which he replaced the longerons with open cells.
Two of these parasleds sewn together to one kite is the "double-parasled".
Unfortunately the magnification of this kite brings us back to the longerons.
You need 6 longerons (4 mm CFK) for stabilizing the kite. Further you need spars (2 mm GFK) to open the cells and protect them for collapsing.
This plan is a downsized version of a plan from John Verheij with a surface of 3.5 m².
The original plan has 15 m², a little too big for me. If you multiply all measurements of this plan with factor 2.1153846 (or 110/52), you will get the original measurements.
Then the 4 mm CFK-longerons have to replaced with 6 mm CFK.
Fig.1. templates for double parasled (without hems and seams) in cm
Fig.2 Front view and assembly sequence
-Stabtasche- means pocket, -Längstäbe- means longerons and their pockets
Construction tips:
It doesn`t matter, on which side you make the additional pocket seams.
John Verheij prefers to sew separated stripes instead of seams for the longeron pockets.
In the original plan there are optional spars for the flares to share the power of the bridle line. (Part A: marked line at x (56 cm long).
After making experiences with this kite I found out that you don`t need it.
The best is: the less spares the better ! Better try out, which longerons you really need.
A: flares (3x) the side with 129 cm needs an additional seam of 1 cm. On the marked lines you have to sew reinforcement tape to release the bridle points. Remaining sides are hemmed with tape.
B: outer cells (2x).The small sides are reinforced with tape, the long sides needs an additional seam of 1 cm. Eventually you need a pocket for 2mm GFK spars to open the cells in heavy winds (see Fig. 2).
C: inner panel of cells (3x).The small sides are reinforced with tape, the long sides needs an additional seam of 1 cm.
D: upper cell panels (4x).The small sides are reinforced with tape, the long sides needs an additional seam of 1 cm.
E: lower cell panels (4x).The small sides are reinforced with tape, the long sides needs an additional seam of 1 cm.
F: sail panels (2x). The small sides are reinforced with tape, the long sides needs an additional seam of 1 cm.
The three bridle lines are 2-3 m long, the center bridle a little idea longer. In case of doubt make the bridle as long as possible.
Book tips:
Vlieger`90 no 3, S.4
KiteLines Fall 1994, Vol.11 No.1 S.12
Vlieger `85 no 2
Botermans/Weve: Drachenmodelle zum Selberbauen 1986 ISBN 3-88034-269-5:
S. 80
