Kites

The next time someone tells you to go and fly a kite, you can actually take the advice on a serious note! Kite flying began thousands of years ago in China. Paper kites had different functions to perform rather than just pleasure or entertainment. Kites have also been used for military purposes and even for aerial photography. The popularity of the kite is such, that today; one can see so many varieties of kites available in the market. Such was the beauty and functionality of kites, the Wright brothers used the basics to create the very popular gliders. If you think buying a kite is as simple as it sounds, then read on for a brief introduction to some of the different types of kites that are available!

Common Types of Kites:

Flat Kites
The flat kite is the simplest of all kites. It consists of a single sheet, which has a box and a bridle to provide support. To keep a flat kite stable can be quite a task. For this, one needs to add the tail, keel and vents in the kite. (Vents are not always used for flat kites.) Flat kites are also available in variety of shapes. The classic diamond shape is one of the most common kinds of kites that are available. The Della Porta is one such flat kite that has a rectangular sail. This is also one the oldest kites from the Western region. The English Arch top is on the similar lines of the diamond kite, the difference being the rounded top of the English Arch kite.

Bow Kites
Bow kites are easy to identify, these have a flat and swept back profile. Due to instability of the flat kites, bow kites have a slightly convex surface to enable it to face the wind in a better way. Bow kites are very popular for sport activities such as kite surfing. It is their unique shape that gets it all the prominence.

Cellular/Box Kites
Cellular kites are available in a variety of shapes as well, though the base is the same. The traditional box kite is very common and can be great to fly on a moderately windy day. The design involves 4 parallel lines and the ends of the box are left open. It would be interesting to note that most of the records for kite flying have been with the use of the box kites. Lawrence Hargrave developed a flying machine with the help of the principles used for the box kites. Winged box kites also gained popularity when wings were added to the box kite so that it could get an additional lift.

Sled Kites
The Rogallo was the first kind of a sled kite that was developed in the late 40s. This type of kite relies completely on the wind. The basic sled design has 2 sides to which the bridle is attached. The tail may be needed for such kites for added safety.

Sport Kites
The shape of the sport kite resembles that of a triangle. It has 2 lines to control and is also known as stunt kites. At times, one can find the 4 lined one available as well. In such cases, the lines are controlled with a pair of handles. With the development of kite flying into a sport activity, sport kites are designed to fly in a variety of conditions.

Parafoil Kites
Domina C. Jalbert invented the parafoil kite. Jalbert was completely engrossed in designing kites for a long period of time. Made of ripstop nylon, these can lift goods of a considerable weight if designed in a larger size. Jalbert was also awarded a Gold Parachuting medal for this invention. Such parafoil kites are also very useful for a variety of wind sports which can include skydiving, paragliding etc. Inflatable kites also fall under this category. Such kites are also used for advertising purposes. These use synthetic fabrics that help it hold the three-dimensional look. The shape is retained because the pressure of the air, which is inside the kite, is higher than the air pressure outside.

Fighter Kites
The types of fighter kites differ as per every region. Such fighter kites are single line flat kites and broadly used for the sport of kite fighting. Lightweight paper is used for the body and sometimes they are also made from synthetic materials. The lines used for such kites are coated with finely crushed glass. This is used mainly in contests to cut the opponents lines or strings. Most Asian countries have many such kite fighting contests. Kite fighting also has had its share of controversies as well since these deadly lines have affected and injured many birds in flight.

Uses and Facts about Kites
China had mainly used kites for sending military signals. This was during the 6th and the 8th centuries. Leaflets were dropped with the help of kites during the peninsular war.

Kites have also been used to secure fantastic aerial photographs. Today, the kite is still used although one can use an aircraft or a balloon for aerial photography.

The early days of war saw the kites being used for target practice. Here, the diamond kites were mainly used to act as a potential enemy.

Kites have also been used for smuggling goods such as liquor across city borders.

The smallest kite in the world is 5mm in height.

The Chinese believe strongly that by looking at a kite flying high in the sky, one can improve vision.

East Germany banned the use of very large kites for it was feared a man could get through, over the Berlin wall with this method.

The kite was used by Benjamin Franklin to prove that lightening is electricity.

Kites were used to train falcons and hawks for hunting. The bait was attached to the kites as the kites could reach those heights, which the hawks would generally never bother to reach. With the bait attached, the kites were used to lure the hawks to a high altitude.