KitesTeam 1: Nick Fassino, Kyle Daly, Peter Mina,

Stephen Tomaszewski

Objective

To design and manufacture a kite that’s practical, efficient, operative, and safe.

Practical Use• To be used in recreation/entertainment.• Mass production of recreational kites sold at

local retailers yields noteworthy profit.

4 Different kite designs will be scrutinized to pinpoint that which best suits these criteria.

A kite is a tethered aircraft. Lift is generated by surrounding wind. First created in China by

philosophers/architects Mozi and Lu Ban. Dates back to 5th century.

Made with abundant Chinese resources.◦ Bamboo and silk.

Background First kites were made

with paper to send messages.

Invented in 1893 by Lawrence Hargrave

Performance kite Generates high lift Uses

◦ Military◦ Measure

atmospheric conditions

◦ Photography

Box Kite

Hargrave Traditional Cody Triangular Hexagonal

Different kinds

• Chinese dragon kite symbolizes a mythical dragon with its head and tail swaying. They are made in all different shapes and sizes that can be basic or elaborate in design.

• Each part of an authentic dragon kite has a symbolic meaning:– The tail represents a snake. – The horns of the deer stand for good luck and long life. – The whiskers of the catfish symbolize wealth. Tiger eyes represent

strength and dominance. – The human beard is a symbol of talent and intelligence

• General Han Hsin would use a kite to measure the distance from him to a wall and use that information to dig tunnels.

• Early kites were made of bamboo and silk. The bamboo would cause loud noises that terrified the enemy.

Dragon Kite

Dates back to the 1940s.

First prototype crafted by Wilbur Green.

Titled “Delta” due to its similarity to the Greek letter Δ.

Designed to catch the eye.

Performs great in light wind.

Serves particularly recreational purposes.

Delta Kite

Sled Kite Originated in the

50s, the original design was a 2 spar tapered kite for recreational use

The design was modified and the spars ran parallel

Vents were also added for stability

Sled Kites Design

◦ Spars Normally parallel,

sometimes angled. Allow stable flight without a

tail.

◦ Tail Creates drag. Forces wind to blow in

certain areas. Creates stable flight pattern.

◦ Vents Take place of tail. Allow proper amount of air

through.