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Problem with delta kite
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Subject: Problem with delta kite
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From: pat@cs.strath.ac.uk (Pat Prosser)
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Date: 23 Sep 92 11:15:45 GMT
Carl
There are a multitude of reasons why a delta might not fly, but
since you bought yours we might assume that it has been
designed correctly (that is the keel is the right shape and in the
right position, the leading edge spars are the correct length,
the cross spar is positioned correctly). These things are now
outwith your control so we will ignore them.
There are only 2 things that can then be wrong. As Marty noted
you should make sure that the leading edge spars are pushed
down towards the trailing edge. That allows the kite to change
shape during flight. If you don't do this it becomes "skittish".
Secondly, you have replaced the cross spar. Get the cross spar
length wrong and it wont fly. If the cross spar is too long, the
sail becomes too tight. If the sail is too tight the delta will be
unable to "bite" into the wind (I think this is a good way to think
of it). So the kite has no "grip". It will then be skittish (fly left,
right, circles, you name it), and look like a stunt kite without a
pilot. It will also tend to "over fly", gliding overhead. This is
due to a loss of drag (yes, drag is sometimes a good thing).
In the deltas I've made the single part that takes longest to get
right is the cross spar. There is a rule of thumb. Hang the delta
upside down. The gap between the cross spar and the sail
should be between 7 and 11% of the length of the leading edge
spar. However, I generally fly my deltas before I give them to
their new owner.
So, push down those leading edge spars! If that does not fix the
problem, shorten the cross spar (remember, make only one
change at a time, then you can work out just what the problem
was).
Report back on your progress.
Patrick
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