by brian.doubek » Mon Nov 26, 2012 2:42 pm
I think for kites to compete they will need to focus on reducing aerodynamic drag.
Perhaps do away with traditional, inflatable, nylon kites and use a rigid winged kite. A standard inflatable kite must experience huge drag when it gets up around 50 knots. The body of the kiter also produces much drag. Perhaps the kiter needs to wear a speed suit (like speed skiers use). Maybe the speed suit could be built into the board. (imagine a foil shaped cockpit attached to the board that the kiter is inside) To test this we can can duct tape a couple rigged, 4 meter windsurf sails (clam-shell style) around Morton and send him out on Rush lake.
Here is what the website says about the drag of sail rocket 2.
-The entire boat including rigging has the equivalent aerodynamic drag of a 74 cm wide sphere.
-The boat should be capable of 3:1 boat speed to wind speed ratios.
The main advantage kiters have currently is that they can ride in stronger winds and shallower, smoother water.