Abstract: An arch style traction kite which includes a wing or wing envelope which has a leading edge which, when viewed in plan with the wing or envelope laid in a horizontal plane, is concave in a centre section of the wing or envelope and straight or convex in plan near the tips of the wing. The concave leading edge feature can be incorporated in any arch style traction kite such as ram air inflated kites, single skin pneumatic tube framed kites and bridleless ram air inflated kites with flexible leading edge rods or in kites incorporating a combination of the features of such kites.

Abstract: A wing for a traction kite, etc comprises a plurality of cells formed by chordwise-extending ribs (3), valved openings (6) to the cells allowing ram air to inflate the wing. By changing the initial cut-out of the material forming the cells near wing tips (7, 8), compared with that of the cells central to the wing, it is possible to alter the aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8). This allows attachment of flying lines (9, 10) to wing tips (7, 8) only, despite the wing having no framing to maintain its spanwise shape under the loading of flying lines (9, 10). The increased aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8) are achieved by making the aerofoil profiles of the cells progressively more reflexive towards wing tips (7, 8), by giving wing tips (7, 8) a residual twist increasing their angle of incidence, by placing the centres of pressure of the cells near wing tips (7, 8) somewhat forward of the pivot line of the wing, etc.

Abstract: A traction kite in use is arch-shaped, when flying lines (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are connected to a flier, boat, buggy, etc. The kite's leading edge (9) when viewed in plan, with the kite laid out flat, is concave at centre section (A) and straight or convex near wing tips (5a-5b). The kite is rigidified by ram air, pneumatic tube framing on a single skin, etc. The convexity of the shoulders of leading edge (9) resists shoulder collapse due to line loading whilst the concavity of centre section (A) allows lower angles of attack.

Abstract: A wing for a traction kite, etc comprises a plurality of cells formed by chordwise-extending ribs (3), valved openings (6) to the cells allowing ram air to inflate the wing. By changing the initial cut-out of the material forming the cells near wing tips (7, 8), compared with that of the cells central to the wing, it is possible to alter the aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8). This allows attachment of flying lines (9, 10) to wing tips (7, 8) only, despite the wing having no framing to maintain its spanwise shape under the loading of flying lines (9, 10). The increased aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8) are achieved by making the aerofoil profiles of the cells progressively more reflexive towards wing tips (7, 8), by giving wing tips (7, 8) a residual twist increasing their angle of incidence, by placing the centres of pressure of the cells near wing tips (7, 8) somewhat forward of the pivot line of the wing, etc.