From: sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki)
Subject: Re: Are standoff whiskers helpful?
Message-ID: <1992Dec22.170219.13533@das.harvard.edu>
Organization: Harvard OIT Network Services
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 92 12:02:19 EST


In article <1992Dec21.220858.14711@ultb.isc.rit.edu>, jdc3538@ultb.isc.rit.edu (J.D. Cronin) writes:
>Some catalogs list standoff whiskers for various kites.  When are
>standoffs helpful?  Are there any situations where they are more harm
>than good?

Standoffs/whiskers help the kite hold it's shape. Depending on the
kite, whiskers can help a great deal. Many kites won't fly without the
whiskers installed.

Generally speaking, whiskers will cause a kite to turn more sharply
and more quickly. A kite with whiskers near the edge of the window
will be much more controllable, especially in light wind.

I've been experimenting with multiple whiskers per side on stunt
kites. Adding a second whisker about 18 inches in from the wingtip
will often increase the turning response on a kite. Sometimes the
addition doesn't do anything to the performance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
  Marty Sasaki			  Sasaki Kite Fabrications		
  sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu	  26 Green Street
  phone:  617-522-8546		  Jamaica Plain, MA 02130




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