Date:	Thu, 11 May 1995 03:05:58 -1000
From:	mjpellet@mailgw.sanders.lockheed.com (Mark Pelletier)
Message-Id: <3ot23m$fvd@news.sanders.lockheed.com>
Organization: Lockheed Sanders
Subject: Crown-Rigged Parafoil (Bridle)

I recently completed a parafoil, which is a scaled-down (fairly 
strict scaling) version of Jim Rowland's crown-rigged parafoil (from his 
book).  My version is 72" x 36" with 12 cells.  Per Rowland's example, this 
kite has four rows of keels, which seem too small, anyway...this results in 
28 bridle lines.

I'm using 100lb braided dacron for the bridle lines and 250lb braided dacron 
for the flyline.  The fabric is .75oz ripstop with a fairly complex 
geometric pattern on the face.

My Question:

The bridles appear to be over-kill and I swear they weigh more than the 
kite.  Can anyone recommend a more suitable bridle line for this kite.  I 
considered using 100lb Spectra but was concerned about the knots and 
sleeving.  What are the bridles used on my Quardifoil 25...they are knotted 
and look to be about right...similar size kite...

Has anyone had success with a crown-rigged (as opposed to a flat-rigged) 
parafoil?  I've found in my initial tunings (in fairly light winds) that the 
kite will climb quickly to about 60and then seems to roll off the center 
of the window to the very edge of the window and remain airborne parallel to 
and just above the ground.  Bridle adjustments only made the kite roll off 
in the other direction.  I suspect the keels may be too small or the wind 
was just too light (plus heeevvvy bridles!), but I'm not sure.  

Any suggestions anyone?

Thanks,

Mark



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