Blackheath 25th August 2019

Delta 1987
340 x 750 cm
Weight: 3.2 kg mixed frame, bamboo and dowel

Windspeed c5mph Blackheath 09/08/2020 bamboo frame 19mm fibreglass spreader, c40 meters of 4mm braided polyester

Windspeed 8mph Blackheath 14/08/2022 18mm Dowel frame, 19mm fibreglass spreader, c60 meters of 4mm braided polyester

Flown on Blackheath 25th August 2019. The two loose lines at the point of the kite can be used to peg the kite in preparation for launch.

Broke the spreader trying to turn the kite having let it float down wind. Bamboo is obtainable but may not be the best frame. To be resolved still as at 02/09/2019.

An initial substitution of 18mm Ramin was un-successful as sleeving was not correct size. 19mm Fibreglass with brass sleeves prepared as at 07/08/2020.

New 18mm dowel frame prepared with 20mm brass tube as at 18/10/2020.

The frame was finally tested on 14th August 2022 and a leading edge failed at the spreader crossover point.

Keel tow points

Dacron spar pocket

Anchor and ground preparations, waiting for the breeze.

Martin Linford was on the line today.

A good flight on 4mm braided polyester with the wind mostly at about 8mph. A gust which may have been as much as 12mph stressed the kite and one leading edge spar broke at the spreader cross point. A keel setting, one step up might have been the better choice than the apex setting selected today.

The spreader made of 19mm Fibreglass with brass sleeves proved to be a success 9th August 2020. We set the kite on the tip lines and I opted for one step up from the middle tow point for the line attachment.

I had selected c40 meters of 4mm braided polyester as the flying line and gradually released line as confidence increased. The spreader did not break and I was finally able to let the kite fly from the anchor point.

With the line attached one step up from the middle point today the kite proved to be manageable if the wind speed dropped away. A short pull of the line translated into a good upward deflection.