Coracias - Construction
Originally I made this kite with a three point bridle, however, it was incredibly difficult to find the perfect symmetry and it would fly to the side. I changed the bridle system to a two-point bridle which instantly improved the kite's performance and reduced the setting up time prior to each flying session.
The kite's sale was originally held together using Venture Tape, however, after its completion I had access to an old (and reliable) sewing machine which I then used to reinforce the sail laps. A zigzag running stitch was used to sew the sail laps. With the sewing machine to hand, I travelled the perimeter of the sail installing a hem as I went. The hem gives the kite a neat look as well as reduces the stretching of the kite sail.
The webbing pocket at the bottom of the spine had been penetrated by the fibreglass spar during one flying session and so it had to be fixed by doubling up the webbing. I believe one layer of polyester webbing would be sufficient, however, the Nylon webbing I have used is thinner and allows greater movement and stretching between the threads.
To maintain the symmetry within this kite I had sewn in some small guidance pockets for the central spine to go through. The guidance pockets restrain the sail from sliding sideways around the spine.
Materials
60gsm Ripstop Polyester
6mm Venture Tape
5mm Fibreglass Tube Spars
5mm End Caps
5mm Nocks
5mm Plastic Dihedral Connectors
25mm Hook and Loop
25mm & 50mm Dacron Tape
25mm Nylon Webbing (Use Polyester Instead)
4mm Eyelets
3mm Bungee Chord
35daN Bridle Line
22daN Flying Line
| wanted to create a kite that flies in Light wind conditions and at a nice steep flying angle, so my eyes turned to the interestingly shape