Friday 25 February 2011

Swindon Kite Festival - Lydiard Park 7th & 8th May 2011


The Highwaymen will be trading at Swindon Kite Festival this year along side The Chilli Bar and we know this year is going to be a fantastic event!

We've got this little note from the White Horse Kite Flyers who will be running the show...

"This year there will be 2 arenas. The first will be a display arena with a scheduled programme of events. The other will be for single line flyers. Please note, there will be no dedicated arena for multi line flying, however we have extended arena times dedicated to control line flyers so please let us know if you want to put on a display.
Due to requirements of the HSE all arena flyers will be required to register at the marquee to prove they are members of an approved kite club that carries suitable 3rd party insurance.You will be asked to show your membership card during registration and we are currently checking with other clubs whether their insurance covers members at this event. Wrist bands will be issued to all flyers who register and this will also entitle them to enter the members only Marquee and purchase raffle tickets. Please assist us to comply with these requirements. They are there to protect you"

So here's to a fantastic event, and let's hope for sunshine and nice winds!

Cheers

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Why do kites fly

LIFT, DRAG, AND GRAVITY:
A kite and airplanes are heavier-than-air object that are flown by the lift created by air in motion over their wings. An airplane relies on thrust from its engines. A kite is tethered in place and needs moving air (wind) to fly.
There are many possible kite shapes. Each of these shapes, and how they use their aerodynamic features (either built in or added on) will determine if or how it flies.
Wind Pressure Wind Pressure Wind moving across the sail of a kite creates pressure. Lift results from this wind pressure being deflected along the face of the kite. In other words, the wind pushes up on the kite. Think of wind pressure like a hand, pushing the kite up into the sky and holding it there. If the hand is removed, the kite will fall.
At the same time, wind passing over the top of the kite creates an area of low pressure, like a vacuum, along the back of the kite. This creates a pull from behind.
A kite is affected by thrust, drag and by gravity.
Drag is created by wind resistance on the kite's surface (and tail). Drag can also result from turbulence behind the kite. Gravity is the downward force created by the weight of the kite. Thrust is the power of the wind which creates lift.
To fly, a kite needs to have enough lift to overcome gravity and drag.
Lift, Drag, Thrust, and Gravity 
All of these forces - lift, drag, gravity, and the thrust of the wind come together in the kite at a place called the center of pressure. And not surprisingly, that's where you tie your kite string. We call this special place the tow point.
By moving the place your string is attached to the kite on the bridle line, you can change the amount of lift that is created. You do this by changing what we call the angle of attack. This is the angle that the kite leans into the wind.
DIHEDRAL::
The one other thing that is important in understanding flight is something called dihedral. This is a special word from geometry that describes the angle formed when two wings come together.
The dihedral angle of a kites wings helps the kite fly smoothly. If the wings lean back at the same angle, then the wind pushes equally on both wings. If one side of the kite begins to turn further into the wind, then the wind will push harder on that side until the kite becomes stable again. So with a proper dihedral angle built into the kite's design, it will fly properly balanced in the sky. We call that equilibrium.
Dihedral
FLIGHT STABILITY::
Properly balancing the dihedral of the kite, the tow point of the bridle, and even a varying amount of tail will affect the stability of your kite along the vertical (yaw), lateral (pitch) and longitudinal (roll) axes.
Yaw is the rotating action about a kite's vertical axis. This is the imaginary line that goes from the ground up through the kite into the sky. The kite turns to the right or left, just like an airplane turns from the right or the left as you watch it from the ground. Yaw 
If the tow point is too far forward, or if the kite is not properly balanced, it may start sliding or rotating. To correct the problem:
  • Try moving the tow point back
  • Check the kite for balance
  • Try adding tail (drag at the bottom of the kite

Pitch is the rotating action about a kite's lateral axis. This is another imaginary line. On an airplane, you can think of the wings as the lateral axis.
If a kite has a poor bridle, or inadequate sticks, the wind can distort its shape and create a flapping or pitching motion. To correct the problem:
Pitch 

  • Add more bridle lines to balance the wind pressure around the kite
  • Use stronger sticks

Roll is the rotating action about a kite's longitudinal axis. On an airplane, this would be the imaginary line through the body or fuselage. When an airplane, or kite, rolls, one wing lifts higher and the other is lowered.
A flat kite will be unstable and will tend to dip to one side or the other to reduce pressure on the sails. To correct the problem:
Roll 

  • Move the tow point forward
  • Add more tail to the kite
  • Bow the kite to create a dihedral

http://www.thehighwaymen.co.uk/


Kite Aerodynamics

[Kite Aerodynamics -- How Kites Fly]
Kites, as heavier-than-air tethered crafts logically should fall like all other objects under the influence of gravity. But kites fly, and the obvious question remains: how is the kite able to fly? This section will discuss some of the physics of kite flight.
Kites are airfoils:
An airfoil is any object that can alters or redirects the flow of air so as to cause differing pressure around it. The wings of airplanes, sails, bird wings, parachutes, and kite are all considered airfoils.
Air naturally resists all physical objects passing through it. If you sweep your hand you can directly feel air resistance. Airfoils are objects shaped and angled in such a way that they can redirect the flow of air around them unevenly so as to create pressure differences.
The angle of the kite diverts the flow of air unevenly over the kite. Air passing over the kite moves faster than air passing under the kite. According to Bernoulli's Principle, the faster a current of air moves, the lower it's pressure becomes. We see then that because the air flowing over the kite is moving faster than air flowing under the kite, the air pressure above the kite is lower than the pressure below the kite. The higher pressure below the kite pushes up on the kite to create lift.
Vector diagram of forces acting on a kite. Forces in Equilibrium:
A kite (single line kites) will fly suspended in the air, that is, in equilibrium. We have mentioned two forces operating on the kite thus far, gravity and lift. Gravity tends to pull the kite down, lift counters by pushing the kite up. There are, however, a total of four forces at work simultaneous on the kite. The other two forces are that of drag or resistance from the wind and the tension of the kite line. All these forces must cancel out in order for the kite to remain suspended in equilibrium. Objects, because of their dimension naturally resist any flow of air passing through them. This resistance is called drag. Drag tends to push the kite horizontally back. So there must be some force pulling the kite forward so as to keep the kite in steady position. This force is provided by the kite line pulling on the kite. When all four of these forces are in equilibrium, the kite stays buoyed.
Lift-to-drag ratio.
It is an inherent fact of physics that all airfoils have both drag and lift.   Ideally, a kite would have only lift and no drag, but this is impossible since lift is generated due to the drag.  That is to say, the shape and position of the kite resisting the wind cases pressure difference above and below the kite which in turn causes lift.  Lift is always inversely proportional to drag.  One of the main principles in kite construction then is to maximize this lift-to-drag ration; to maximize lift and minimize the drag. 
Kites that fly high have good lift-to-drag ratio.  If the lift-to-drag ratio is low, then the kite (as measured by the angle of the kite line to the ground) will fly at a reduced angle.  Of course if the drag is greater than the lift, the kite will not fly at all.

http://www.thehighwaymen.co.uk/

Kite Powered Cargo Ships

Kite Saves Upto 35% of Fuel


The world’s first kite-powered cargo ship has set sail on its maiden transatlantic voyage, departing Bremerhaven in northern Germany on its way to Guanta, Venezuela, a journey of eighteen days. Well, the MS Beluga SkySails is partially kite-powered, using traditional diesel engines as its primary source motivation and a computer-controlled, 1,722-square-foot kite to help things along. The company that created the kite, Hamburg, Germany-based SkySails, hopes that the system will reduce the ship’s daily fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent, depending on wind conditions. The 34-year-old inventor behind SkySails, Stephan Wrage, notes that it won’t interfere with loading and unloading of cargo. Wrage envisions SkySails attached not only to cargo vessels, but to super yachts, as well. “We aim to prove it pays to protect the environment,” he notes. “Showing that ecology and economics are not contradictions motivates us all.”

Saturday 19 February 2011

The Highwaymen at Calke Abbey Kite Day 2011

Sunday 27th March 2011

Calke Abbey Kite Day


Calke Abbey Kite Day
10am - 5pm
Calke Abbey Nr. Melbourne, Derbyshire
This is the first of our clubs paid event of the season
Kite traders will once again be Manni Kuge of Kites & More & The Highwaymen
Please adhere closely to the posted height limit of the day as we are very close to the East Midlands Airport’s flight path.
Entrance for fliers is again free to anyone showing a valid MKF car pass so don’t forget to bring it.
Please note:- we have been asked not to cut across the field from the road as it is damaging the field, access to the flying field is through the car park, into the far overflow car park turn left and go up to the top of the car park then through the gate into the meadow. 
The gate will be closed at 11.00 am anyone arriving later than this will need to park in the public car park due to Health & Safety Issues regarding safety of the public on the field.
Directions
From off of the A 42 take the A587 towards Melbourne & follow the brown Calke Abbey signs

Thursday 17 February 2011

Exmouth Kite Festival - The Highwaymen


Exmouth Kite Festival - The Highwaymen

4th and 5th  June 2011.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE BIG EXMOUTH ARENA CONCERT OF THE YEAR

On  3rd June we have organised  a fabulous evening concert on the Imperial Recreation Ground.  Headlined by super soul band ‘ Joey the Lips’ and supported by ‘Sound of the Sirens’ preceded by a concert of local community youth bands.
The arena will open at 5.30pm and the concert starts at 6.00pm.  Bring a picnic or enjoy some of our on-site catering.
Entrance tickets purchased in advance of the concert will be £6 each (Free for under 5′s) and on the gate will be £9 each.
Tickets available from 1st March and we have made it easy for you to purchase:-
  • At the Town Hall, Exmouth – Cash or cheque only.
  • At the Tourist Information Centre, Exmouth
  • Online from this website.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE KITE FESTIVAL SITES ANYWHERE

Our site on the edge of the River Exe is a superb location and unique in the kite flying world in that you can enjoy both kites on land and the kite surfers on the water, all at one venue. A good comfortable breeze always seems to be blowing down the River or off the sea, usually accompanied by plenty of Devon’s sunshine.
The Highwaymen will have they're fantastic kite stall on site, supplying everything you'll ever want from a kite shop, childrens kites, sport kites, power kites, kite spares and all the accessories available!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR SUPPORTERS

The Rotary Club of Exmouth is grateful for  financial support from many local traders but especially our two principal sponsors - Bourne Leisure (Devon Cliffs Holiday Park) and Palmers, Whitton & Laing also theExmouth Town Council. The ultimate aim is to raise an awareness for  our local charities and worth while causes.  Donations are made to them out of the surplus we raise from the event. (More details of our charities and sponsors are on subsequent pages)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HAVE FUN AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

In the first four years The Rotary Club of Exmouth has raised over £42,000 for local charities.  ( See our beneficeries page for more details.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE PUT THE DATES IN YOUR DIARY FOR A FUN WEEKEND , FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

Have a look a some pictures here of the 2010 Kite Festival. or we hope you will enjoy our ‘scrapbook’ of images on other pages.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 16 February 2011

The Highwaymen at Streatham Kite Day 2011















The 13th Streatham Common Kite Day will be on Sunday 10 April 2011.
We will be starting at 11:00am and going on all day until 5:00pm.
Kite displays will featue:
The Highwaymen will be selling kites and other things on their stall.
Food and drink will include:
There are photos of previous Kite Days in the gallery.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Box Kites and Cellular Kites

A box kite is a high-performance single line kite, noted for developing relatively high lift The typical design has four parallel struts. The box is made rigid with diagonal crossed struts. There are two sails, whose width is about a quarter of the length of the box. The sails wrap around the ends of the box, leaving the ends and middle of the kite open. In flight, the bridle is tied between the top and bottom of the main kite. The dihedrals of the sails help stability.


The box kite was invented by the Australian Lawrence Hargrave in 1893 as part of his attempt to develop a manned flying machine. Hargrave linked several of his box kites together, creating sufficient lift for him to fly some 16 ft (4.9 m) off the ground. A winged variant of this kite is known as the Cody kite following its development by Samuel Cody as a platform for military observation during the Second Boer War. Military uses also involved a kite/radio transmitter combination issued to pilots during World War II for use in liferafts.

Large box kites are constructed as cellular kites. Rather than one box, there are many, each with its own set of sails.
Most of the altitude records for kite flying are held by large box kites, with Dacron sails, flown with Spectra cable. Before Dacron, Spectra and Kevlar were available, high performance box kites used oiled silk, linen or hemp sails, and were flown with steel cable. Silk, linen and hemp were used because they could be spun finer than cotton and stretched relatively little when wet. Steel had the highest available strength for its weight.

Ozone Kites - IMP Quattro Info

Ozone Imp III Quattro

Whatever your age or kiting ambitions, Ozone's Imp range has the perfect power kite to get you started in the most exciting new sport on the planet. Following the tremendous success with the original Imp, Ozone's designers re-worked it to produce three Imp products: the Imp III Classic, the Imp III Trainer and the Imp III Quattro. All the kites in the range have incredible stability, direct handling and fly perfectly across a wide wind window in light or strong winds.

The four line control set-up makes the Quattro the most manoeuvrable of the Imp range and is perfect as a first quad line power kite, or for more experienced fliers demanding the legendary Ozone quality of design and manufacturing at a low price. With a high level of stability, and smooth, easy control characteristics, the Imp Quattro is ready to go with the lines attached, is easy to fly, and can be used to learn to buggy, mountain board or snow kite.

For 2009, the Imp range follows the stunning sail layout of the Flows, and De-Power kites. Available in four sizes: the smaller sizes being ideal for younger fliers, newcomers to quad line kiting, and stronger winds. The larger sizes generate more pull and are ideal for lighter winds or more experienced fliers.

All Ozone kites are manufactured in Ozone's factory in Vietnam and built to the same exacting standards for which their World-class paragliders and technical power kites are world-renowned. Quality and durability are pushed to the highest level with all materials chosen for longevity and performance. We order all Ozone products direct from the factory, which means that prices are kept to the absolute minimum for you.

Includes: Kite, 18m x 180kg Dyneema flying lines, quad handles with kite killers, stuff sack, manual & sticker.

Warning: The larger sizes pull hard in strong winds. Always read the manual before use.

Ozone Method - Product Info

Method

The Ozone Method is a kite for anyone who is looking for the speed of a high performance kite, the stability of a beginner kite and yet handles like a sports car! It's your perfect next level engine for taking your traction kiting sports such as buggying or landboarding to new heights!


The Ozone Method has reduced line drag to a minimum with extensive use of diagonal bridles. Ozone have also worked on the sail tension to maintain a clean leading edge allowing the Method to produce good speed and still keep it very stable.


The aspect ratio is not over stretched and keeps the Ozone Method compact with a solid feeling without losing any speed. For users of the hugely successful Ozone Flow, the Method will feel it has a faster turn rate and it is quicker through the air therefore generating more power per size!


If you want to go fast and maintain good up wind ability without having to concentrate on the kite all the time you will find the Ozone Method perfect! Just about anyone with four line handle experience can fly this kite, it’s just easy and feels smooth and solid!


The Ozone Method not only flys well with four line handles but also flys exceptionally well with the Ozone Fixed Bridle or Turbo control bar, making it an excellent option for a performance landboarding kite, or for riders who prefer to use a bar.


No matter your level of four line kiting, the Ozone Method is supremely easy to use with mountains of performance to get you moving in a buggy, on a land board or just getting dragged along in the sand.


The Ozone Method is available in 5 sizes from 2.3 metres squared to 6.5 metres, which covers a huge wind range enabling you to get out kiting in almost all conditions.


Design Features:

Closed Cell Leading Edge:
Closed cell leading edge with mesh for clean air intake and extra strength.


Internal diagonal rib structure:
Reduces bridles helping to eliminate line drag distortion and manifests in a true feel for the interaction of kite with wind.


Optimized profile:
For power, speed and stability.


Internal diagonal rib structure:
Reduces bridles helping to eliminate line drag distortion and manifests in a true feel for the interaction of kite with wind.


Auto-stable wing curvature:
Equals rock solid all-conditions performance so pilot concentration remains unbroken.


Wing tip dirt-outs:
Linked to internal trailing edge sand-channels prevents any sand or debris from being trapped in the kite.


Hand-checked Ozone factory construction:
Utilizing highest grade Oztex 40d ripstop nylon fabric and pre-stretched dyneema control line throughout. This translates to the kite flying in lighter winds and a greater wind speed to power generated ratio and as the kite can penetrate the window deeper the up wind ability is superb. The stability is kept even with less bridling by the use of Diagonal-Rib construction, a method of strengthening the kite from inside to enable less support from the bridles.


Mylar Edged:
Aerodynamics tells us that the leading edge and the trailing edge are the two most critical lines in an aerofoil section. Ozone kites are Mylar taped on the leading edge, giving a more rigid structure, a clean and efficient aerofoil, and absolutely zero stretching. The Mylar tape effectively locks the sail shape, meaning your kite keeps it’s factory trim. For the trailing edge Ozone roll the seam twice and stitch to give a soft and clean exit for the airflow.


Double Stitched:
Ozone Method kites are double-needle stitched, which is stronger and more durable than single line stitching in the event of the kite being dragged over rough ground. Even the thread used for stitching the lines and sail is UV-bonded, further adding to the strength and life-span of our kites. Every seam is checked to within 0.5 mm; a look at the colour-scheme accuracy and the inside of the seams of our kites will highlight this fact.


Bridle Lines:
Ozone's aim when designing the bridle lines is to use the least amount of line possible, to minimise parasitic drag through the air, resulting in a more performant kite. Kite design has advanced to the point where the accuracy and diameter of the line lengths is vitally important. To achieve this accuracy, Ozone use the highest quality Dyneema lines which are stitch finished for extra strength and less drag.


Attachment Tabs:
The Ozone Method's attachment tabs are sewn deep into the reinforcement area of the ribs, which means that the load is spread over a larger area of material, thus reducing any stretching and ageing of the cloth.


Flying Lines:
Tested to 180/110kg, Ozone’s heat-treated Eurocord Dyneema SK75 lines ensure stretch resistance, a high thermal tolerance and durability for all kites. Lines are cut, pre-stretched, sleeved and stitched to ensure 100% accuracy. The lines are final load tested to 60% of their breaking strain to “lock” the line and as a final production check. The ‘kook-proof’ colour-coded and labeled line connection system makes set-up safer and completely stress-free for riders new to kiting.

Method, man from OZONE on Vimeo.

Ozone Kites - Method - Designer Notes

“What I wanted to do was make a kite that has the speed of a high performance kite, the stability of a beginner kite and handles like a sports car. I have been talking with our paragliding designers and they have shared their new theories which have been helping them produce the highest performing paraglider to date!
I have reduced the line drag to a minimum with extensive use of diagonals. I worked on the sail tension to maintain a clean leading edge. The section I have chosen produces good speed and it’s very stable. The aspect ratio is 4.2 which means it is not over stretched and keeps it compact with a solid feeling. When we were out testing the Method was only just behind the Yakuza and in strong conditions on small sizes the Method was a real contender. I prefer the Method for my style of riding, I am not a racer but I like to go fast and have good up wind ability without having to concentrate on the kite all the time.
My top speeds were about the same as the Yakuza but I was getting there slower. Having said that going round a mark fast is easy because on the Method you can just flick the kite around without needing to be precise on the controls. The other great aspect is that just about anyone with four line handle experience can fly this kite, it’s just easy and feels smooth and solid.  It’s not designed to be a race winner but you would have fun trying and you would not be far off the pace!
Another great thing is that the Method flies exceptionally well with the Ozone Turbo bar, making it an excellent option for a performance landboarding kite, or for riders who prefer to use a bar.”

Monday 14 February 2011

The Highwaymen: Who are ya!?

The Highwaymen: Who are ya!?: "Welcome to Highwaymen kites. We're one of the longest established kite shops in the UK and proud to offer kite products to suit all ages and..."

What is Kite Aerial Photography?

What is Kite Aerial Photography?  Kite aerial photography (KAP) is a hobby and a type of photography. A camera is lifted using a kite and is triggered either remotely or automatically to take aerial photographs. The camera rigs can range from the extremely simple, consisting of a trigger mechanism with a disposable camera, to complex apparatus using radio control and digital cameras. On many occasions it can be a good alternative to other forms of aerial photography.

The camera can be attached directly to the kite but is usually secured to an adjustable rig suspended from the kite line at a distance from the kite. This distance reduces excessive movement being transmitted from the kite to the camera and allows the kite to be flown into higher, stable air before the camera is attached. If possible, the camera is set to a high shutter speed to reduce motion blur. Cameras using internal image stabilization features can increase the number of sharp photos. In order to take photographs that are oriented correctly with the horizon, a suspension method is used to allow the rig to automatically level itself under the kite line.

Who are ya!?

Welcome to Highwaymen kites. We're one of the longest established kite shops in the UK and proud to offer kite products to suit all ages and abilities, both from our website and from our wonderful kite shop based in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Established in 1992 by Shirley and Dick Turpin, the company started by retailing high quality fighting kites around the UK kite circuit. We are now one of the largest UK kite retailers, and one of Europe's leading kite festival and mail order specialists.

Our products encompass the full kiting spectrum- power kites, sport kites, single line kites, and more- plus a huge range of kite accessories and spares. We manufacture our own delta kites from our workshop located on the shop premises, and offer a wide range of kite materials and spares including carbon, glass and fittings.

More recently we have changed the layout of the shop, all of the kite equipment is now upstairs, and in the main room we've expanded into a wide range of gifts and home fragrance candles.

Every member of our team can give you help and advice whatever your query, and the majority of our team are experienced kite fliers too, either at enthusiast level or competing. Over the years the Highwaymen's festival stand has grown to over four times its original size and is regularly staffed by as many as six team members.

Our reputation for supplying the very best in traditional and hi-tech products has been developed by listening to what our customers really want.

Don't forget to check out our other sites, Ripstop Shop and Carbon Fibre Shop