Pilot Lifters
(leading lifting wing that tends to pilot a kite system)
Power Kite as Backwards Pilot Kite?
The planform of a pilot-kite is wider toward the LE, while the planform of a refined power-kite is wider at the TE. This represents the relation of inherent stability to high performance steerability.
It should be possible to exploit this duality in a new kind of multi-line SS kite with reversible modes. A simple two-stick sled-kite (no tubes) rigged quad-line is predicted to fly both modes fairly well.
Note that multi line power-kites that "park at zenith" generally only do so by the "staked-out" geometry of the kite-bar. Pilot-kite owe stability to greater vertical surface forward that develops lift at the edge of the kite window to return the kite to zenith.
Hagaman's unmatched Parafoil Pilot-Lifters
Jalbert's top disciple, even Sutton recognizes as the Master of highest flying angle foil, with good stability- Hagaman Parafoils
