Kite Aerial Photography E-Resources

Rig Lift Calculator (see Improved Interactive Flash version)

An online tool with graphical output

This page allows you to conduct an analysis of the effects of rig weight with a particular kite in 2Bft or 3Bft winds. The theory and mathematics for this calculator can be found on the How Much Can My Kite Lift? page.

The angle that your rig is lifted is plotted on the Graph. You can enter up to three different rig weights for comparison. At present I only have kite pull data on four kites. If you are interested in collecting kite pull data on other kites visit the Cooperative Kite Pull page for more information.

ASSUMPTIONS

  1. Each type of kite has a characteristic flying angle. Deviations are ignored.
  2. Only 2Bft and 3Bft winds are considered. Stronger winds are capable of lifting most rigs adequately.
  3. Wind is measured at ground level in an area free of obstructions. Although wind increases speed with altitude it is assumed that the relationship between upper and lower wind speeds always remains the same.
  4. Wind drag on the kite line is ignored.

The Graph

Graph Variables

DC 13ft. flying at 60°
Winds=3 Bft.
Red - Rig #1 -0oz.(60deg)
Green - Rig #2 -0oz.(60deg)
Yellow - Rig #3 -0oz.(60deg)

 

CREATE GRAPH - enter data below

Weight Rig 1:       Weight Preference:      
Weight Rig 2:                            Kite:      
Weight Rig 3:        Wind Range (Bft.):      

 

X-axis visually represents the ground plane, and its length represents the rig's distance downrange.

Black Arc is this distance to the rig scribed from 0° through 90°

Y-axis Multiply y-axis value by length of line to rig to get rig's altitude at a given angle.

Each colored line visually shows the angle that a rig, of the users specified weight, is lifted by the kite. Height of the rig is measured where the colored lines cross the Arc.

Instructions

1. Enter up to 3 different rig weights. Use the units indicated.
2. Select a weight units preference from the drop down menu.
3. Select a kite from the KITE drop down menu.
4. Select a wind range from the WIND drop down menu.
5. Click the "Make Graph" button.
6. The "Reset Values" button sets all weights to zero.