Index of kite articles facts for kids

Kites are amazing flying objects that use the wind to stay up in the air! They are usually made of light materials like fabric or plastic stretched over a frame. A long line, called a tether, connects the kite to the ground or to a person holding it. Kites have been around for thousands of years and are used for many different things, from fun games to serious science.

This article will tell you all about different kinds of kites, how they work, and what they are used for. You'll learn about the parts of a kite, exciting kite sports, and even how kites can help create clean energy.

What is a Kite?

A kite is an aircraft that relies on wind and a tether to fly. It's different from an airplane because it doesn't have an engine and needs to be held or anchored. Kites come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose.

Parts of a Kite

Every kite has a few key parts that help it fly:

• Wing: This is the main surface that catches the wind. It can be flat, curved, or even made of many cells like a parachute.
• Tether: This is the line that connects the kite to the ground or to you. It keeps the kite from flying away.
• Mooring: This is where the tether is anchored, whether it's your hand, a special reel, or a fixed point on the ground.
• Control System: For some kites, especially sport kites, there are special handles or bars that let you steer the kite in the air. These are called kite control systems.

Types of Kites

There are many different types of kites, each with its own unique design and way of flying:

• Box Kite: This kite looks like a series of open boxes stacked together. It's known for being very stable in the air.
• Delta Kite: Shaped like a triangle, these are popular and easy to fly, often seen at parks.
• Foil Kite: These kites don't have a rigid frame. They inflate with air when the wind blows, much like a parachute or a tent. They are often used for power sports.
• Bow Kite: These kites have a curved shape, often with inflatable tubes, and are very popular for kitesurfing.
• Sled Kite: These are simple, frameless kites that inflate like a bag in the wind. They are easy to pack and fly.
• Arc Kite: Similar to a bow kite, but with a flatter, more arc-like shape.
• Soft Single Skin Kite: These kites are made of a single layer of fabric and have no rigid frame. They are very lightweight and pack down small.
• Leading Edge Inflatable Kite: Often called "LEI" kites, these have inflatable tubes along their front edge that give them shape and allow them to float on water. They are common in kitesurfing.
• Indoor Kite: Believe it or not, some kites can fly indoors! Indoor kites are super light and can fly with just the air currents inside a building.
• Tetrahedral Kite: This kite is made up of many small pyramid shapes connected together. It was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

Kites in Action: Sports and Fun

Kites aren't just for gentle breezes; they are used in many exciting sports and activities!

Kite Sports

• Kiteboarding (or Kitesurfing): This is a thrilling water sport where a person stands on a board and is pulled across the water by a large power kite. It's like a mix of surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding.
• Kite Landboarding: Similar to kiteboarding, but done on land using a board with wheels, like a skateboard or snowboard.
• Kite Buggy: In this sport, you sit in a special three-wheeled cart called a buggy and are pulled across open fields by a large kite.
• Snowkiting (or Kite Skiing): This is done on snow, where a person on skis or a snowboard is pulled by a kite. It's a great way to explore snowy landscapes.
• Kite Skating: Using roller skates or inline skates, a person is pulled by a kite, often on paved surfaces.
• Fighter Kite: These are special kites used in competitions where people try to cut the lines of other kites. This is popular in countries like India, where the line is sometimes coated with a special abrasive material called manja.
• Sport Kite: These kites are designed for tricks and precise flying. They often have two or four lines for better control.

Other Fun Uses

• Kite Aerial Photography: Did you know you can take pictures from high in the sky using a kite? KAP involves attaching a camera to a kite to get amazing bird's-eye views.
• Kite Running: This is a traditional Afghan game where children chase after kites that have been cut down during a kite fight.

Kites in Science and Technology

Kites are not just toys; they are also used for serious scientific and engineering purposes.

Wind Energy

• Airborne Wind Turbine: Scientists are exploring ways to use giant kites to generate electricity. These airborne wind turbines can fly much higher than traditional wind turbines, where winds are stronger and more consistent. This idea is also called high altitude wind power.

Special Kites

• Paravane: This is a special type of "water kite." A paravane is towed underwater and uses the flow of water to move sideways, often used to clear mines or for fishing.
• Man-lifting Kite: In the past, very large kites were sometimes used to lift people into the air for observation or even military purposes. These were called man-lifting kites.

Famous Kite People and Events

Many people have contributed to the world of kites, and there are exciting festivals celebrating them.

Notable People

• Domina Jalbert: He was an American inventor who created the ram-air parafoil, which led to the development of many modern kites and parachutes.
• Francis Melvin Rogallo: An American aeronautical engineer who invented the flexible wing, also known as the Rogallo wing. This design influenced hang gliding and power kites.
• Peter Powell: A British kite designer who popularized the stunt kite, which could be controlled with two lines.

Kite Festivals

Kite festivals are colorful events where people gather to fly all sorts of kites.

• Bali Kite Festival: A famous annual festival in Bali, Indonesia, where huge traditional kites are flown.
• Blossom Kite Festival: Also known as the Smithsonian Kite Festival, this event takes place in Washington, D.C., and draws many kite enthusiasts.
• Kites on Ice: A unique festival held on frozen lakes where people fly kites while ice skating or snowkiting.

More About Kites

If you want to learn more, you can explore these topics:

• Kite books
• Kite (bird) (Note: This article is about the bird, not the flying object!)
• Ballooning (spider) (Did you know some spiders "kite" on silk threads to travel?)
• Hang gliding (A sport influenced by kite designs)
• Let's Go Fly a Kite (A famous song about kites from the movie Mary Poppins)
• Kite-Eating Tree (A funny reference from the Peanuts comic strip!)