| An RC kite is pretty much what it sounds like. That is, | | | | In 2008, people's video of flying events and gatherings |
| a kite-like aircraft fitted with RC (radio control) receiver | | | | are increasing awareness of the RC kite. It's |
| and pulled through the air with a propeller. In structure, it | | | | fascinating to watch real precision aerobatics and also |
| has a lot in common with kites and yet it is flown | | | | the very slow flight capability of RC kites. |
| around like an RC plane. The man behind the concept | | | | To give you some idea of the size and weight of |
| is Mr Michael Lim from Singapore. Mr Lim was | | | | these kites, here's a few basic specs on the Pro III: |
| formerly a jewelry designer but now finds it hard to | | | | - 680mm x 540mm x 55mm in size |
| drag himself away from further research and | | | | - kite itself weighs 45 grams |
| development of these amazing little flying machines! | | | | - kite ready-to-fly weighs 260 grams |
| Singapore is a crowded city-state-island in South-East | | | | Some Thoughts On The RC Kite Scene |
| Asia, with an enthusiastic and growing crowd of RC | | | | My first reaction to reading about this whole scene, |
| kite fliers. In typical Singapore fashion, the scene is very | | | | and seeing some video? That really looks like fun! With |
| organized with simulator training, a ranking system for | | | | miniaturization as advanced as it is now, something like |
| fliers and scheduled events. | | | | this had to happen sooner or later. Also, flying indoors |
| So what exactly can a radio controlled kite do? It can... | | | | takes away a lot of the limitations that the weather |
| - float around like a glider, with the motor idling | | | | imposes on outdoor RC flying. |
| - perform all the basic aerobatic maneuvers like a light | | | | An RC kite works fine outdoors too, as long as there |
| aircraft | | | | is not too much wind. |
| - 'hang on the prop' in hovering or very slow flight, nose | | | | I guess for some successful RC fliers, used to the |
| high in the air | | | | noise and speed of powerful fuel-driven RC planes, |
| - zip around pylons like the Red Bull racers | | | | these kites could seem a bit tame. A floating kite just |
| I should add, only a well-trained pilot can do all the | | | | doesn't re-create the feeling of 'flying an aircraft' like a |
| above! | | | | fuel-powered RC plane does. |
| The Best RC Kites Are Made In Singapore | | | | At $600 for the starter kit, these are not toys. |
| That's right, as of 2008, the good ones are the originals | | | | However, a remote control kite does appear flimsy |
| made in Singapore. The original and the best as they | | | | and toy-like at first. Only after looking into it a bit more |
| say. The first design was named the FireFly and | | | | do you appreciate the achievements of those involved |
| emerged onto the market in the year 2000. This kite | | | | in developing this unique technology. |
| featured LED lights around its rim for night flying. The | | | | Kite or RC Plane? |
| effect gave a lot of pleasure to both the fliers and | | | | The R C kite seems to have more in common with R |
| those looking on. | | | | C model aircraft than with normal tethered kites. |
| 2001 saw the next generation of kites, named Golden | | | | The construction is very kite-like on most designs, with |
| Ingot. But Mr Lim didn't rest, finally bringing out the | | | | the sail fabric stretched between a surrounding frame. |
| popular Pro III which is the current entry-level kite. The | | | | This isn't much like the well-known diamond kite in the |
| original colored-LED lights idea has persisted, making | | | | West, but it does have something in common with a |
| night flying a big part of the RC kite phenomenon. | | | | particular class of traditional Chinese kite. I'm talking |
| Other kites have been developed too, for specific | | | | about those kites that have molded bamboo spars |
| characteristics. For example, the Scorpion pylon racer. | | | | and hard edges. |
| The frame and RC housing of the kites are made | | | | On the other hand, the vertical fin of the Pro III does |
| from carbon fiber. That's the same material that is | | | | look more like a model plane fin than the flexible keel |
| used for the very best spars in ordinary kites. Strong | | | | of a kite. |
| and yet very light. The sails use polyester canvas | | | | In any case, everybody is calling these things RC kites, |
| which resists scratches and tears quite well. | | | | or air kites so kites they are! |