‘The entire setup leads to an objective validation of kite-related parameters; for example, depower-ability, steering pressure, flight angle (upwind-ability), turning speed, turning radius, backstall behaviors, power to front lines, power to back lines, and more … From a designer’s point of view, all aspects which are relevant to kite design are captured with this unique test bench’ says Ralf. ‘The opportunities are great for future developments. Kite design has reached a point where tiny changes in geometry have a huge impact on the overall flight parameters.
The test bench allows me to dive into aspects of kite design which haven’t been accessible before. This will automatically lead to new innovations or more specific kite models as separation will be more obvious from the first development steps onwards. As kitesurfing is becoming an Olympic discipline soon, the carpet has been rolled out for this field of wings also’.