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