The Many Uses Of Kites
Go Fly a Kite
Before aircrafts, balloons and rockets took over the job of
photography and meteorology in the 19th and 20th century,
kites were used. They aren't just simple toys anymore.
Marconi used kites in his early radio experiments, and in
World War II, airmen were provided with a box kite and
transmitter, known as the 'Gibson Girl', along with their
rubber dinghy. Some radio hams still use kites. During World
War II, kites were used for anti-aircraft target practice,
for man lifting and to deter enemy aircraft.
In China, kites were used for military signaling during the
sixth and eighth centuries. In 1232, thousands of kites
were release over enemy lines inciting prisoners to revolt.
During the Peninsular War leaflets were dropped from kites.
Kites were used as a form of airmail between Maryland and
Virginia during the American Civil War.
During the 19th century, kites resembled birds of prey in
England and France for hunting grouse and partridge. China
has used kites with loud noise-makers attached to drive
game.
Reportedly, a kite was used to carry the first line across
the Niagara River in order to build the bridge from New York
State to Canada. In the same way, kites have been used to
carry telephone wires.
Many kites are elaborately
decorated. The Artistic Kite
Group promotes kites as an art form. For centuries in the
East, kites have been used for fishing. This is done to
reach places you normally can't get to and to prevent the
'plop' sound associated with casting your line in the water.
The art of training falcons and hawks to hunt is very
ancient and breathtaking to watch. Some falcons fly at
heights up to 1000 feet but many never bother flying over
200 ft. By attaching a bait to a high-flying kite, you can
train it to fly higher than 200 feet.
Many people find kite flying to be relaxing, and a good way
to unwind. It also gets you out into the fresh air and
provides a bit of exercise.
Kites are now use for kite-sailing, kite-surfing, kite-
skiing and kite-buggying. There are two kinds of kite
races. One is the upwind kite race where contestants drag
strong pulling kites upwind and the other is downwind kite
races where contestants launch a kite and runs downwind
without allowing his kite to touch the ground. The first is
purely a test of strength
About The Author
Yageur Fecuent is the proprietor and delegate of Kites LTD, Inc., your one stop shop for all your kite needs. Start flying at: http://www.kitesltd.com
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