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Flysurfer Sonic FR 15 Meter Tip Fold Problem Solved

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lightandfrost
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Re: Flysurfer Sonic FR 15 Meter Tip Fold Problem Solved

Postby lightandfrost » Wed Sep 05, 2018 3:52 am

As mentioned the kite flew for approximately 40 hours with no further wing tip fold. However this kite was launched in an onshore wind in very restrictive space due to higher tides and up against approx a 100ft tree line. Since wind begins to separate from the water surface at a 10 to 1 ratio from this tree line the wind near the tree line was very weak. The kite launched but the wing tips folded near the tip but outside leading edge intake port at station 10-11 on the line plan. The kite was then brought down close to the ground where the kites’ leading edge could be visually inspected during flight. It was immediately apparent what was occurring.

The kite has fist sized lateral vents running inside the kite along the leading edge transferring air pressure from one cell to the next. The vents are not in a straight line but alternate one close to the leading edge and the next slightly back from the leading edge. The kite also has plastic leading edge U shaped strips to help maintain the wing shape. When the kite folds a plastic U shaped leading edge retainer is pinching the leading edge vent restricting air pressure down the leading edge and no amount of kite handling can undo this.

Again the kite was landed, and a hand was inserted thru the 10-11 main intake port then down the leading edge lateral vents to the tip on both sides. The kite was then carefully launched and no further wing-tip fold occurred for the rest of the day.

Suspect there is either internal damage or poor design or a little of both as internal inspection is difficult. All the internal belts are secure but as mentioned above there was fraying around one of the fist sized lateral vents that could be inspected. This looked more like friction wear rather then stress related damaged.

foilholio
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Re: Flysurfer Sonic FR 15 Meter Tip Fold Problem Solved

Postby foilholio » Thu Sep 06, 2018 2:19 am

weird

Bridles should force tips open whether inflated or not. I would still think it's a bridle issue.


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