Before NASA 1912-19581954 — Introduction to Aeroflexibility

The result of (my) work, done as a hobby during the past six years, are the basis of this discussion. Probably because our only precedent as to the aeroflexible structure was the parachute, our first models were made of cloth and looked something like parachutes because of the number and length of the shroud lines. Although we soon changed to plastic materials, the structure remained the same for several years.

Rogallo describes the first kites with 14 and 28 lines. They need “some form of stabilizer”. First ribbon-like tails are used, soon replaced by a tube-like tail that is also used as carrying case for the kite.

These kites can be flown either on a single line like a rigid-frame kite, or on a double line for precise position control and acrobatic manoeuvring.

A change of material allows new designs.

This material is a new DuPont Polyester film called Mylar, which is the strongest plastic film ever made.

The six-string flexible kite was evolved in an effort to reduce the number and length of shroud lines and to reduce the time required to attach them.

The four-string tailless design was evolved in a further effort to reduce the number and length of harness lines and also to eliminate the necessity for the tail. You will notice that the aspect ratio has been reduced by a clipping of the tips. We suspect that this plan form [p][p][p]change is largely responsible for providing the inherent stability that allows the kite to be flown without a tail.

Rogallo then describes his vision of what the tailless kite design may achieve:

Converted into a glider… Scaled up to carry people or useful loads… Propulsion provided by propellers, jets or flapping wings… Flying automobiles… Auxiliary wing for aircraft… Applications for the propulsion of boats, iced sleds or wheeled vehicles.

Because there are no illustrations in the presentation it is impossible to know exactly what kites Rogallo was talking about here.