Airush info for geeks - tech spec time
Airush 2007 kites; technical info
Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.
To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.
all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.
all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).
all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)
all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.
all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.
I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.
This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;
Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.
Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.
Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.
Airush 2007 kites; technical info
Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.
To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.
all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.
all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).
all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)
all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.
all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.
I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.
This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;
Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.
Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.
Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.
Foil shapes
Foil shapes on each model have been optimized to offer the best
compromise of speed and stability based on the rider requirements.
The finer the entry and shallower the draft, the faster the kite is through the air, the easier it goes upwind and the less drag you have from the canopy. By using a deeper draft and placing the C/E further forward (Less fine entry) the kite becomes more stable and generates more low-end power with less rider input. This can be viewed below as a progression from the DNA as absolute ease of use, to the Reactor on the other extreme for absolute performance.
Canopy Curve
A large amount of development has been put into varying the shape of the arc on the canopy through a combination of bridling, Structural LE shaping and canopy shaping.
Kites featuring a flatter Arc provide more power for a given kite size but can be more prone to inversion especially when used with bridles. This should be viewed in conjunction with the amount of sweep in the wingtips. In addition flatter canopies allow more depower from the kite, as this increases the kites ability to be sheeted out. Canopies with a more traditional C shape have less drift and more positive steering due to the increased vertical component in the wingtip, which enhances directional stability.
By testing and optimizing each model of kite, and at the same time each size of kite, we have ensured the best balance of performance and stability for each user group.
Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.
To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.
all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.
all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).
all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)
all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.
all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.
I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.
This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;
Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.
Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.
Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.
Airush 2007 kites; technical info
Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.
To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.
all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.
all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).
all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)
all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.
all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.
I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.
This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;
Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.
Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.
Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.
Foil shapes
Foil shapes on each model have been optimized to offer the best
compromise of speed and stability based on the rider requirements.
The finer the entry and shallower the draft, the faster the kite is through the air, the easier it goes upwind and the less drag you have from the canopy. By using a deeper draft and placing the C/E further forward (Less fine entry) the kite becomes more stable and generates more low-end power with less rider input. This can be viewed below as a progression from the DNA as absolute ease of use, to the Reactor on the other extreme for absolute performance.
Canopy Curve
A large amount of development has been put into varying the shape of the arc on the canopy through a combination of bridling, Structural LE shaping and canopy shaping.
Kites featuring a flatter Arc provide more power for a given kite size but can be more prone to inversion especially when used with bridles. This should be viewed in conjunction with the amount of sweep in the wingtips. In addition flatter canopies allow more depower from the kite, as this increases the kites ability to be sheeted out. Canopies with a more traditional C shape have less drift and more positive steering due to the increased vertical component in the wingtip, which enhances directional stability.
By testing and optimizing each model of kite, and at the same time each size of kite, we have ensured the best balance of performance and stability for each user group.
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