What is the importance of the number G [lift to drag] in AWE

[PierreB]

@tallakt

The question I am wondering is where the balance is between pros and cons. At one end of the scale we have «single skins» that fly with low G but have a huge area at close to zero mass. At the other end, Kitemill/Makani/Ampyx/(most other actors) going for rather heavy high G designs. I think this might be perhaps the most important question for AWE, and a question where there seems to be no concensus at the moment

I agree.

As example IMHO low G wings have also a low turn rate at almost full speed, harnessing the more powerful central zone, allowing a better power/space use ratio Low radius loop - #7 by PierreB, above all when a kite-farm is implemented.

The low lifetime of soft wings is a major concern, far above their low G.