I have a X-celerator which is a semi-rigid delta-shaped kite. Its L/D ratio is high for a kite, perhaps 5 or more. It runs at high speed and produces large pull. Indeed that could lead to an intermediary AWES between soft and rigid wing. Below is a video (not mine):
It would need at the very least some way of steering. The pictured glider conveniently has a tail rod, where such steering could be implemented easily.
My interest in this issue was firstly just if this construction could be a viable option for larger kites…
The video below represents a small model of hang glider, likely in foam material.
It could be laminated with epoxy resin and reinforcement fibers to be more resistant. Certainly the lower Reynolds number would lead to a different behavior compared to a full-scale hang glider.
Klingberg wings are not exactly HG (pilot does not “hang”), but classified as an ultra-light glider.
For two-ton work-loading as an AWES, the constant-mass rigging solution remains the same- span-load the cantilever wing by a string bridle, to increase its load-limit.
Klingberg carefully insists his composite wing construction is not “normal”, but specialized for strength-to-weight over all other design-build factors, as his admirable construction videos explain: