This already old kind of kite has already been mentioned:
Looking through the descriptions, we can see that some features of this power kite might be appropriate for a yo-yo reeling use. I cite from various sources:
Before you ask which Power Kite should I buy? - Power Kites - KiteLife Forum
NPW Section by ssayre
NPW or Nasa ParaWing Kites
The Nasa ParaWing was invented by Francis Rogallo in 1961 as part of research as a means of space capsule recovery. Since then it has been modified into several variations of steerable kites. They are a fixed bridle kite that are flown using 2 lines or 4 lines. The exception being the Nasa Star which is flown as a 2 line kite but utilizes a 3rd line that will partially or totally collapse the nose to reduce or kill power when used with an adapted 3 line bar.
This style of kite has some distinct advantages and disadvantages over traditional foil power kites.
The advantages: They are single skin which allows them to fly in light wind and maintain their shape during lulls in the wind. They sit deep in the window providing tractor like pulling power to keep you moving. They fly very well on any length of line allowing them to be used for “streetkiting” in confined areas. They are very quick turning when flown in either 2 line or 4 line configuration allowing you to place the kite where you need it in the window quickly. They are comparatively inexpensive to their fixed bridle foil counter parts. They are a solid choice and provide reliable power for inland fliers looking to get in motion.
The disadvantages: They have a smaller window which does a couple things. Their upwind ability is less than traditional fixed bridle foils and they are not as fast flying through the window. This coupled with smaller window makes them a poor choice for someone looking for a kite that is exciting and fun for static flying. They generate low lift which is either good or bad depending on what you want to do. If not kept moving in light wind they can have a tendency to fly backwards. They are not readily available commercially and must be purchased from a kite maker or purchased from Born-Kite, the only known manufacturer in Germany.
“The maximum lift-drag ratio of the single-keel wing shown is about 2.5 while that of the twin-keel wing is about 3.”
The relatively high “resultant force coefficient, CR” can be due to the relatively high angle of attack, as suggested on the source below:
3.5m sq Tweety Bird Nasa Kite [4 line]
Background from (http://freedom2000.free.fr)
The Nasa Para Wing (NPW) kites are extremely popular and it’s not hard to understand why.
- First of all, they are cheap to buy and offer a cost-effective way into many power kite sports.
- Second, you can easily play quad line kite compare to revkites
- Third, they pack down small and weigh very little so it’s easy to always have one with you.
- Fourth, the time required for setting up to fly is minimal – a minute or two is enough!
- Fifth, they are easy to launch, land and relaunch without assistance, regardless of size.
- Sixth, they have a massive pull relative to their size.
- Seventh, they are virtually unbreakable (but please remember that you are not!).
- Eighth, because of their excellent low wind properties, they have a wide wind range.
The flying window is a bit smaller, partly because the NPW’s need a certain angle of attack to stay inflated properly but also because they weigh so little that there is no momentum in the kite that helps to expand its flying window when in flight. But the great advantage of the ultra low weight is that they fly in virtually no wind. So even if you prefer flying advanced foils/LEI’s/hybrids, this aspect should make you want at least one (preferably big) in your quiver of kites: It will fly when all other power kites refuse to leave the ground!
How does it perform?
Its main advantage is that it pulls very evenly, regardless of flying direction, and is very smooth and controllable in its behaviour. The flying window is about 135° sideways and is largely a compromise between good behaviour and big window. Pushing it another 5-10° is possible but results in the kite becoming nervous, twitchy and generally unpleasant.The Nasa has an incredibly strong pull which is more evenly distributed across the flying window and holds up better through tight turns. The sail also holds its inflated shape better in sudden gusts than the flatter Buzzard Vnose.
The quick and precise response makes the Nasa very well suited for big sizes.
To recap, if we disregard the problem of lifespan that can arise for any flexible kite for intensive AWE use, we have the following points: relatively regular and strong pull, fast and tight turns allowing to reduce the space use while keeping the useful swept area, low cost, simplicity and robustness.
I would like to know or found a simple mechanical means to ensure Low radius loop while maintaining altitude and elevation angle, without a kite lifter.
An interesting way to depower:
And (again) a 150 m² kite from Windsled: