Kite power for Ships

 Lift coefficient is proportional to angle of attack but L/D is inversely so- no free lunch.

highly cambered airfoils have highest lift coefficients but luff - such kites can only be used at higher angles of attack.

Launching is solvable- but lighter than air is not a likely option

Kite size using current materials and super ripstop isn't limited up to a thousand or so sq.m.

Current lightweight materials have a life in UV and wind of only a few weeks.

heavy kites fly like shit- show me an exception.

The hydrodynamic drag angle for large ships under side load is excellent- no keels or fins are necessary- but rudder side load could be a problem?

The aerodynamic drag angle for large ships under kite pull is so bad as to make even reaching impossible.

Large ships are not going to average wind speed or anywhere near while kite powered.

On a narrow range of broad reaching courses- kite assist may be possible for wind speeds less than the boat speed

The upper limit for kite use is ess than 40kn for now- and may be limited to this long term- gustiness is not linear.

For predetermined routes, kites might be useable for less than 5% of the time- when the wind speed and direction are both suitable.

Oil rig pulling seems viable- US$80,000/day fixed costs- barges?

                                                    Peter Lynn 2007