www.foreverflying.com
GuildWorks TetraFoil Zero-Wind Glider (by Marc Ricketts)
Forever Flying, L.L.C.
Decatur Commons
1605-D6A Beltline Rd, SW
Decatur, AL 35601-5597
Phone: (256) 308-0988
Fax: (256) 308-0658
Email: info@foreverflying.com
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday / 10am-6pm CST
Manager: Shawn E. Donahoo
Member Merchant
Feel welcome to email me (info@foreverflying.com) with questions or comments.
Dynamic and sculptural in design, GuildWorks Kites are optimally three-dimensional and feature a state-of-the-art Tensegrity framework combined with a tension-suspended, aerodynamically shaped sail. The Tensegrity framework of the kite forms one of the primary differences between the GuildWorks Synergetic Series and TetraFoil Kites and other kites.
Tensegrity, short for tensional integrity, is a system where the spars do not touch each other, but are suspended in a continuous network of integrated tension lines and tensional membranes (sails). Tensegrity is one of the lightest yet strongest structural systems known in this universe which is why nature uses it to build and grow. GuildWorks kites and the Tensegrity principal spawn from the idealogy of and methodology of Buckminester Fuller and others in the field of Design-Science.
Synergetic Skies,
Marc Ricketts
GuildWorks Designer
The beginner's GuildWorks kite, easy to assemble and easy to fly single-line kite. Fly without the strip tails in zero wind, with one in light wind, and two in medium or high wind. "It's the kite that wants to fly." Made of high-tech carbon fiber spars and ultralight ripstop polyester sailcloth.. Custom colors available.
Wind Range: 0-20mph
Size: 38in x 31 x 5in (plus 15ft tails)
Price: $64.95
Picture TaperTail2.jpg - Black/White asymmetric
Picture TaperTail3.jpg - Black/White outline
Picture TaperTail4.jpg - Solid Teal
Picture TaperTail5.jpg - Solid Teal
Picture TaperTail6.jpg - Solid Teal
Picture TaperTail7.jpg - Solid Teal
Here are some flying tips (and a performance review) by one of our customers who flies both the TaperTail (the little one) and the larger, identical version--the TaperTail LSR--which runs about $134.95:
Hey! Had a BLAST yesterday evening! (7/6/99-Decatur Utilities Kite Field, AL)
The wind was about 1-3 MPH, sun was behind us, we (Shawn and I) had a fresh can of OFF and two of the large LSR, LRS,?? Tetra-foil TaperTail single line kites.
Flying on 20# Nylon braided line, we were able to get them up about/out 200+ feet. The kite will climb up at a 45degree angle, then glide backward at about 20degree or less, depending on line pressure (NO TAIL attached). If you adjust the tail for a slight turn, you can axel the kite after a long steep climb. Method is to climb with a smooth long pull, then when the kite begins to turn to the 9 or 3 O'Clock position, release the line (completely) until the kite axels 360degrees ready for another climb. During this maneuver, the kite will "take out" more line, 3-6 feet. One can axel, climb, axel climb, etc., then you can glide backwards, get a drink of water, re-apply the OFF and yell "Hey Bubba! Look how much higher my kite is." This is a great way to continue your male need for competition during the light-wind dog-days of summer. The little $ 64.95 TaperTail flies IDENTICALLY when using the #12 twisted line.
Richard Choate
rrchoate@hiwaay.net
Discover a new realm of maneuverable flying. A single-line kite that floats with the lightest of breeze, and can be easily flown with grace and beauty in low to zero wind. Custom colors available.
Wind Range: 0-7mph
Size: 5ft x 5ft x 1ft 9in
Price: $259.95
Special Order Only - No Discounts Available
The trick to getting these to glide level away from you (like a canard sailplane) is to gradually slow your intake of line, stop, then gradually accelerate your release of the line. This causes the glider to assume an attitude parallel to the ground as it stalls which it then maintains as long as the line stays slack.
Here's a great photo of a Red/Purple Zero-Wind Glider in level flight.
Here's a head-on view of same Red/Purple in rapid climb.
Another head-on view at high altitude with sun reflecting on sail and support lines.
Another high altitude photo without reflection.
See also this White/Black version.
The ultimate cellular kite system, starting from 4 cells arranged in the octahedral-tetrahedral crystalline formation -- easily expandable by adding cells. The TetraFoil Truss is the kite-art collector's sing-line show kite, beautiful as both flying and stationary sculpture. Custom colors available. Click here for a photo of a yellow/black 7-cell formation.
Wind Range: 0-7mph
Cell Size: 60in x 23in x 20in
Price: $99.95 per cell (initial 4-cell minimum)
Special Order Only - No Discounts Available
Last Updated 10/1/2006
