Kite Plane: An Essay

A preface notes the intent and origin of the concept. Chapter 1 supposes that a frame, likely removable for double use as kite plane and standard plane, could be built to enhance lift and fuel economy at the expense of speed and altitude of current craft. Helicopters may actually fly faster with kite foils. Some musings on how better technology makes powered kites more feasible today than in the past. It proposes methods of development, suggests a number of military uses such as ferrying combat aircraft to distant places without in air refueling, antisubmarine long range and longtime reconnaissance, gunships, etc. It supposes that these craft will also help local economic development without harming the industry due to increased use of planes. These kite planes will be able to use short takeoff and landing capacity to use many small current airports for large air framed aircraft used today. We hope that the kites can be removed and put on by air support crews without returning planes to the factory, except for periodic upgrades and replacement of connection joints and comprehensive sign off on the viability of the air frame to withstand stress and thereby avoid break up in flight. We suggest emergency detachment of the kite frame when damaged, allowing the craft to continue in flight as a standard aircraft. Some comments about society, the environment and means of improving health, wealth and the environment for mankind.