Most people associate kites with children flying them in a park on a sunny day, enjoying the breeze. Some people may dismiss kites as a relic of the past and disregard them entirely.
Furthermore, others may believe that kites are only used for recreation. Most people are unaware that kites have a history and many practical applications besides flying for fun.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question: Do kites have any practical uses? We’ll discuss the history of kites, how they’re used today and some of their potential future applications.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
History of Kites
The first recorded use of a kite was in China over 3,000 years ago. The Chinese general Han Hsin is said to have used a kite to measure the distance of an enemy camp during a siege. He cut the strings of his kite and allowed it to fly into the enemy camp, giving him an accurate measurement for his troops to attack.
Kites were also used in Japan and Korea for religious ceremonies and as goodwill messages between families. In Asia, kites were (and still are) used for fishing, advertising, and propaganda purposes.
During the 18th century, European scientists began using kites to study the weather. In 1749, Alexander Wilson used a kite to take the first-ever measurements of the temperature and humidity of the upper atmosphere.
In the 19th century, kites were used in warfare for various purposes, such as sending messages, carrying supplies, and even lifting people.
Do Kites Have Any Practical Uses Today?
So, now that we’ve covered kites’ history, you might wonder if they have any modern applications. Yes, the answer is yes! Kites have many practical applications today, and we will look at some of them in the following sections.
Related Article: Can You Fly a Kite Without Wind?
Practical Uses of Kites
1. Military Applications
One current practical use for kites is in the military. The United States Army has been using kites since 2001 for surveillance purposes. These kites are called aerostats and are tethered to the ground with a cable.
Aerostats can stay in the air for long periods, providing a continuous watch over an area. They are equipped with cameras and other sensors that can detect movement from miles away. In the future, kites could be used to carry supplies and equipment to soldiers in remote locations.
They could also be used to lift people or evacuate them from dangerous areas. The military is also researching the use of kites to generate electricity.
2. Power Generation
Another practical application for kites is in power generation. In 2010, a company called Kite Power Solutions developed a system that uses kites to generate electricity. The system consists of two wings connected to a generator on the ground.
The kites fly in a circular pattern, and the wind turns the generator, which produces electricity. This method of power generation is more efficient than traditional wind turbines and could be used in the future to generate electricity on a larger scale.
3. Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, is a relatively new sport that has become popular recently. While some people enjoy kiteboarding for its adrenaline-pumping thrills, the sport can be used for more practical purposes.
For example, kiteboarders have been known to use their skills to pull people out of dangerous situations, such as rip currents. In addition, kiteboarders can also be helpful in search and rescue operations, as they can quickly cover large land areas.
As kiteboarding continues to grow in popularity, more and more people will likely find innovative and practical uses for this thrilling sport.
4. Human Fight
Kites have also been used in a more lighthearted way to give people the opportunity to “fight” each other. In 2009, the fifth Kite Fighting World Championship was held in Berlin, Germany.
The game aims to cut your opponent’s kite strings, which is a lot of fun! While this may not be the most practical use for kites, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique.
5. Science and Meteorology
But did you know that kites can be used for scientific purposes? Meteorologists often use kites to measure wind speed and direction. By attaching an anemometer to the kite string, they can get accurate readings in areas where it is difficult to set up traditional weather instruments.
Kites can also be used to study air pollution. By attaching a sampling device to the kite, scientists can collect air samples from high altitudes, where pollution levels are typically higher than ground level.
So next time you see a kite in the sky, remember that it might be more than just a toy – it could be helping scientists to understand our planet better!
6. Photography
Another practical use for kites is in photography. Photographers can get unique perspectives that would otherwise be impossible to capture by attaching a camera to a kite.
Kite photography is often used to capture images of hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of mountains or the roofs of buildings. In addition, kite photography can be used to get an aerial perspective of a particular scene.
7. Lifting Radio Antennas
In the early days of radio, antennas were often huge and unwieldy. To lift these antennas into the air, engineers turned to kites. Kites provided a simple and effective way to raise an antenna high into the sky, where it could pick up radio signals from great distances.
Today, radio antennas are much smaller and can be easily mounted on towers or buildings. However, kites are still sometimes used to lift antennas into place. For example, when an antenna needs to be raised in a remote or inaccessible location, a kite can be used to fly it there.
In addition, kites are sometimes used to lift antennas during emergencies when time is critical. In these cases, kites can provide a quick and easy way to get an antenna into the air.
8. Aerodynamics Experiments
Kites have also been used in aerodynamic experiments, such as those conducted by the Wright brothers. By flying kites of different shapes and sizes, the Wright brothers tested their theories about lift and drag. These experiments helped them develop the first successful airplane.
Today, kites are still sometimes used in aerodynamic experiments. For example, NASA has used kites to test prototypes of Mars rovers. By flying the kites in simulated Martian conditions, NASA can gather data about how the rovers will perform in real-world conditions.
Read More: How to Fly a Kite in Low Wind?
Are kites Useful for Anything?
Yes, kites are helpful for many things! They can be used for recreation, science, photography, and even lifting heavy objects. The next time you see a kite in the sky, remember that it might be doing more than just flying—it could be helping us to understand our world better.
Are kites Dangerous?
Kites are in no way dangerous but can be a nuisance if they get in the way. Kites can be made of paper, cloth, or plastic and are usually flown on a string or rope. Therefore, kites can get caught in power lines, trees, and other obstacles, which can cause them to break or become entangled.
If a kite string breaks, the kite can become tangled in trees or power lines and cause significant disruption. In addition, kites can be blown into traffic, which can pose a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid these hazards, such as flying kites in open spaces away from traffic and power lines. Taking simple precautions allows you to enjoy flying kites without worrying about them becoming dangerous.
What Can Kites Be Made Of?
Kites can be made of paper, cloth, wood, or plastic. The best materials for kites are those that are lightweight and strong. Bamboo is often used to make the frame of a kite because it is both strong and lightweight.
Silk or nylon fabric is usually used for the kite’s sail because it is light and moves easily in the wind. Kites can be decorated with paint, feathers, or streamers. Most kites have a string or fabric tail that helps keep the kite stable in the air.
Kites can be flown in winds ranging from gentle breezes to strong winds. When flying a kite, choosing a location with no trees or power lines is essential. Otherwise, the kite might get tangled in the branches or wires and be damaged.
What Are Kites Used for Today?
Kites come in all shapes and sizes, from the traditional diamond kite to the more complex Chinese kite. Today, kites are used for various purposes, from flying them on a windy day to using them to create art.
Kite flying is a popular pastime for people of all ages, and kites can be decorated with various designs. Making a kite is also a fun activity for the whole family. In addition to flying and making kites, kites are also used for scientific research.
For example, kites have been used to study the atmosphere and help researchers explore new ways to collect data. Kites are also used in engineering, as they can be used to test prototypes of new products or structures. Ultimately, kites are versatile tools that can be used for various purposes.
Bottom Line
Kites have a long history and are used for various purposes today. From flying them on a windy day to using them for scientific research, kites are versatile tools that people of all ages can enjoy. Although kites can pose a hazard if tangled in power lines or trees, taking simple precautions can help you avoid them. Flying a kite is a fun activity for the whole family.