This kite uses 3 techniques to maintain its shape:
1) NPW canopy: the side profiles are cut out according the npw A -profile.
2) Catenary's to distribute the load evenly over the canopy.
3) Ram-air inflation of the side tubes.
The kite is very rigid and will always maintain its shape. I have flown it up
to 6 bft.
It can be flown without a drone, but in gusty winds it likes a very little drone at the TE.
When the drone is added, it gently wobbles a little from the left to the right.
Without the drone it can be brought down by a gust.
The line angle is between 50 and 55 degrees in a good wind. (Never measured it)
Fore it's size (1sqm) it is rather heavy (compared to npw's) because the
tubes and the catenary's take a lot of material and do not contribute to the working surface.
Never the less with 1sqm it lifts a lot of line junk.
I am currently constructing a similar kite with 3 panels (3sqm)
like the npw9-ha but without the ram air. I have the feeling it is possible to
fly the kite without the tubes at the side.
