Peter Powell (kite)

For other individuals using the same name, see Peter Powell

In 1972, Peter Powell developed a steerable kite, using dual lines. Very early Peter Powell kites had spars made of ramin which were later replaced with aluminium tubing and later still by glass fibre spars. Originally they all came with black plastic sails, though later blue, red and yellow sails became available. The kites came with a long, hollow polyethylene tail that was inflated by the wind. The tail added stability as well as looking good when performing stunts.

Peter Powell won the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975. In 1976, the Peter Powell kite was elected toy of the year by the British Association of Toy Retailers. Millions of kites were sold and flying steerable kites became a craze in the mid-70's in the UK. The popularity of all types of multiple-line kite flying today can be attributed directly to Peter Powell's development of a modern, dual line kite. Peter often took his kites around the country and sold them from the back of his car. In 1974 (approx) he was selling them on Paignton sea front. He advertised by simply flying these amazing never seen the like of before kites.

External links

• Article and interview with Peter Powell (video) on bbc.co.uk
• US Patent for the kite filed by Peter Powell in 1974

See also

• Kite flying
• Stunt kite
• Windsport
• Kite types
• Kite applications