Kytoon

A kytoon or kite balloon (a portmanteau of kite + balloon) is a tethered aircraft which obtains lift both dynamically as a heavier-than-air kite and aerostatically as a lighter-than-air balloon.

The primary advantage of a kytoon is that it remains in a reasonably stable position above the tether point, irrespective of the strength of wind, whereas ordinary balloons and kites are less stable.

The kytoon has been used for many purposes both civil and military.

The inflation gas need not be of lower density than the fluid stream in which it is operated. It is sufficient that the kytoon be part balloon and part kite. Hydrogen, methane, air, helium, etc. may be used to inflate the balloon aspect of a kytoon.

History

The kite balloon was invented by Domina Jalbert in 1944 as patent US2431938. and later became known as the kytoon. He furthered his attention on kite balloons also with another patent filed on August 31, 1945 titled "Kite Balloon"

The Allsopp Helikite is a modern helium-filled example.

Stability

A captive balloon tends to drift down the wind and the harder the wind blows, the further the balloon drifts. This leans the tether over at an angle, pulling the balloon lower. On a kytoon, the kite action lifts the balloon, counteracting this pull and holding the kytoon in position. As the wind blows harder, the kite action lifts harder. This can provide good stability even in strong winds.

In low or gusty winds a kite can nose-dive, losing a large amount of height even if it recovers. Because a kytoon is buoyant it does not nose-dive and remains in position even in still air.

Applications

Applications of the kytoon have included:

• Raise communications antenna aloft.
• Commercial advertising
• Low-level aerial photography
• Raise wind turbines for generating electricity
• Raise emergency signals in calm or wind
• Meteorological measurements
• Sighting target for conducting geographical surveys
• Scare birds away from crops
• Recreation

See also

• Kite types