Helikite

The Helikite is a type of kite-balloon or kytoon designed by Sandy Allsopp in the UK in 1993. Allsopps UK Patent No.2280381 and US Patent No.6016998A. The Helikite comprises a combination of a helium balloon and a kite to form a single, aerodynamically sound tethered aircraft, that exploits both wind and helium for its lift.

The Helikite comprises a semi-rigid helium-filled balloon, having a rigid carbon-fibre spine, with the balloon shaped aerodynamically. The balloon is generally oblate-spheroid in shape although this is not essential. Solid spars provide attachment points for payload equipment.

In most winds the aerodynamic lift is greater than the aerostatic lift from the helium.

The Helikite design is intended for all-weather, high-altitude operation. The round, stubby shape allows it to be flown in any weather or for altitudes up to 7000 ft. In wind, both the main aerodynamic lift and the aerostatic lift are at the front, while the spar weight and keel are at the stern. Therefore, a Helikite remains stable in relatively high winds

For operation in extreme conditions, a ballonet may be fitted.

A Helikite is a new type of tethered aerostat with its own official classification, distinct from any type of balloon.

The US Customs classifies a Helikite as "other non-powered aircraft", while the British Civil Aviation Authority's Air Navigation Order has created its own classification as "Helikites" as distinct from "kites" and "balloons".

Customs authorities classify the Helikite as a type of kite because of the considerable positive aerodynamic uplift in wind.

Thousands of Helikites have been operated worldwide, over both land and sea.

Helikites are used for aerial photography, lifting antennas, radio-relay, advertising, agricultural bird-control, position marking, and meteorology. The military also use Helikites as jungle marker balloons, for lifting radio-relays, and raising surveillance equipment.

Helikites are the only compact aerostat capable of reliably operating at sea. For this reason small, rapid-response surveillance Helikites are part of the emergency oil-spill response system of Scandinavia for operations in the Arctic Ocean.

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Wikipedia