forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => WW1 Aircraft Information/Questions => Topic started by: Nigel Jackson on April 25, 2014, 12:36:23 AM
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Hello All
Now, when I say kites I don't mean as in bandits, tally ho, rhubarb, or anything like that. I means kites as in kites, or cerfs volants as they call them here in France.
I've just been leafing through a French language magazine dealing with the war in the air when I came across a photo showing a group of French soldiers looking at a contraption which appears based around several box kites bolted together with little triangular wing type extensions; it seems a bit like the back end of one of Des' amazing scratch builds! Translated, the caption reads something like In 1915, the French army used series of kites to observe the enemy lines. Equipment of this type had been conceived by captain Saconney before the Great War.
The group of soldiers 'conveniently' conceal the bottom of the device, but weighted bags and one soldier are keeping it down and it looks as if it is attached to a motor vehicle, as and when it needs to get moving.
I understand that the prevailing westerly winds might take it over German positions and help see behind hills etc. but how did it work? Was there a time lapsed camera that just happened to snap at whatever it was pointing at the time? It looks powerful enough to lift someone into the air - but surely not? Or rather, count me out.
Has anyone any info on these things? Ny guess is that with the little wing-like extensions it's about 5 metres wide, 3.5 metres long and 1.5 metres deep. If I had the time, the energy and the space it could be a 1:1.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Hello Nigel,
I think I read something about this in "The Royal Flying Corps Handbook" by Peter Cooksley. I will look it up as soon as possible. I hope all is well with Ena!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Thanks Patrick.
All being well they now say Ena should be out sometime next week.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Have a look here Nigel, it is quite an interesting story and some good photos.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/02/gonzo-death-traps-from-the-early-days-of-aviation-man-lifting-kites/253674/#slide3
I hope this helps.
Des.
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Hi Nigel - Please see attached some photos I took at the air and space museum in Paris that show a winch vehicle and wicker basket of a kite observation system.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/13997549282_d8f470fd86_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/njV6JA)IMG_0180 (https://flic.kr/p/njV6JA) by jimcable74 (https://www.flickr.com/people/111918332@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/13977631496_9e4f3b5fa0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nia1Su)IMG_0181 (https://flic.kr/p/nia1Su) by jimcable74 (https://www.flickr.com/people/111918332@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/14000728545_0538a8d876_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nkcoPt)IMG_0182 (https://flic.kr/p/nkcoPt) by jimcable74 (https://www.flickr.com/people/111918332@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14000716685_1ef5c52058_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nkckhZ)IMG_0209 (https://flic.kr/p/nkckhZ) by jimcable74 (https://www.flickr.com/people/111918332@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/14000722325_ebb731143f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nkcmYe)IMG_0183 (https://flic.kr/p/nkcmYe) by jimcable74 (https://www.flickr.com/people/111918332@N02/), on Flickr
Regards
Jim
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Hello Nigel,
I hope all is well with Ena and yourself. Keep up the courage my friend!
About the man lifting kites I read the part of the book I mentioned, but I don't know it could be of any help. Anyway as it is on my ereader I will send you the article by pm later on. Meanwhile here a few links to the matter, I hope this can help.
Kind regards
Patrick
http://www.kitehistory.com/Miscellaneous/Warkites.htm
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/02/gonzo-death-traps-from-the-early-days-of-aviation-man-lifting-kites/253674/
http://books.google.be/books?id=cbrA5NJp2JMC&pg=RA1-PA185&lpg=RA1-PA185&dq=man+lifting+kite&source=bl&ots=kMzRgLdlKi&sig=iA7x9Sp195NbFDvugiZ7ADZXgJo&hl=nl&sa=X&ei=enJZU4ilBMzK0AWxo4DQBQ&ved=0CDUQ6AEwATgU#v=onepage&q=man%20lifting%20kite&f=false
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Dear Des, Jim and Patrick
Thank you for helping to start filling in yet another cavernous gap in my knowledge, and apologies for the late reply.
The one shown in the photo which first prompted my query is like the one you show, Jim, although it certainly looked bigger in the one I saw. I'm presuming Des that the forum rules would not permit me to try and copy the magazine photo I saw as I'm only too aware of the issues of copyright.
Thanks for the links Patrick. I had no idea that such familiar names from the turn of the century were interested. The good news is that Ena came out of hospital today. I much appreciate your concern and support.
Best wishes
Nigel