Here is some interesting kite info that you might not be aware of.

Welcome to the kite info page. We hope that this Web Page will provide you with a bit of information regarding origins, types, and uses of kites.

Origins
Kite info regarding their origins is rather sketchy. It is believed that kites were first developed in China a little over 3000 years ago. All the materials necessary to make this device were readily available in the countryside. Unfortunately, kites are made from light and perishable materials, so no evidence of them would be found in archaeological sites.

Types
Here are some of the most popular types of kites:
1) Box
2) Delta
3) Diamond
4) Flat
5) Inflatable
6) Sled
7) Stunt

Science Uses
The American scientist Benjamin Franklin used kites to investigate the principles of electricity in the atmosphere. Starting in the 1890's, box kites were used to send instruments into the sky to measure attributes such as wind speed, humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure.

Military Uses
It is said that the Ancient Chinese used kites to lift fireworks into the atmosphere to terrorize their enemies. Around 1900, kites were used to lift people into the sky to observe the layout of enemy forces. During World War II kites were used as targets for guns and cannons.

Civilian Uses
When a bridge was proposed to be built across the Niagara gorge in upstate New York, an initial problem arose. How to get the first line across the gorge as it was 800 feet across. Kite flyers were invited to solve the problem, and on the second day, a young boy names Homan Walsh successfully landed a line on the other side. In similar fashion, kites have been used to carry telephone wires across gaps which would be hard to span via other methods.

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