Kytoon facts for kids
A kytoon or kite balloon is a tethered aircraft which obtains some of its lift dynamically as a heavier-than-air kite and the rest aerostatically as a lighter-than-air balloon. The word is a portmanteau of kite and 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.
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 relatively 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
