kite [kahyt]

noun, verb, kit⋅ed, kit⋅ing.–noun

1. a light frame covered with some thin material, to be flown in the wind at the end of a long string.

A kite is a flying tethered aircraft that depends upon the tension of a tethering system. The necessary lift that makes the kite wing fly is generated when air flows over and under the kite's wing, producing low pressure above the wing and high pressure below it. This deflection also generates horizontal drag along the direction of the wind. The resultant force vector from the lift and drag force components is opposed by the tension of the one or more lines or tethers.

A kite has three essential characteristics:

• a structure designed to gain lift from the wind
• a flying line (tether) that keeps the kite from blowing away
• a bridle line that directs the face of the kite at the proper angle to the wind for lift. In some cases the flying line attaches directly to the kite's face or keel and governs its angle of attack