Inflatable High-Altitude Kite System Development and Flight Testing

Precise local weather forecasting, renewable energy harvesting, and enhancement of telecommunication technology are gathering attention to improve human life. Although these challenges are independent, large payload aerial platforms that can stay at high altitudes will collectively accelerate solving them. Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) systems or solar airplanes were developed for independent applications but were not originally made for solving the above problems simultaneously. This developing research aims towards realizing a high altitude 24-hour 7-day operational inflatable kite for atmospheric data collection. A future concept known as the Mothership System will include satellite to ground optical data link repeater, wind energy generation, solar energy generation, and other various applications to incorporate all technologies into a single aerial platform. Designs focus on the use of future flight systems in the high-speed wind flow region known as the Jet Stream at 10,000 m altitude. This research includes feasibility studies and design of a proof-of-concept system that includes an inflatable kite, winch, and tether designed for 914 m (3000 ft) AGL operation. Design tools are presented and materials selection and manufacturing methods are identified. The function of an inflatable-kite-based weather monitoring system was validated via successful flight tests under the FAA regulations and safety guidance.