Translational dynamics of bridled kites: a reduced-order model in the course reference frame

Cayon, Oriol; van Deursen, Vince; Schmehl, Roland

doi:10.5194/wes-11-1097-2026

Articles | Volume 11, issue 3

https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1097-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1097-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 11, issue 3

Research article

|

02 Apr 2026

Research article |

| 02 Apr 2026

Translational dynamics of bridled kites: a reduced-order model in the course reference frame

Oriol Cayon, Vince van Deursen, and Roland Schmehl

Data sets

Kite power flight data acquired on 8 October 2019 M. Schelbergen et al. https://doi.org/10.4121/19376174.V1

Kitepower flight data acquired on 27 November 2023 O. Cayon et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14237421

Model code and software

Code for reproducing the results of: Translational Dynamics of Bridled Kites: A Reduced-Order Model in the Course Reference Frame O. Cayon https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18247634

Short summary

Kites can generate renewable energy by flying crosswind, but their motion is difficult to describe accurately and efficiently. This study develops a simplified model that captures how kites move through the air using a reduced number of parameters. The model was validated with flight data and provides a clearer understanding of kite motion, supporting the design of improved control strategies and energy generation.