A couple of questions after re-reading some:
What changes did El Ronnie-O suggest to you?
Did you use any mathematical design criteria for the delta wings, spreader location, leading edge spars, etc?
Most of Ron's help was in evaluating the flight behavior and a few build technique ideas. He showed me several things to watch as it flies that I didn't think to look at that led me to adjust the dimensions and framing to get the balance right. How it glides backwards, how to figure out the right bridle dimensions ,some of the ideas I took from dual lines that weren't necessary and actually complicates the build. Nothing really specific on the design itself except for framing options. I wasn't even sure the design would fly until he hopped in and helped get it up the first time.
I did use some basic rules of thumb starting out though. SPreaders 15-20% from the nose end of the wings along the spine, rear wing 50-75% smaller than the main wing (came from Sauls Barrage kite and the cody) and adjust from there. Pulled in ideas from all over to come up with a rough formula for keel length x width vs wing size, wing dihedral limits and a few other things. AS far as wing shape i just wanted to get kind of a fighter jet outline and the top profile of the f-22 raptor was my inspiration and I tweaked the look from there. I did come up with a way to actually make the wing angle "active" and change with the wind speed and sail pressure instead of just relying on the flex in the rods.
WHen it comes to SLK's really the only limit is your imagination. I've build a lot of SLK's over the years but all simple derivatives of diamonds, standard deltas, sleds or box kites. THis is my first one combining different elements and a take on the "box delta" configuration. All my patterns were measured and drawn out by hand since I still have a lot to learn about how to turn a 3d cad into a flat template.
