 | This article relies on a single source. (May 2026) |
The inflatable single-line kite, developed by Domina Jalbert in the 1960s, was a significant innovation in kite design. Unlike rigid-framed kites, parafoils use ram-air pressure to maintain their aerodynamic shape. Earlier flexible-wing concepts developed by Francis Rogallo anticipated some related aerodynamic principles, but the parafoil design became especially influential in modern foil kites and parachute technology.
Kytoons and balloon kites are inflatable kites. Kites sometimes combine ram-air inflation as well as closed-bladder inflation. The shape is loosely derived from an airfoil with air inlets usually at the front, and a bridle which distributes the tether line loads evenly across the whole base of the kite. These kites have no rigid spars.
The immense strength of synthetic fabrics allows the creation of non-rigid three-dimensional shapes which hold their shape because the pressure of the air inside the kite is slightly higher than the pressure outside.
As with hot air balloons, artistic creativity is often applied, so that fish, cats, and many other animals and characters are depicted. Sizes range from 2 m in length to 65 m. The world's largest kites are inflatable single-line kites designed and made by New Zealand kitemaker Peter Lynn.
