The BOW is the result of more than 3 years of research by the Legaignoux brothers Noting that the 4-line kites and Quick releases developed in 1999 and 2000 do not solve 100% the safety problems. Feb 2002 The first Bow kite is a modified Free Air 8.9| DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOW CONCEPT The BOW is the result of more than 3 years of research by the Legaignoux brothers Noting that the 4-line kites and Quick releases developed in 1999 and 2000 do not solve 100% the safety problems, they decide as from October 2001 to explore another way: obtaining a larger opening of the profile in the gusts should make it possible to avoid a number of accidents. They then test some bridles on the leading edge of 4-line C-shape kites to allow the wing to more depower but in counterpart they turn badly and their bar is heavy. In early 2002, to help the wing to turn, they modify a Free Air 8.9, give it some sweep by sewing triangular creases in the sail and they add bridles on the leading edge. The tests on water prove to be promising but especially they understand, or rather remember cause Dominique had already thought of it, that putting sweep allows to flatten a wing. The BOW concept was born and the Legaignoux will consequently stick as much to flatten the wing as to obtain 100% depower. Photo # 1 Feb 2002 The first Bow kite is a modified Free Air 8.9 Photo # 2 Feb 2002 You can see here the different modifications (cut TE and tips, sweep seams) Photo # 3 Feb 2003 Dominique and Bruno setting up a modified 2-lines kite Photo # 4 Feb 2003 Check the different shapes of the tips. The leading edge has been re-worked on one side Photo # 5 Feb 2003 First 12.0 designed byTakoon. The defects are visible Photo # 6 Feb 2003 First 12.0 designed byTakoon. The leading edge is not flat enough Photo # 7 Feb 2003 First 12.0 designed byTakoon. Test with low pressure leading edge. It clearly flattens Photo # 8 Apr 2003 2nd 12.0 proto tested in the french Alps with the Takoon team Photo # 9 Jun 2003 The same proto tested in Greece by Bruno Photo # 10 Jun 2003 The same proto with the tips modified in order to keep the trailing edge better tightened Photo # 11 Jul 2003 3.0 proto with outline and bridle close to the 2005 Bows Photo # 12 Jul 2003 3.0 proto: still much of work to be done on the software to obtain a wing without defects Photo # 13 Aug 2003 Dominique and Bruno testing a new proto with a new bridle Photo # 14 Aug 2003 This proto a deep V-shape viewed from top Photo # 15 Novembre 2003 New 12.0: notice the dull colors of most protos, to be less visible in the sky Photo # 16 Jan 2004 One more 12.0 proto. Still some design defects due to the software Photo # 17 Apr 2004 This 12.0 is almost perfect. Now looking at the best location for the bridle tow points Photo # 18 Apr 2004 The Legaignoux’ brothers at work Photo # 19 Apr 2004 Bruno testing Photo # 20 Aug 2004 12.0 proto with 9 struts Photo # 21 Oct 2004 The last proto before disclosure of the concept at the Paris Boat Show Photo # 22 Aug 2005 The Nova by Takoon Photo # 23 Apr 2005 Cabrinha proto Photo # 24 May 2005 The Crossbow by Cabrinha © 2005 Diamond White – Created: 12 October 2005
