Peter Powell (kite)

"For other individuals using the same name, see Peter Powell"

In 1972, Peter Powell developed a steerable kite, using dual lines. Early Peter Powell kites had spars made of aluminium tubing - later ones had glass fibre spars. Most came with blue plastic sails (although other colours were available) and all Peter Powell kites came with a long, hollow plastic tail that was inflated by the wind. The tail added stability as well as looking good when performing stunts.

Peter Powell won the silver diploma for his kite at the Exhibition of New Inventions and Techniques in Geneva in 1975. In 1976, the Peter Powell kite was elected toy of the year by the British Association of Toy Retailers. Millions of kites were sold and flying steerable kites became a craze in the mid-70's in the UK. The popularity of all types of multiple-line kite flying today can be attributed directly to Peter Powell's development of a modern, dual line kite.

External links

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ilove/years/1976/toys1.shtml Article and interview with Peter Powell (video) on bbc.co.uk]

See also

* Kite flying
* Stunt kite
* Windsport
* Kite types
* Kite applications