The history of kites is quite interesting. It is speculated that about 1000 BC , kites first appeared in China (there is no physical evidence to back that up). Soon kites were used in other countries such as Korea, Japan, the Pacific Islands, and into south Asia. The purposes they served were practical such as fishing, signaling, and also for some religious functions.



Kites could be fashioned to have lights or noise makers attached. The kite was the real beginning of the flying age. Because the kite could “fly" for long periods of time, it was used in the research of aircraft makeup. Without the kite mankind never would have invented the flying machine. In 1899, the Wright brothers launched experiments with a specially designed kite to test their system of control.

Kites came to be known in Europe through explorers. The Italian explorer, Marco Polo, documented accounts of how kites were made and flown. Asia and Europe seemed to differ in the purpose of the kite. In Asia, kites were used for practical purposes and in Europe it seems they were used as children’s toys.

By 1749, though, kites were used in scientific experiments. Such experiments as measuring temperatures at different altitudes, and Ben Franklin used a kite in an experiment with lightning. In the late 1700’s Sir George Cayley used kites to work on aerodynamic experiments. There were many ideas involving kites, though, of course, not all of these ideas were useful.

Studying the history of kites, lead us to the fact that the kite was the real starting point of flying machines that were heavier than air. Kite designs were experimented with by many scientists. Eventually, in 1903, the Wright brothers were successful in getting an aeroplane of their own design to fly. However, without the study of the kite, it never would have been possible.