Photo Cervia, Italy

Four Diamonds 1993
each diamond: 180 x 90 cm
total size: 402 x 202 cm
tail: 30 metres
Weight: 3 kg

Windspeed 11mph+ Blackheath 23/08/2020

Exhibited 'Ritter Eisen Drachen' 1996 in Hattingen, Germany

Notes...

Yellow fibreglass frame, ends taped 20/03/2019, mistake given tube tolerance... removed as necessary. Instead, 15mm lengths of white fibreglass plus PVA inserted into all open ends as reinforcement. 16/12/2020
Longest spar 158cm. Check link lines...
Flown at Blackheath 31st March 2019, not enough wind when attempted at Berck

Title amended from Composite Kite (Della Porta): Four rhomboids 1993 to Four Diamonds 1993 on 14th June 2023.

Reframed in Exel rods February/March 2025.

Blog notes 31st March 2019:-
I hoped to test fly some of the JMH kites today and started with the Composite Kite (Della Porta): Four rhomboids 1993. Not knowing this format of kite (same as Composite Kite (Della Porta): 4 squares) I was anxious to find a way to manage the bridle initially and then move the kite to a safe launch point. The kite is 4 metres tall, so I positioned the kite at right angles to the flying line stake point and sorted the bridle with the 'comb' that Jørgen had fitted. Then with a 'helper' on the line I gradually walked the kite into the wind window turning it upright up to the point that it was ready to launch. The frame of the kite which is somewhat flexible was supported by the bridle at all times. The kite launched and flew very well!

First flight, Blackheath 31st March 2019

Flown as found in strong breeze. The bridle was quite severely adjusted and was taken back to the 'original' state at Cervia for the lighter breeze! Thanks to Uwe Gryzbeck for the practical advice.

The yellow fibreglass tubes which were disintergrating had been replaced at some point with Exel rods, internally and externally ferruled.

For some reason this had not been documented. It was great to get the kite in the air again.

The JMH Four Diamonds had a new frame which had not been tested previously. There was a slight issue with the outer ferrules as the fibre glass cannot take harsh treatment and has been sanded down and consolidated after Cervia.

The kite flew beautifully after a slightly nervous hand held moment at launch. The long tail was successfully launched from the bag.

The kite was flown alongside the Parafoil from 1992.

All 12 of the chromed steel D rings were replaced with 2.5mm stainless steel rod.

The bridle ring was also replaced, all as at 11th December 2020.

It is quite difficult to see how long the bridle line really are from these images! Today the kite was flown on 40m of 4mm braided polyester line which has considerable stretch under tension.

23rd August 2020, Note: The bridle ring is rusty and should be replaced soonest. The end caps need to be assessed as rust is breaking through the chrome. The upper sail connecting lines need attention/shortening maybe?

Hands on preparation for launch, all bridle lines taught...

Initial preparation...

With Delta and Rokkaku 1991

With Parafoil 1991