Skysails has validated a parafoil-furling method based on internal draw-lines; the functional basis for masthead furlng of its ship-kite. The loose bundle is further reduced in volume by an entry cone structure at the deck, to fully stow the kite in its locker.

A plausibly more effective method of reducing the parafoil volume is to "vacuum" out the air with a small blower. The blower would also inflate the wing again, possibly better than passive ram-air alone. Internal blowing might be a basis for drying a kite while packed. A very large parafoil aloft could be reduced to its true minimal volume, for an ultra-low aero-force coefficient.

• CC BY NC SA     ~Dave Santos        5Nov2013              Discuss at:  airbornewindenergy10600

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  • A releasing agent might be needed for part surfaces to prevent plastic-pressed sticking of part to part. The length of time of the pack might play into this challenge. Research is recommended on such packing before safety-critical use is made of such "vacuum packing" of canopies.     ~ JoeF      Nov. 5, 2013
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