A kite balloon combines a lifting gas with active lift structures like wings to fly in all conditions. A good design may solve the common difficulty of flying in light winds, which makes balloon mapping difficult, but still falls short of kite-flying weather. It may also help reduce helium use, and therefore price.

Developments thus far:

* <a href="http://wiki.grassrootsmapping.org/show/HeliumKite">Sled Kite Styles</a>
* <a href="https://groups.google.com/group/grassrootsmapping/browse_thread/thread/d15563d1fc9bfde7#">Configurations for mylar sleeping bags</a>

<a href="http://www.headfullofair.com/2010/09/24/kite-balloon-construction-ideas-with-boston-folks/">ideas for oval kite balloons.</a>

<strong>Materials:</strong>
Mylar and EVOH, because they are gas barriers, unlike HDPE/LDPE  EVOH can be heat seamed.  Mylar must be glued.

EVOH available for sale at <a href="http://balloonkits.com/">balloonkits.com</a>

<a href="http://www.vimeo.com/13440961">Heat Seaming Tutorial</a>

Mylar should be glued with UHU Power Stic according to <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489372">forum discussion on RC Groups.</a>  UHU Power STic doesn't appear to be for sale in the USA, but can be found on Ebay.

Small Commercial Kite balloons:

* <a href="http://www.allsopp.co.uk/">helikite</a>
* <a href="http://www.southernballoonworks.com/balloons/kingfisher-aerostat-wind-capable.html">kingfisher</a>

Tests are occurring at the [Gowanus Canal site](/place/new-york-city):

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/j-who/5381772806/" title="Test III by HudonNoodles, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5381772806_6f22da982d.jpg" width="500" height="386" alt="Test III" /></a>

and in [Lima Peru](/place/lima):

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreywarren/5368696075/" title="&quot;Glometa&quot; ready to fly by jeferonix, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5368696075_3f38a061f3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="&quot;Glometa&quot; ready to fly" /></a>