DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOW CONCEPT
The BOW is the result of more than 3 years of research by the Legaignoux brothers
Noting that the 4-line kites and Quick releases developed in 1999 and 2000 do not solve 100% the safety problems, they decide as from October 2001 to explore another way: obtaining a larger opening of the profile in the gusts should make it possible to avoid a number of accidents.
They then test some bridles on the leading edge of 4-line C-shape kites to allow the wing to more depower but in counterpart they turn badly and their bar is heavy.
In early 2002, to help the wing to turn, they modify a Free Air 8.9, give it some sweep by sewing triangular creases in the sail and they add bridles on the leading edge. The tests on water prove to be promising but especially they understand, or rather remember cause Dominique had already thought of it, that putting sweep allows to flatten a wing. The BOW concept was born and the Legaignoux will consequently stick as much to flatten the wing as to obtain 100% depower.
