> thinking that sailplanes could be used for commercial transport is almost like thinking that wave surfing could be used as such. We will sooner see some big r

> thinking that sailplanes could be used for commercial transport is almost like thinking that wave surfing could be used as such. We will sooner see some big return of airships than we will see commercial transport using gliders. I have been watching with interest the advance of traction kites in commercial shipping. The description of Airseas's implementation[0] resembles dynamic soaring but details are wanting: > “What differentiates it from other wind solutions,” says Bernatets, “is that the wing is not just pulled by the wind and countered by the ship.” Instead, it flies in figure-of-eight loops, which multiply the pulling effect of the airflow to give what he calls “crazy power.” Whether or not it is caused by dynamic soaring, it is true that such kites pull much harder in the same wind while turning and a figure 8 pattern would maximize that without twisting up the lines. My understanding is that the incentives don't encourage the traction kites' installation because the owners of the boats don't pay for fuel. Perhaps that friction can be overcome as the fuel costs continue to rise. [0] https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/travel/airseas-giant-kites-ships-slash-carbon-emissions-scn-climate-spc/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/travel/airseas-giant-kites-sh...