Sano SSZ

Current AeroStar Auction: Sano SSZ "DYAD" #146-8 ends 7/25/08 @ 1:00 PM PDT.

AeroStar Sportkites is no longer accepting orders for custom kites. If you are interested in acquiring a new AeroStar, a very select number will periodically be auctioned on eBay. For the current auction details, please refer to the News/Updates page!
If your AeroStar is in need of repairs and/or spare parts, support will still be provided -- please call or e-mail for assistance.

Sano SSZ Project

Sano SSZ Overview

What happens to a Sano after extensive time on the treadmill and a steady diet of steamed rice and vegetables? You get the SSZ version! This SUL drops the Sano's weight to an absolute minimum while still enabling the kite to be durable enough for frequent outdoor use.

Prior to fabrication, every design attribute and detail was scrutinized. Small touches like lighter sail reinforcements and hollow standoffs were employed to trim off every last gram. The airframe is comprised of the new Sky Shark II 2PTs along with a P100 spine. This SSZ weighs in at a mere 6.4 ozs (182 grams). In comparison, this is approximately 90 grams lighter than the SS and 40 grams less than the SSL. Sail loading is an impressive 0.67 ozs/ft². Wind range is Indoor - 6 mph.

Make no mistake, the SSZ is simply not a reframed SSL. Rather, this version has an altered aspect ratio, revised bridle geometry and modified ShapeShifter™ defaults. All these changes help extract that last bit of performance from the kite when flown in light breezes. The SSZ also has a "quick change" tail ballast system unique to this version (see details below!).

In flight, the Sano SSZ has the efficiency of a ZeroStar SUL but the trick capabilities are similar to the Sano SSL. “Old school” moves like Side Slides, Axels, 540s and Fades are superb. In addition, more modern tricks like Jacob’s Ladders and Backspins are also possible. For sure, the SSZ is a shining example of a modern day SUL! And like all AeroStars, the Sano is very smooth and responsive on the lines. In other words, this kite literally feels like an extension of your own hands!

The first Sano SSZ.
(Click on thumbnails to see enlarged view.)

Sano SSZ Ballast System

While the Sano SSZ performs admirably without any tail ballast installed, some flyers may appreciate the increased inertia and radical behavior that comes with adding a small amount of weight. For this reason, a custom tail fitting and adjustable ballast system was specially designed for the SSZ.

Since the desired tail fitting was not a readily available part, it was manufactured to specification. To start, an Aluminum spacer was machined on a lathe to remove excess material. Next, the inside of the spacer was threaded using a 1/4-20 NC tap. The completed Aluminum tail fitting has a very thin wall (only 0.030") yet is still strong enough to support the tail of the kite. Even better, this fitting weighs a mere 1 gram making it perfect when flying in the typical "no weight" configuration.

The owner of the SSZ can then add ballast in two stages. A pair of special "low profile" Stainless Steel cap screws and a hex key wrench are provided with the kite. For the "half ballast" mode, one screw is threaded into the Aluminum spacer thereby adding ~3.5 grams. If "full ballast" is preferred, a second screw can then be installed into the opposite end of the spacer to yield ~7 grams. With both screws in place, the total width is only 1" and thus rests flush with the tail Velcro. And yes, on a kite this light, this small amount of weight is very noticeable and useful when tailoring the SSZ to an individual's flying style and current wind conditions.

Some people may say putting this level of customization and work into such a small component is crazy. However, when paying top dollar for a designer built kite, the customer should only expect the best. For sure, this is the design and build philosophy used on all AeroStar kites!

Click on thumbnails to see enlarged view.

In this photo, the excess material has already been machined away from the Aluminum fitting (note the metal chips). The tapping bit is now installed and the threads are ready to be cut. Must say, it was nice to get away from the sewing machine and operate some "manly" heavy equipment for a change!

Here is the completed Aluminum fitting installed into the tail. Note the very thin wall. Also, you can see the threads that have been formed inside the fitting. As pictured, this represents the SSZ in the typical "no weight" configuration.

In this image, a Stainless Steel cap screw has been installed to add ballast. This screw extends exactly half way into the Aluminum fitting. If desired, a second screw can then be added from the opposite side to obtain "full ballast". Very clean look and super easy to adjust!