In 1752, Benjamin Franklin published an account of a kite experiment to prove that

lightning was caused by electricity.

Kites were also instrumental in the research of the Wright brothers, and others, as
they developed the first airplane in the late 1800s. Several different designs of
man-lifting kites were developed. The period from 1860 to about 1910 became the
European "golden age of kiting".[25]

In the 20th century, many new kite designs are developed. These included Eddy's
tailless diamond, the tetrahedral kite, the Rogallo wing, the sled kite, the
parafoil, and power kites.[26] Kites were used for scientific purposes, especially
in meteorology, aeronautics, wireless communications and photography. The Rogallo
wing was adapted for stunt kites and hang gliding and the parafoil was adapted for
parachuting and paragliding.

The rapid development of mechanically powered aircraft diminished interest in

kites. World War II saw a limited use of kites for military purposes (survival
radio, Focke Achgelis Fa 330, military radio antenna kites).

Kites are now mostly used for recreation. Lightweight synthetic materials (ripstop
nylon, plastic film, carbon fiber tube and rod) are used for kite making. Synthetic
rope and cord (nylon, polyethylene, kevlar and dyneema) are used as bridle and kite
line.

Materials

Sparless styrofoam kites

Designs often emulate flying insects, birds, and other beasts, both real and
mythical. The finest Chinese kites are made from split bamboo (usually golden
bamboo), covered with silk, and hand painted. On larger kites, clever hinges and
latches allow the kite to be disassembled and compactly folded for storage or
transport. Cheaper mass-produced kites are often made from printed polyester rather
than silk.

Tails are used for some single-line kite designs to keep the kite's nose pointing
into the wind. Spinners and spinsocks can be attached to the flying line for visual
effect. There are rotating wind socks which spin like a turbine. On large display
kites these tails, spinners and spinsocks can be 50 feet (15 m) long or more.

Modern aerobatic kites use two or four lines to allow fine control of the kite's
angle to the wind. Traction kites may have an additional line to de-power the kite
and quick-release mechanisms to disengage flyer and kite in an emergency.