Kites and the Naval Service

Sir, – In "Naval Service to broaden horizons by flying kites" (July 27th), it is mentioned that the normal visual range to the horizon is 200 nautical miles (approximately 230 miles). That is possible but only if the viewer is at an elevation similar to the top of Mount Everest, at approximately 29,000 feet. That's some crow's nest! – Yours, etc,

BRIAN ROBINSON,

Daingean,

Co Offaly.

Sir, – Unless a kite is equipped with technology which can “see” over the horizon, the prospects of monitoring a vessel 3,450 miles distant are bleak. To visually see the horizon 3,450 miles distant, not alone would you need good eyesight, you would need to be 7,935,000 feet above sea level! – Yours, etc,

PETER LYNCH

Dublin 16.