Early U.S. Airborne Wind Energy Research (1970s-1980s)
The first major wave of airborne wind energy research emerged in the United States during the 1970s energy crisis. Miles Loyd published foundational work on crosswind kite power in 1980, calculating the theoretical energy potential of tethered wings flying perpendicular to the wind. Several research programs explored high-altitude wind capture.
Falling oil prices in the mid-1980s eliminated funding, and no significant installations resulted from the research.
Loyd's theoretical work became the foundation for all modern airborne wind systems, including Makani's crosswind kites and SAWES's ducted turbines.
Airborne wind energy has seen multiple boom-bust cycles tied to energy prices and funding cycles. SAWES's progress comes amid sustained Chinese clean energy investment regardless of short-term economics—a structural advantage over funding-dependent Western research.