How did Otto Lilienthal use aeroplane kites in his flight experiments?

In the 1890s, German aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal utilized "aeroplane" kites as part of his aeronautical research. During this period, he experimented with these designs and became the first person to soar in one of his kites in a manner consistent with modern hang-gliding.1

These experiments were a practical extension of his rigorous scientific studies into the forces acting on wings in a stream of air. By applying the physical principles he gathered, Lilienthal transitioned from theoretical research to the construction and piloting of various glider types. His work, which included approximately 2,000 flights, provided foundational data on wing performance that proved essential for later aviation pioneers, including the Wright brothers.23