Aardwolf did a spendid job of explaining the long range benefits. Let me point out another factor, wave action. We memorized the Beaufort scale to determine wind velocity on the surface. 0 is "sea like a mirror" My chief had us stare at a toilet. "That is sea like a mirror, gentlemen, and flushing same, that is reality." 160' in a rolling sea is a tremendous advantage. Sometimes a rescue unit can be literally on top of a survivor before spotting them. The kite is made of metalized Mylar, same stuff as the birthday balloons. Yes, it is radar reflective.