How feasible would gliders or the like be on a flat plain, with no cliffs to launch from?

How effective or possible would flying machines that are not powered by a machine be on a flat plain?

I have a setting where much of the world is a relatively flat grassland, and the people have no magic. The inhabitants of this grassland are nomads, living in wagons ans almost always travailing. I would like to have them observe the surrounding area from a height, checking for dangers like other groups who might attack, as well as natural predators, and so they can find needed supplies like water, or wood from farther away. Would technology like gliders, wing suits, or really anything be possible to build and operate for a short length of time, as well as being small enough to be carried by a nomadic culture? Would it be possible to launch these from the top of a wagon, if no naturally high ground was close by? The technology level is roughly that of the Renaissance. I imagine hot air balloons would work, but could something like a glider or wing suit, if there was enough wind?

posted over 4 years ago

AlexT‭

6 reputation 2 0 1 0