Systems and methods are disclosed for implanting a dual-kite aerial vehicle including a first kite apparatus, a second kite apparatus, and a tether extending between the first and second kite apparatuses. In particular, the disclosed systems include a first kite apparatus including a first flight controller that maintains flight at a first altitude. The disclosed system further includes a second kite apparatus including a second flight controller that maintains flight at a second altitude. The flight controllers can cooperatively maintain a gradient air movement between the first and second altitudes by extending or retracting the tether to modify a difference in the air movements between the first and second kite apparatuses. The systems described herein additionally include components for generating electrical energy from the gradient air movement to extend a flight time of the dual-kite aerial vehicle.