An airborne wind energy conversion system with a ground generator and unorthodox power capture or transfer means, including such embodiments as: a system with an ultra-long flexible wing, which serves both for power harvesting and power transfer; a system with a tethered wing, the tether having an airfoil cross section in at least a substantial part of its length and participating in power harvesting; a system with a very long semi-circular wing, harvesting and transferring wind power by its helical motion; a system in which a conventional wing both harvests wind power and excites waves in the tether, the waves transferring the power.