Anybody see these on the road yet? (Transport trailer add-on taper)

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Shepherd777

The next one below is the one I have been currently building since 2009. It should be ready for initial testing next month.





The SuperTruck is the current prototype being built. The FutureTruck is a possible next-generation version if we get (a lot) of funding. All the air gaps between the tractor and the trailer and the complete perimeter ground effects are dynamic and are shown in their deployed state.

The SuperTruck will have a different boat-tail design than shown here. That one in the CFD screen-shot is 3 years old. Also, the SuperTruck prototype has full skirts on the tractor, unlike the old SolidWorks model shown above.

Wonderful, I've been dreaming of stuff like this for 30 years, came up with this particular concept below about 20 years ago, made the clay truck model about 10 years ago.

Industrial Design pictures by kach22i - Photobucket




Not being a truck driver, but having grown up near the busiest truck intersection in the world I was very concerned about visibility in tight urban areas.

The helicopter influenced design (+ some Ferrari Testarossa - no side vanes in clay model) has been collecting dust for quite a while. The twin radiators I had in mind, plus the driver in a car-like seating position may not pass the test, but this was all for fun.

I'll admit to having a childhood memory of something pre-Luigi Colani perhaps in the back of my mind from the mid-1970's, but I've never been able to find my muse again, so it was not copied in any way.

I've drawn things similar to Shepherd777's design, but just cannot get past the visibility thing (to see the front corners). Then again, I suppose it's no worse than an old long hood Peterbilt, right?

[Frank Lee]

I recall seeing a truck concept in Popular Mechanics in the '70s (possibly early '80s) where the entire cab and running gear were UNDER the box trailer. Seemed like the way to go to me, but for some reason maybe not; haven't seen anything like it since.

[kach22i]

About the same era, I remember a low seating position cab, engine behind it and maybe under the trailer.

I forget how the air was to be directed over the cab, but I do remember the chill I got when I thought about all that mass behind the driver when he hits a car or other object. Crumple zone truck driver, kind of scary.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Yeah, I still don't get how adding frontal area is supposed to help.

Apparently, it does though.

It's not a half-assed design, it's designing within practical limits.

[kach22i]

On the topic of aero mods to the front verses the back, all of us template worshipers agree that it's the back half which counts most.

However improvements to the front, especially if they work, which may increase sales and "get people thinking" are also "good things". At least in my opinion.

I look at my work ten years ago and see that I did nothing to the trailer box, I looked only at the front. I credit this forum within the past year for opening my eyes to the error of my ways.

EDIT-1:
This might be a good reason for a longer nose/frontal area.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-ae...strations.html

[kach22i]

Someone in another forum just posted this after seeing my clay truck - fairly similar?

MORE random pics...... - Page 1977 - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[kach22i]

More information, and the last image (unrelated?) should get Frank Lee's attention.

The Highwayman (TV Series 1987)
IMDb - The Highwayman (TV Series 1987)

Series starring a big high-tech 18-wheeler. The driver, the title's 'Highwayman' was one of a team of federal marshals empowered to right wrongs "where ordinary laws do not reach" - and to haul special cargo. The truck was heavily armed, and had a cab that turned into a helicopter for quick escapes. Written by Mike McCluskey <figaro1@bc.sympatico.ca>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Highwayman_(TV_series)

Original channel NBC
Original run September 20, 1987 – May 6, 1988

I did not own a TV then, was full time working for an architect, and full time night school. I'll see if I can find a DVD of the movie they made.

A little Truck ID game or Trivia if you Will

[kach22i]

More stuff.

MORE random pics...... - Page 1977 - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

Originally Posted by Tony Z

From what I remember of the show there were a few different trucks, each with its own special design.
The lead truck's cab was actually part of a helicopter which would raise up and fly off leaving the truck behind....
hey, I was young and that was cool. Cooler than Airwolf!!!

more pics






Here the copter is "launching"

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by Shepherd777

The top one on the magazine covers is the first one I built in 1983.



The next one below is the one I have been currently building since 2009. It should be ready for initial testing next month.





The SuperTruck is the current prototype being built. The FutureTruck is a possible next-generation version if we get (a lot) of funding. All the air gaps between the tractor and the trailer and the complete perimeter ground effects are dynamic and are shown in their deployed state.

The SuperTruck will have a different boat-tail design than shown here. That one in the CFD screen-shot is 3 years old. Also, the SuperTruck prototype has full skirts on the tractor, unlike the old SolidWorks model shown above.

Future Truck would still benefit from a Kamm-Backed rear end, vs. the Bubble Butt it has now. I see that you say the tail is an old design, so perhaps you already have something better in place.
Very Cool! Lots of people have ideas, and will ramble about them, not many people follow through and do anything with those ideas.
To the OP, I have seen two, both with side skirts, and both between Atlanta and Jacksonville. My friends and I are kind of into aerodynamic trailers .


EDIT:
Shepheard, I don't suppose you have a "modification by modification" breakdown with improvement values for each, would you? Also, do you happen to have a copy (digital preferred, pictures fine, for sharing's sake) of those articles would you? Thanks!

[PaleMelanesian]

I saw this a couple months ago. Hard to see at this angle, but it also had smooth hubcaps and big single tires on the tractor.