aide automotive ltd are pleased to introduced a new product the range called “Airtabs”!
Airtabs are a revolutionary product to the commercial vehicle market and can on average offer a 2.5% saving on fuel!
Airtabs are patented, unique wishbone shaped vortex generators designed to increase vehicle aerodynamic performance and fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic pressure drag at two key locations; the tractor-trailer gap and the rear facing surface (the base area) of any commercial or private square backed vehicle or trailer that routinely attains highway speeds. Drag reduction and fuel economy benefits from Airtab application is not limited to commercial trucking operations. Airtabs enhance aerodynamic performance equally well on cube vans, straight trucks, expeditors, buses, flat beds and tankers.
The results may vary somewhat with vehicle type but the aerodynamic theory and principles are the same for all.
Airtabs are mounted 3 per linear foot, or every 4 inches on centre. Take the number of feet to be covered and multiply by 3 to give the number of Airtabs required. Airtabs are approximately (in inches) 3.5 wide, 5 long and 1 high.
Each Airtab creates two tight swirls of air or vortices that combine to reduce the suction and drag at the rear of vehicles travelling at speeds above approximately 35 mph or 55kmh. Airtabs are also effective at the rear roof lines of automobiles that have a rear window slope of greater than 30 degrees.
To explain how Airtabs help a truck and trailer, see the two diagrams below:
Diagram 1 shows a truck & trailer without Airtabs and the red areas are where air is creating drag.
Diagram 2 shows a truck & trailer with Airtabs and shows the amount of drag reduced and a controlled airflow.
Airtabs has been tested and trialled to a point where now we are confident of continued fuel savings for the time Airtabs are installed.
Originally developed in the US and tested by NASA, they found them to be the lowest drag vortex generator they had seen. There are several technical papers written on vortex generators and other drag reducing devices, (NASA Recognition Paper) and the Airtab shape was amongst those tested. This is not to imply that NASA endorses Airtabs – they never endorse commercial products.
UK testing has also taken place at Mira and a couple of prominent fleets in the UK have shown the results to be true.
To receive a copy of the Mira report and a UK Fleet report verified by the company owner click on Airtab Reports to request.
