Astatic Trans skid simulato
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• Astatic Cars has launched the latest generation of its Skidmaster driver training vel des, based on a Ford Transit panel van.
The Transit features an im proved version of the skid simulation system introduced by the company on Ford Fies tas (CM 2 June 1988) which allows the rear wheels to be steered independently, repro. ducing at low speed the effec of a skidding vehicle.
Astatic is demonstrating th van to interested parties, largely the emergency services, and hopes the system may be adopted as part of a training course by companies concerned about the level of skill among their drivers.
Of interest to operators of heavier trucks, Astatic plans fit its system to a larger rigid chassis (aimed partly at the fi services), and is also thinking of extending the concept to a articulated vehicle.
A brief trial demonstrated the appeal and effectiveness c Skidmaster, with the vehicle understeering, oversteering c drifting at the command of th. instructor's hand-held control unit; it can also simulate loss steering control in conditions where the brakes have locke4 By using the existing steer ing gear, the latest system flu ted to the Transit retains all the sensations of the original vehicle.
This contrasts to the earlie design used on the Fiestas which utilised a purely electri al connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels, giving a light and arti cial feel to the driver which c be disconcerting when first ei countered.