These flat fronts are a drag
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A VEHICLE with a flat fronted body 3.7m high absorbed as much power at 9.14 tonnes as an identical chassis with flat platform bodywork grossing 16.26 tonnes — an increase of more than 75 per cent. This was discovered by Perkins Engines Ltd during tests with a vehicle running at its maximum geared road speed of 90km/h.
The trials were carried out on a Dodge K1050 powered by a Perkins 6.354 engine.
Perkins' investigations into wind drag effects on performance and fuel economy are now being extended with the addition of a high York Freightmaster van to the experimental department's fleet of semi-trailers based at Peterborough.
*In Imperial terms the figures are 12ft 1 in high, 9 and 16 tons gross respectively—and 90 km/h — 56mph.