Iveco’s engineering division and fuel-saving specialist Aerodyne have developed a range of air management kits to reduce drag when Stralis tractor units are operating with tall trailers.
The air kit is available in two sizes and can be adjusted telescopically, with the smaller of the two systems designed for trailers between 4.08m and 4.28m tall, and a second larger kit for trailers between 4.22m and 4.7m. They have been developed by Aerodyne using 3D CAD software and CNC Machining technology, and built at its headquarters in Bourne, Lincolnshire.
The air kits are made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and come as standard in white, but can be supplied in other colours to suit a customer’s own livery. They are suitable for fitment to all tractor units with a Stralis Hi-Way cab and can be ordered via the manufacturer’s dealer network on new vehicles, and for fitment to existing models.
Calculations carried out with a Stralis plated at 44 tonnes - but typically part-laden - with a 4.6m double-deck trailer showed that aerodynamic drag becomes the number one factor affecting fuel consumption at 50mph. With the Aerodyne air kit fitted, it is estimated the aerodynamic drag co-efficient can be reduced by 25%, helping significantly improve fuel consumption.
Iveco UK and Ireland business director Stuart Webster said: “As increasing numbers of fleets turn to double-deck trailers to maximise load fill, finding ways to minimise aerodynamic drag becomes even more important. Our engineers have worked closely with Aerodyne to equip Stralis with the ultimate cab-to-trailer aerodynamic package when operating with very tall trailers.”
Aerodyne MD Ryan Kingston said: “In a typical operation, the return on investment for the air kit could be less than six months, plus it has the potential to save nearly 10 tonnes of CO2 every year, through improved fuel efficiency. If an operator is regularly running with double-deck or very tall trailers, that’s a convincing argument. We’re expecting significant interest from Stralis operators.”
