INNOVATION 28 October 2015 Litespeed’s expertise of titanium fabrication led to a collaboration with NASA’s jet propulsion lab to produce the landing gear for the Mars rover “Curiosity.”
TECHNOLOGY
AeroLogic Windp pt to capture "free speed" in carbon road bicycle design, Litespeed created the principle of AeroLogic. AeroLogic is the incorporation of aerodynamic elements into frame design without the penalty of excess weight.
AeroLogic is not just another decal on the frame. It represents multiple years of thoughtful planning and development. During the summer of 2010, Litespeed's C-series aero road design was tested and validated in Charlotte's A2 wind tunnel. Furthermore, recent articles in mainstream magazines such as Triathlete Magazine have further confirmed that so-called Aero road bikes display a significant aerodynamic advantage over their non-aero, round tube counterparts.
There are several AeroLogic features incorporated into the design of each frame in the Litespeed Archon C-series.
Integrated seat mast (C1R model) has an aero trailing edge and is lighter in weight than traditional seat post and clamp
Adjustable aero seat post (C1,C3, and after market) is more aerodynamic than traditional round seat post
Unique shrouded water bottle mount
All tube cross sections are tuned to be functionally efficient and aero where possible
Morphed shaping of seat stays-functionally aero when possible
Proprietary carbon fork is bladed and bowed to allow clean airflow over front wheel
The bottom line is this-according to our time in the A2 wind tunnel, the styling of the C-series reduces the average aero wattage by over 20 watts, as compared to a standard, non-aero bike. That is a 16% advantage across all yaw angles. That translates into a huge savings in rider energy solely based on frame design. That is the aerodynamic equivalent of adding an expensive, aero race wheel set. Minus the cost, of course... Now that is AeroLogic.
LITESPEED INGENUITY LANDS CURIOSITY ON MARS
Chattanooga, TN (August 2012) — Along with observers across the country, the engineering team at Litespeed cheered the successful landing of NASA's Mars Rover, Curiosity, when it touched down just before midnight this past Sunday night. The legendary Chattanooga-based bicycle manufacturer — long known for their ability to craft and form titanium tubing — was instrumental in the fabrication of the framework that supports the combined wheels.
Unlike its predecessors, Curiosity utilized its wheels as landing gear rather than airbags when a rocket-powered descent lowered it directly onto the Martian surface via a tether on Sunday; the maneuver had been dubbed the "Seven Minutes of Terror" by media and NASA engineers for the precarious and thrilling nature of the throttle from 13,000 mph at atmosphere entry to surface descent.
In addition, the new precision landing gear allowed NASA to practically pinpoint a site compared to previous explorations. And, Curiosity's titanium rocker-bogie suspension system will prevent it from tipping while navigating the rocky terrain during its anticipated 668 day visit. Independent six-wheel drive and cleats provide traction. Curiosity can also swerve and turn in place a full 360 degrees.
"We absolutely could not pass up the chance to work on this project," noted American Bicycle Group's CEO Peter Hurley.
"It's been truly inspirational to have played a part in a project of such importance to our nation's space program. And, I'm exceedingly proud of my team, both for their daily commitment to engineering and building the best bikes in the world but also for their willingness and enthusiasm to accept challenges of this magnitude."
In 2013, American Bicycle Group introduced a fully re-vamped titanium line of bicycles, the T-Series, fabricated in the same manufacturing facility, with the same technology, as the Curiosity gear supplied by Litespeed. American Bicycle Group's products have been honored with both the coveted EuroBike Design Award and Triathlon America's Most Innovative Product Award.
