Did you know?

That aerodynamically, a race car operates as an aeroplane in reverse?

For the motoring experts among you, you’ll no doubt be aware that an F1 car produces an incredible amount of downforce.

In fact, an F1 car produces enough downforce that, theoretically, it could overcome gravity and race upside-down along a ceiling.

Striking a balance between downforce and drag levels is crucial to gaining that competitive edge so it’s no wonder that racing teams commit a huge amount of R&D resource to improving their cars' aerodynamic performance.

 

Motorsport and its aerodynamics experts

For the successful motorsport team, there’s huge potential for financial reward. To attain success and be the best is, as we know, highly competitive. It’s therefore true to say that motorsport engineers are some of the world's most advanced aerodynamicists. 

There are obvious synergies between motorsport and aerospace. Many aerospace companies frequently turn to motorsport to provide aerodynamic design assistance. Similarly, race teams look to aerospace for assistance such as the use of wind tunnels for testing - in the case of F1 teams, shifts run on an almost 24/7 basis. Motorsport is also at the forefront of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and hardware development.

 

Aerodynamics is a key performance differentiator in motorsport and wind tunnel use is commonplace

Manufacturing similarities between aerospace and motorsport

Manufacturing demands for both industries are alike. Top-end motorsport habitually uses aerospace-grade metals and advanced metrological inspection. This means that many motorsport firms have the ISO accreditation necessary for aerospace supply.

Over 80% of an F1 car's volume is made from composite materials; its advanced use in aerodynamic and structural components has been the norm for over two decades. For some companies this has enabled a crossover into aerospace.

 

Wind tunnel model of Lola's IndyCar proposal, with a Voodoo UAV in the background	BAE Systems Mantis UAS	Thales Watchkeeper

 

The MIA - helping to effectuate diversification

The MIA continues to help its members see where there is the potential for both industries to benefit from the cross pollination of ideas.

 

Upcoming activities

Our events calendar is updated regularly with new activities and events that we are hosting under our Motorsport to Aerospace Programme.

For more information please contact Helen Jones
on +44 (0)2476 692 600 or email helen.jones@the-mia.com