Airtab
Safety, Stability & Savings
Airtabs ® are pattented, uniqued wishbone shaped vortex generators designed to increase vehicle aerodynamic performance and fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic pressure drag at two key locations; the tractor-trailer gap and the rear facing surface (the base area) of any commercial or private square backed vehicle or trailer that routinely attains highway speeds. Drag reduction and fuel economy benefits from Airtab ® application is not limited to commercial vehicle operations. Airtabs ® enhance aerodynamic performance equally well on trucks, trailers, cube vans, rigid trucks, delivery vans, 4x4s, people carriers, RVs, buses, horseboxes, towing trailers, caravans and tankers. The results may vary somewhat with vehicle type but the aerodynamic theory and principles are the same for all.
What are Airtabs ®?
Airtab ® is a product designed to reduce fuel consumption by altering, controlling and smoothing air flow around a vehicle.
Airtabs ® have been developed into a user friendly and attractive product that can be fitted on most vehicles simply and quickly. They have been designed by aerodynamic experts to give optimum performance.
Airtabs ® are unique Vortex Generators. They are small, lightweight and are made from Automotive grade polymer which can be painted if required. Each Airtab ® is fitted with Grade ‘A’ Automotive adhesive tape, offering an easy ‘peel and stick’ application.
Over the past few years Airtab ® has been tested and proven over millions of road miles worldwide. Enduring extremes of climatic conditions they have proved to be durable; long lasting and maintenance free.
Airtab ® is one of only 64 products that has been inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for the products that have crossed over from Space exploration to civilian use.
How Airtabs ® Work
Each Airtab ® produces two counter rotating vortices, each approximately 4 to 5 times the height of the Airtab ® and several feet in length. These tight swirls of air “bridge the gap” between tractor and trailer and let the air flow more smoothly away from the vehicle.
Rear of Vehicle
Airtab ® helps to reduce this drag by spinning the air as it leaves the rear of the vehicle. Each vortex last several feet in length, keeping the airflow controlled and restricting it from becoming turbulent. This allows the vehicle to move forward more easily as it encounters less drag. The result is a reduction in required energy (fuel) to maintain the required speed.
The example above (left) cleary shows the airflow and high drag areas around an unfitted unit. The example above (right) clearly shows that Airtabs ® target and reduce drag at two locations: the gap between tractor/trailer and rear end of the trailer.
Airtab ® reduces drag at the rear of the vehicle by changing the dominant flow pattern from vertical to horizontal. Airtabs ® change the airflow from the alternating formation of large vertical eddies to a line of dozens of small vigorous horizontal ones. This reduces vehicle sway, improves stability in gusty cross wind conditions and increases fuel economy. By altering airflow in this manner.
The average savings made by Airtab ® fitted to a tractor unit is currently 3.11%* which is on truck travelling 80,000 miles per year equates in monetary terms to £1492. This gives an unprecedented payback time of just under 10 weeks.
Imagine multiplying these savings by fleets of 20, 50 or 100 trucks?
* Savings based on £1.14 per litre excluding VAT. Data supplied by customers already using Airtab ®
Airtab ® Results
- Operators are reporting significant fuel savings of between 3-5% annually, on trucks, trailers, vans, car and caravan combinations.*
- Drivers report handling improvements in the stability of the trailer.
- Increase driver safety with stability including visabilty to the rear of the vehicle in wet conditions.
- Airtabs ® help keep the rear of your vehicle cleaner as a result of smoothing the airflow. Therefore, less dirt and grime is stirred up and the tail lights remain clean longer.
- Users can enhance their ‘Green Credentials’ as a result if fitting Airtab ®, as any reduction in fuel used has a direct relationship with reductions in carbon emissions. For example a 3% fuel saving means a 3% reduction in carbon produced.
* The quoted fuel savings do not constitute any guarantee of performance; however genuinely indicative of what may, and has been achieved. Aerodynamic drag becomes a significant factor over 40mph, vehicles used in urban areas may therefore not achieve such results. Results will vary dependent on fitment configuration and type of use. Typically vehicles using a higher percentage of motorway, dual carriageway ad national speed limit roads would see most benefit.