The Origins of the Aptera Shape... 25 Years Ago!

[c0mp13x]

While the current Typ-1 Aptera shape looks quite modern and futuristic, the ground work for this aerodynamic study was developed over 25 years ago.

In 1983, the design team of Leisha Peterson and Kelly Londry developed a aerodynamic vehicle for use as a 4 person recumbent bicycle. They called their vehicle the Pegasus Fusion and it utilized 3 wheels and a slick, almost dolphin-like shell to contain its riders. The rear profile in particular has a striking resemblance to the Aptera.

Pegasus Fusion HPV (http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/misc/londry/default.htm)


But the Aptera team was not the only one to borrow from this pioneering aerodynamic research. In 1992, a MIT team of students developed a solar powered vehicle called the Aztec to compete in the American Tour de Sol. This electric vehicle derived much of its shape from the Pegasus Fusion, and obviously influenced the design of the Aptera including outboard front wheels to increase stability.

MIT Aztec (http://web.mit.edu/solar-cars/www/flash/vehicles/aztec.shtml)

EVA/DC restores the MIT Aztec (http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/dc-2010-eva-dc-displays-tasty-home-brewed-electric-car-collecti/)


The 1984 Pegasus Fusion
http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/misc/londry/fusion_5.jpg

:D

[IanO]

Indeed. I think these earlier designs are both mentioned on Aptera's Wikipedia page (though Wikipedia doesn't have such a nice image; do you know the copyright on that one?). The big differences are due to rated speed. The earlier designs only needed to go up to 30 mph, so could bring the wheels inboard due to relaxed cornering requirements. For better cornering at highway speeds, Aptera needed to widen the track by moving the front wheels outboard.

[gg222]

Looks like an Aptera but it's a bike.

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/misc/londry/default.htm


http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/misc/londry/fusion_5_sm.jpg

[appyfan]

Interesting! I wonder this was a source of inspiration for Appy's design?

[c0mp13x]

Here's some more info: Origins of the Aptera Shape (http://www.apteraforum.com/showthread.php?t=258)

:)

[ApteraStorm]

Indeed. I think these earlier designs are both mentioned on Aptera's Wikipedia page (though Wikipedia doesn't have such a nice image; do you know the copyright on that one?). The big differences are due to rated speed. The earlier designs only needed to go up to 30 mph, so could bring the wheels inboard due to relaxed cornering requirements. For better cornering at highway speeds, Aptera needed to widen the track by moving the front wheels outboard.

Bringing the wheels out... is that because it only has 3 wheels? Because I was just cut off on the freeway today by some squid in a 4x4 that seemed like it was 10 feet tall... you know, the kind with the huge tires that you practically have to climb a ladder to get into. I held my breath as he whipped around the freeway entrance ramp, but it seems like these tall vehicles have no problem with the standard wheel widths.