Ford's new system takes wind tunnel testing on tour - https://t.co/K020WdSF5i pic.twitter.com/zvVNKaiyqD
— Gizmag (@gizmag) May 9, 2016
Ford had a problem. Its full-sized aerodynamics laboratories cost about $50 million each, and while they are outfitted with the latest and most sensitive measuring and testing equipment, the expense meant there were only a few such testing facilities to handle both models in development, and production vehicles gearing up for launch.
The result was automotive triage.
Assembly plants located around the country had to ship out vehicles for testing, and wait weeks for the results.
So, Ford innovated a solution: the world's first mobile aeroacoustic wind tunnel. Fit neatly inside of two 53-foot shipping containers, the mobile wind tunnel can be assembled and disassembled in hours so that it can make house calls to assembly plants.
Vehicles can be pulled straight off the production line and tested immediately, with immediate feedback for the production team. This allows for a more streamlined process, more testing, better communication, and ultimately, a better product for Ford customers.
"This project was born from a desire to be the best when it comes to controlling and limiting the cabin noise customers are so sensitive to, and our new mobile wind tunnel saves our engineers time and increases productivity," said Bill Gulker, wind noise supervisor at Ford Motor Company. "It's a fine example of the innovation mindset we're trying to incorporate into everything we do."
Come test drive new Ford vehicles for sale in Fort Wayne at Bob Thomas Ford Lincoln North, and see what innovation and attention to quality can do for you.
Categories:
News