NASA Aerodynamics prototype

I wonder how those aerodyne wings worked....if they worked...

 

It must have rollers on the ends of the skirts that are touching the sides of trailer and some kind of springs on the insides of them to keep them from going to the front of trailer and getting smashed when truck straitens out?

 

Bungees !

 

Somebody inside must've sold the plans to Paccar

 

They called that the football helmet!! Wasn’t a big seller. My Dad almost bought one. Glad I talked him out of it. I’d say NASA is on a tight budget. I’d hate to drive that thing, unless it can fly. Lol.

 

I've read somewhere that NASA was involved in the development of the Peterbilt 372. That truck was probably one of the prototype test trucks. That same photo popped up on an ATHS thread about the 372.

Allegedly it saw double digit fuel economy with mechanical engines.

@KANSAS TRANSIT might know a few things about these trucks.

 

l can't get over the hi speed bi/ ply tires it has on it?

 

I have seen that pic several times over the years, truth is, I have no idea behind it, maybe a joint venture between Pete and NASA? Back then, and as far as I know even today NASA has the largest wind tunnel in the world. Looks like they used a 352 so this would predate the 372 by several years, maybe a decade or so. Only thing I always thought odd about that pic was the "double" windshield" looks like it was fashioned very quickly/cheaply, always wished Pete would have spent a bit more time on a true wraparound windshield on the 372, it's the one feature on that truck that I really don't care for, with 4 window panels it's like you are behind bars. I have contacted a company about trying to do a one piece wraparound for mine when it comes time to pull the cab off, we'll see.