Airtabs

Whilst manufacturers have made significant progress in the streamlining of vehicle fronts, the rear of the body has, on the whole, remained unchanged. Air rushes down the sides and over the roof of a moving vehicle.

At the rear, the air from the sides rolls across the back of the vehicle. The air leaving the roof at the rear also rolls down the back. The result is a high degree of turbulence, which acts as drag pulling back the vehicle. The only way to overcome and compensate for this is to use more energy(fuel).

Airtab helps to reduce this drag effect by spinning the air as it leaves the rear of the vehicle. Each vortex lasts 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 technical and practical advantages of Airtab have been recognised by both NASA and the Space Foundation and the product was inducted into the Space Technology “Hall of Fame” in 2009, one of only 64 products worldwide to achieve this accolade.

This area is a significant contributor to aerodynamic drag. If fitted, Air Dams and Skirts on tractor units can improve airflow, but due to operational requirements it is impossible to close the gap completely. Even with the most sophisticated aerodynamic kits an amount of air finds its way into the gap causing drag.

Airtab works on standard truck units, and in concert with air deflector kits if fitted. Positioned down the rear edges and across the top of the cab or deflector, Airtab lifts and spins the air significantly bridging the gap between truck and trailer. This reduces the turbulent air between the two so less drag is created resulting in a reduction of energy(fuel) to maintain the required speed.