July this year saw the formal opening of Schuberth's new climate testing and aerodynamics/ aeroacoustics wind tunnel equipped design and engineering centre at Magdeburg in Germany.
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| Schuberth's 12m long wind tunnel at their new Magdeburg R&D centre can generate wind speeds of up to 190km/h |
Schuberth was the world’s first helmet manufacturer to use its own wind tunnel for the development of motorcycle helmets, and having expanded their Braunschweig facility to capacity over the past three decades, this latest upgrade brings all their research and development activities together under one roof for the first time.
At the time CEO Jan-Christian Becker said that "it is only logical to integrate our wind tunnel into the state-of-the-art Magdeburg plant. In the spirit of keeping distances short and communication flowing, development and production belong under one and the same roof".
When specifying the new facility the company used the occasion to further modernise the installation and add a climate testing facility. "We have of course already done some research into the influence of the air temperature and humidity on the climate within the helmet in the past and gained useful insights", explained Dr. Thomas Hagemeier, Head of the new Schuberth Air & Acoustics Lab. "But the new climate testing facility allows us to conduct systematic and simultaneous research and development of all criteria relevant to the comfort and active safety of our helmets".
The wind tunnel is 12 metres long, with 120 kW of engine power and a 1.6 metre axial flow fan that allows it to generate wind speeds of up to 190 km/h. The measuring station can be extended from 1.5 to 3.9 metres, allowing the company to test motorbikes and Formula-1 racing cars.
In motorcycle helmet terms one of the first new products to benefit from the investment is their new E1 combination touring flip-up and off-road riding design. Described by the company as "the first specialised helmet for riders of travel enduros and adventure bikes", the glove-friendly chin bar is easily unlocked and flipped, along with the visor and the peak.
The visor is scratch-resistant and free of distortions, provides UV protection and is equipped with a tool-free, easy-change anti-fog screen. For glare protection, there is an easily deployed lower edge lever operated scratch-resistant sun visor with integral 80% tint.
Schuberth says that the wind tunnel research has resulted in a design that is suitable for use at high speeds with low aerodynamic drag. A spoiler ensures that the helmet does not create lift, and the aerodynamic shape is also said to make it very quiet. The peak has three different positions to adjust it to different requirements of off-road and street use. A complex system of ducts in the inner shell and three independently controlled ventilation circuits deliver advanced ventilation.
The external glass fibre shell is reinforced by the thermosetting matrix manufacturing technique, and the inner EPS has different degrees of hardness. Safety is further enhanced by the Anti-Roll-Off-System (A.R.O.S.). The removable, washable and quick drying anti-bacterial, breathable interior trim is certified to the Oeko-Tex 100 standard.
The E1 features two pre-installed antennas for optimum Bluetooth and FM radio reception, even at high speed. These antennas are prepared for installation of the optional SRC-System, which is fully integrated into the helmet for wireless communication with the pillion and other riders, as well as hands-free smartphone talking, listening to music and GPS use. The helmet is expected to be available in the spring of 2016.
SCHUBERTH GmbH
www.schuberth.com
