• Question: The Bloodhound SSC has little plane like wings. Can you explain to me why these are needed on the car?

    Asked by hermione to Louise, Michaela, Sian, Steve, Yvette on 15 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Louise Johnson

      Louise Johnson answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      I don’t know, but I’d guess they are to keep it on the ground! I know racecars often have them for that reason.

    • Photo: Michaela Livingstone

      Michaela Livingstone answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      The wings actually push the car down to keep in on the ground, rather than taking off like a plane!

    • Photo: Yvette Wilson

      Yvette Wilson answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      not sure! probably to make the air flow better around the vehicle or reduce friction or keep it on the ground like f1 cars?

    • Photo: Steven Kiddle

      Steven Kiddle answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      For the same reason that fast cars have spoilers, a good example is a formula one car, that is to increase the grip the vehicle has on the road. Grip can be helpful to increase stability, safety and turning. It may also be that these wings make the car pass through the air more easily, increasing speed.

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