Aerodynamic Evaluations of the 1980 F-Series Light and Medium Trucks and the 1978 CL-9000 Heavy Truck

For 75 years the automobile industry has primarily responded to consumer demands regarding vehicle design, performance, fuel economy, cost, comfort, safety and option availability. Consumers are now demonstrating a preference in the market place for fuel efficient vehicles in all market segments from subcompacts to luxury cars, pickups, vans, medium and heavy duty trucks. Government mandated fuel economy requirements for automobiles and light duty trucks are also adding impetus to the industry's initiative to improve fuel economy. At Ford Motor Company aerodynamic drag reduction is an active partner in improving fuel economy and aerodynamic features are integrated into the design of every new Ford car and truck.

This report presents the aerodynamic features of the new generation of Ford trucks: the 1978 CL-9000 heavy truck and the 1980 F150 light and the F-600 medium trucks. The wind tunnel test methods and models are also summarized.