Materials for the Calspan/Chrysler Research Safety Vehicle (RSV)

The objective of the Research Safety Vehicle (RSV) program was to provide research and test data applicable to the automobile safety performance requirements for the mid-1980s and to evaluate the compatibility of those requirements with environmental policies, efficient energy utilization and consumer economic considerations. It was recognized that factors extending well beyond a strict consideration of safety were to be investigated in the performance of the program. Although protection of vehicle occupants and pedestrians was a major concern, the RSV was to be an efficient vehicle in the transportation system. It was clear that the RSV had to include careful consideration of energy, environmental and economic factors in order to provide valid and meaningful data to support Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for the mid-1980s. Consequently, materials for the RSV were selected not only because of their ability to provide the desired physical performance but also because they could do it at a minimum cost in terms of resource depletion and energy requirements both during manufacture and throughout the car's life.