aeroflex

Fuel Savings:

Add the Gap Fairing for up to 9.5% total fuel savings.

Freight Wing pioneered the unique wedged geometry and low coverage design that is now widely acknowledged as the ultimate in aerodynamic skirting performance. The wedged shape provides more consistent on road fuel savings as it does a better job of redirecting airflow around the sliding tandem in multiple positions. The low effective coverage of the unit is also critical in providing optimal aerodynamics.

The Aeroflex has been proven in the industry standard SAE/TMC J1321 type II procedure to save 7.45% at 62 MPH. This result is available for review on the Freight Wing testing results page. As we know that no single aerodynamic test is 100% conclusive in measuring exact fuel savings, we have gone out of our way to prove again and again the effectiveness of our skirting products. We have participated in multiple SAE J1321 testing projects with leading fleets as well as large scale, road testing projects that have shown consistent results in the 5-7% area.

We have also utilized extensive wind tunnel data to perfect and prove the aerodynamic performance. Wind tunnel data can be especially valuable in comparing different fairing configurations under identical conditions as the external weather and wind conditions that cause variations in J1321 track testing are eliminated. Go to our testing page to review a summary of a recent ground breaking comparative wind tunnel evaluation of competing commercial skirting products.

Durability:

Drag test over 17" concrete blocks demonstrate the flexibility and durability of the AeroFlex

We fully understand that if your fairings will not stand up to the punishment of the road, the fuel savings are meaningless. With this in mind, Freight Wing spent years of prototype testing to develop the ultimate and still the only fully flexible skirting. Unlike other fiberglass composite panel skirts that will crack, break, or delaminate upon repeated impacts, the firm but supple Aeroflex advanced polymer TPO plastic panels will easily absorb day after day of regular abuse without damage. View our impact test video for a detailed view of the impact resistance capabilities of the Aeroflex.

What also makes the Aeroflex so durable is the proprietary panel mounting system and flexible braces. These are highly engineered components that are tuned to work with the special properties of the plastic panels. This system provides articulation at the top panel as well as the bottom and top strut connections. All of this works together to provide the best protection from both side and upwards clearance impacts. Some other units do an adequate job of providing some limited side impact protection, but for the more common clearance impacts that push the panels straight up (ramped docks, railroad tracks, etc.), no competitor comes close to matching the capabilities of the Aeroflex fairing.

Other advantages of the angled configuration of the Aeroflex is that it greatly contributes to avoiding side impact situations to begin with as the fairing is set inside from the base rail. This inside angle set up also enables intermodal lift points to be accessed without causing damage to the skirt.

**It happens – not a problem for the Aeroflex…

Installation and Maintenance:

How can you be sure that Aeroflex will be the right solution for your trailers? Because our design team doesn't just sit behind a desk. We have personally installed and tracked performance on hundreds of units on all trailer types. Our expertise runs from the trailer factory to the fleet shop floor.

Installation of the Aeroflex is quick and easy, but tailored to the functionality, weight, and safety of your vehicle. All of the materials on the Aeroflex are 100% recyclable and friendly to work with. No hazard of skin irritation or need of breathing protection as often needed when working with fiberglass composite sheet.

Maintenance of the Aeroflex is simple and most potential problems are avoided by its virtually indestructible construction. The only maintenance typically required is periodic inspection to make sure all the fasteners and components are properly attached. In the event of a severe impact or under ride, the only component likely to need replacement is the flexible fiberglass strut that is designed to be the failure point, as it is inexpensive and easy to replace. Even in this damage scenario to the strut, the panels remain intact and the struts do not break completely, which prevents almost any situation that would require a road call or taking a trailer out of service until it would be convenient to repair. This maintenance plan is far superior to other units that would typically require full side panel and brace replacements for severe impacts. Also, in the unlikely event that an Aeroflex panel would need replacement, the panels come in 3 modular sections for easy shipping and replacement which is far easier than a full side replacement required from other one-panel designs.

Improvements:

The Aeroflex is not a product rushed to market to capitalize on the growing popularity of trailer aerodynamics. This product established this trend through thoughtful design and careful evaluation of thousands of units placed into fleet operation over the past two years. Through close work with our fleet partners and high mileage fleet trials, we have made substantial improvements to provide an even greater value than ever.

Most important is the introduction of the high quality TPO polymer panels that feature a very low coefficient of thermal expansion while retaining the same tough resistance to impact damage as the previous polyethylene panels. This ensures that the panels will sit flat on the trailer and work seamlessly with our patent pending expansion joint system. We also now provide the white TPO panels with a flat finish that keeps the fairing much cleaner and looking great. Other component upgrades have been introduced to improve longevity and ease of installation and maintenance. All these improvements are designed to give fleets the longest lasting, best performing skirting option on the market. We have kept the same low price through relentless work on improving efficiencies with our industry leading suppliers and partners.

Specifications: