Xtrac showcases advanced motorsport technology to MOD

Innovative vehicle components with applications beyond motorsport were presented by transmission technology specialist Xtrac at a special Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) conference held at Twickenham Stadium today.

Xtrac was part of a group from the Motorsport Industry Association specially invited to showcase its advanced technology and world-class design capabilities to hundreds of Ministry of Defence engineers and scientists in attendance. The influential MOD conference had been encouraged by Lord Drayson to focus on the importance of rapid technical innovation as exemplified by the motorsport industry.

MIA CEO Chris Aylett and Bloodhound SSC’s Richard Noble both addressed the conference on ‘The Need For Speed’ underlining the industry’s exceptional ability for rapid product development and meeting almost impossible deadlines each race weekend. The MOD agreed to allow MIA members this unique opportunity to showcase its products, enabling its engineers to consider the motorsport industry’s renowned pace of development and ability to pursue innovative and speedy solutions.

For defence engineers with responsibility for designing vehicles with robust off road performance, Xtrac presented its ‘522’ super heavy duty differential. This special axle unit is designed for both front and rear drive applications, typically for cross country or rally raid vehicles, and is of a type that would be highly suitable for use in light armoured vehicles. The oil system and universal mountings allow the differential to operate in virtually any orientation, which combined with its high quality and low cost make this product ideal for a wide variety of endurance type events. The unit builds on the company’s distinguished record for reliability and performance in the famous Dakar rally raid event.

Other Xtrac components presented to the MOD engineers included a ‘622’ high precision rack and pinion steering assembly. With years of experience supplying F1 teams, Xtrac has designed its own range of steering rack assemblies, built to a similar high specification, which can be used in other high performance vehicle applications. The advanced design incorporates fully ground gears, a rack extension of titanium or steel and high specification bushes. The rack and pinion is contained in single housing of lightweight magnesium.

The MOD engineers also had the opportunity to study Xtrac’s ‘420’ in-car gear lever designed as a low cost solution for use with its sequential gearboxes. The lever supports universal installation, and is designed to link to gearboxes installed in the front or rear of the vehicle, with the linkage mounted above or below the transmission tunnel. Included with the lever is a reverse gear detent lift handle. The lever is offered in two versions, a basic specification for manual shifts, and a power shift version with micro switches to provide an input signal to the ECU. Value engineered to meet strict cost constraints, this lever offers high quality at a cost effective price.

Established for 25 years, Xtrac is a world leader in the design and manufacture of gearboxes, differentials and driveline components, which are used throughout motorsport and in particular within Formula One, IRL, Baja, Touring Cars, Rallying, A1GP, Dakar and other forms of sportscar racing including a major involvement in the Le Mans 24 hours. Increasingly, demand for Xtrac’s advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities has come from other transport sectors to help design and develop new and innovative products.

“The MOD engineers were keen to learn about the UK’s multi-billion pound motorsport industry and its advanced engineering skills,” said Xtrac development director Cliff Hawkins. “Our ability to innovate and do so quickly are among the qualities needed by the MOD to help develop new military vehicles. Our skill set is transferrable and increasingly sought after by the aerospace, automotive, defence and marine sectors as they seek to step up the pace and develop new products a lot faster.”
Further information on Xtrac is available at xtrac.com. Further information on the MIA is available at the-mia.com.