The White Falcon - 29.10.1993, Blaðsíða 4

Base proves ideal testing ground for new tires
Story and photos by
J03 (SW) Andreas Walter
What better place to test a new snow and
ice tire than Iceland? This was the case last
week when the Dunlop Tire Company con-
ducted a week-long series of performance
and handling tests on one of the Naval Air
Station (NAS) Kcflavik’s aircraft parking
areas known as the “hot cargo ramp”.
come to Iceland for testing of this scale. We
are currently traveling around the world to
test the tires in as many snow and ice condi-
tions as possible, including New Zealand,”
said Eduard Ditzel, Senior Test Department
Manager, and company spokesman at the
event. “The tire is an evolution of a winter tire
that Dunlop already sells.”
After a few days of testing and course set-
up, the company held an official press con-
ference on Monday. The opportunity al-
lowed journalists from mainland Europe to
leant the merits of the
new tire first hand, as well
as drive some of the test-
bed vehicles. Following
the indoor press confer-
ence, which included
computerized data dis-
plays, the group moved
trackside where the first
of the test drivers piloted
the cars around a pre-
cisely marked course on
the 950,000 square foot
pad. In order to simulate
the lack of steering con-
trol known as hydroplan-
ing, the technicians had
One of the test vehicles enters the hydroplaning area at speed.
In addition to using the wide open, flat
surface offered by the ramp, the company
hoped to use the opportunity to earn pub-
liciity by taking the test vehicles on Langj okull
Glacier. Last minute scheming by the Ice-
landic weather forced the company to put the
idea on the backbumer.
To accomplish its objectives, the company
imported a fleet of 15 Mercedes Benz and
Volkswagon automobiles from Germany,
along with 20 technicians and support equip-
ment.
“This is the first time that our company has
The first group of observers included nearly
30 journalists from Europe.
The technicians worked quickly between runs
to change the tires for comparison tests.
set up a 20-meter long “puddle”. An NAS
Fire Department truck was positioned to
provide a continuous flow of water to the test
area.
Dunlop has been working on developing
this tire for close to one year and saw Iceland
as the perfect country to put its technology to
the test. “We had a well-performing winter
tread on the market, but as with any product
a company must continuously refine am
improve on their existing technology to sur-
vive,” said Ditzel.
According to company officials, the tire
achieves superior traction through a combi-
nation of ‘negative space’, or large water-
dispersing grooves and a soft compound.
They proved this by taking the same car,
fitted with comparison tires, around the track,
under identical conditions. The end result
was a tighter turn and less slippage by the car
as it exited the flooded area.
Dunlop will continue testing for a few days
before departing from windswept Iceland.
Energy Conservation Week observed basewide
By CEC (SCW) A. J. Lampman
Energy Conservation Week was observed
on the base last week with a variety of events
to raise everybody’s awareness. Fliers and
posters were placed throughout Naval Air
Station Keflavik. The posters, made by ele-
mentary school students, were judged on
creativity and originality.
The events included a tour of the Sudumes
Regional Heating Corporation’s geothermal
power facility on Saturday. The tour gave
people a chance to learn about one of the most
unique methods of utilizing a nonpolluting
source of heat and electricity.
In this time of military drawdowns and
reductions in government spending, it is vital
that we all do our part to reduce our use of
energy. Turn off lights when you leave a
room. Keep office and home temperatures in
the 65 to 70 degree range. Wash and dry only
full loads of clothes. Use cold water for
washing whenever possible. Other methods
include: improving insulation and weather-
stripping in buildings, using energy efficient
appliances or equipment and keeping present
equipment in good working odrder.
Energy conservation is something that
everyone can help with, because it helps the
budget and the environment If you would
like more inf carnation or have any sugges-
tions, please call CEC Jim Lampman or CE1
Vince Robinson at ext. 7497.
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The White Falcon