We have 6 cars in the Sunswift fleet, who are all assigned to UHF channel 14. Their names and roles are as follows (and travel southbound in this order):
Scout aka ‘The Gopher’
Scout is responsible for ‘scouting’ ahead of the fleet for road obstacles and potential overtaking manoeuvres. Scout also tends to floor it ahead of control stops to scout for petrol stations so that the fleet can get refuelled and out of the control stop in the 30 minutes given by the regulations. Scout is quick and nimble and gets tasked with acquiring anything the fleet needs at a moments notice.
Lead aka ‘The Toolbox’
Lead has the tilter-trailer (the rig we use to attach the array onto and tilt towards the sun to charge the batteries – this tilting provides a massive boost in power after we have to top at 5pm each day to set up camp). Lead is responsible for calling oncoming traffic, and its presence required by regulations. It provides a controlled buffer between the solar car and the rest of the Stuart Highway. In addition they carry our generator and a lot of the toolboxes we need for camp.
Solar Car aka ‘The Pretty One’
You’ve seen the pictures and will see many more as internet connectivity improves. Our drivers are Clara and Alex, and have the arduous task of driving the solar car upwards of 70km/h on a highway in 30+ degree heat. Some air comes in to keep the car cool, but if too much did it would increase the drag of the solar car – which ultimately would mean they would be driving for longer to reach Adelaide.
Control aka ‘The Master of Ceremonies’
Aside from having the job of ensuring the solar car’s safety, Control direct the car at every movement. All radio communications goes the Control and they run the show. In addition our strategy guys are housed in the back of Control and provide the optimum speed for the solar car to travel at, taking into consideration sunlight, weather, topography, battery charge, amongst other things. They monitor the telemetry systems to make sure everything inside the solar car is working as it should be, from the motor controller temperature to the tyre pressure, Control monitors it all.
Trailer aka ‘The Suitcase’
Trailer carries our trailer for transporting IVy, but also fills the important role of calling overtaking vehicles. It’s important that Control know there is a car wanting to overtake, and having Trailer 500m behind Control allows for some time to make sure it is safe. Trailer also carries all our swags, luggage and spare tyres.
Cavalry aka The Cavalry.
Sam, Tim and Scotty are affectionately called the Cavalry as this is the most appropriate name we could think of. They are not technically part of Sunswift’s WSC ’09 team however they travel along with us and provide advice and assistance with things like safety procedures. Tom and Scotty have both been on WSC ’07 and so having their experience around is invaluable. And Sam is just generally awesome to have around.
That’s it for now folks. I’ll try get a few more “Better Know a World Solar Challenge” posts up before the end of the race.
Posted by: Caitlin Trethewy
