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A case study on Honda's viking horns

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As the new Honda has been testing with its 'viking horns' for a while now (they were quickly fitted after the launch), it is time to have a closer look at them. While it is now the only car with horns, pictured are also McLaren's version of 2006 and from BMW Sauber in 2007. As is clear in the image, the curvature is more rounded now at the outer extremities while the angle of attack is very neutral, similar to McLaren's item. The aerofoils themselves are aimed to stabilise the car under yaw and pitch, an area where Honda suffered particularly in 2007.

Comments

By Saribro on 05-03-2008 at 01:01

Ahum: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hornet

By ginsu on 05-03-2008 at 08:20

Possibly do you mean \'hornette\' (little horn)?

Also, BMW are still running the viking horns this year. They have a much more complicated shape than show in the picture from last year.

By Steven on 05-03-2008 at 12:35

Yeah sorry guys, I apparently got my wires crossed yesterday. As of now, hornets are replaced by viking horns :D

@ginsu: True, I was just pointing out that the inset is an image of the F1.07

By Ian P. on 05-03-2008 at 21:38

I would really like someone to explain just what the Horns are suppoesd to accomplish.
There is no visible angle of incidence so they are not used to add downforce.
The only thingI can think of is to provide stability to the airflow around the air-box. There is likely to be a significnat difference in airflow around the engine intake depending on whether the throttles are open or closed. The turbulence off the air-box when the driver lifts off entering a corner will likely upset the rear wing.
Has Redbull addressed this same problem by extending the engine cover...???

By humble sabot on 06-03-2008 at 07:38

it helps to deflect some air down to the rear wing as well. or at least that\'s what i believe to be the consensus.

By PNSD on 06-03-2008 at 09:40

Anyone want to explain why BMW ran with huge flaps on theirs when testing the slicks ?? Ill try look for pictures but im sure youll know what I mean!

By smusi on 11-03-2008 at 01:01

Apparently what the viking horns do is clean up the airflow towards the rear of the car, and thus reducing sensitivity.

By gcdugas on 11-03-2008 at 07:10

I noticed that they are about 3\" lower than the BMW or the Mac.

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