A unique design, visionary function and remarkably low fuel consumption are all features of the aero-dynamic bulk tankers prototype developed, together with star designer Luigi Colani, by the Spitzer bulk tanker factory in Elztal-Dallau. The sponsors of this forward-looking project also include Corus Aluminium Rolled Products in Koblenz.

Even as the Spitzer-Colani bulk tanker was on its way from the factory in Elztal-Dallau to the IAA 2002 commercial vehicle trade fair there were a few drivers who could hardly believe their eyes when they met it on the motorway. The same went for many passersby en route, and of course for the trade fair visitors in Hanover, where the vehicle was being presented to the public on the occasion of the trade fair and the 50th anniversary of the founding of Spitzer Silo-Fahrzeugwerke GmbH. The reactions were hardly surprising, considering the futuristic design and unique aerodynamic form of the innovative prototype are eye-catching even from a distance. 

Project manager Tabea Ludwig explains more about what the Spitzer-Colani bulk transporter involves: "It was our aim to develop a new kind of bulk tanker that would, firstly, be unique in design and visionary in function, but would also have an aerodynamic shape to reduce fuel consumption."
Indeed there has not yet been anything that looks at all like it, and it is already possible to report impressive fuel consumption figures. Tabea Ludwig had the following to add: "Our initial test results indi-cate that we are on the right track. We achieved a fuel consumption of about 20.9 litres over 100 km at the Bosch test track in Boxberg, and this is significantly less than the consumption of conventional vehicles."

She pointed out that the basis of this state-of- the-art prototype vehicle is the DB Actros Mega Space articulated road train, with its wheelbase of 3,600 mm and long driver's cab, and by the type SK 2760 CAL tippe truck.

Tank constructed entirely of aluminium
Like all the containers for powdered or gran-ulated bulk goods used for Spitzer vehicles, the tank on the Spitzer-Colani bulk tanker is made entirely of aluminium, allowing the total weight to be significantly reduced. The fairing that offers such low wind-resistance consists of a variety of materials, amongst which poly-ester, carbon-fibre and aluminium play the most important roles. The support of spon-sors, including Corus Aluminium Rolled Products, was vital to the project. The Koblenz factory provided aluminium plate for a number of individual parts.

Further Information:
u.berndsen@corusgroup.com