Can a prone car be made practical?

[GasSavers_maximilian]

I have always been fascinated by prone submarines and aircraft and was wondering if a "real" prone car could somehow work (as opposed to the tech demonstration cars I've seen employing it). Seems like visibility would be tough, but aerodynamically it's promising. Not well suited for multiple passengers or those with any mobility issues, that's for sure!

[theclencher]

The ultimate wheeled aero vehicles configurations can probably be found in soap box derby cars. Solar cars have good Cds too, but not vs non-solar apps.

Check out the pics of the skate cars and stuff:

http://www.geocities.com/sk8sanjose/luge.html

[GasSavers_maximilian]

I was thinking of those college 3000 mpg cars and solar cars, but soapbox derby cars make total sense!

[R.I.D.E.]

The visibility of a F16 cockpit is superb and the aero would be good as well.
The record for one of those college cars is actually 10,000 MPG. Guiness about 5 years ago.

regards
badger

[GasSavers_maximilian]

10,000? Wow! Hadn't been keeping track. F-16 is reclined (30 degrees apparently), not prone, right? Only a few prone planes were ever made (for g-forces not so much aerodynamics). A highly tilted seat would be interesting: a recumbent car! I guess the same principles applying to reclining could go towards prone, tilted at an angle to raise the head above the body for visibility.

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by maximilian

A highly tilted seat would be interesting: a recumbent car! I guess the same principles applying to reclining could go towards prone, tilted at an angle to raise the head above the body for visibility.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Hmmm...I had something a bit more radical than relaxed in mind!