In the nineties, aerodynamics also became a major area of exploration in the design of racing helmets. While in closed-cockpit cars the shape of the helmet shell has no influence on performance, it represents a key aspect in single-seater racing, where the lid is directly exposed to the outside, and can thus adversely affect drag and downforce. Furthermore, there was a growing understanding of how studies on airflows can help the driver’s comfort by introducing solutions for internal ventilation when the visor is closed.
As we told you in the previous episode of the #Bell70 series, the 1989 AFX-1 was a pivotal helmet in our brand’s history, not only because it was the first with a shell made combining Kevlar and fiberglass (co-weave) but also because it introduced vents in the chin bar and top.
In 1991, the evolution continued with the launch of the Vortex, whose name already underscored its mission. This model was the first to include proper aerodynamic elements, such as trip strips and vortex generators, to reduce buffeting. Buffeting is the phenomenon whereby aerodynamic turbulence hitting the helmet, at higher speeds, can generate severe vibration and shaking, even going so far as to compromise the driver’s vision. It becomes clear how serious the problem can be in a Formula 1 race, or even more so in Indy Car ovals, at over 300 kilometers per hour.
In fact, let’s say 320 km/h. A non-random value, because this was the speed for which the Feuling SS, patented and designed by engineer Jim Feuling, was conceived. It was a real revolution, introducing a unique seven-degree flat back design incorporating a front chin gurney and rear wicker gurney. The Feuling SS debuted at the 1993 Indianapolis 500, in which the pole-position lap was sealed at an average of 223.967 mph, or about 360 km/h. Drivers to use it include Al Unser Jr in Indy Car, winner in the brickyard in 1994 by wearing it, but also Michael Schumacher in Formula 1. In 1998, the Feuling II evolution came out.
Meanwhile, in 1996 Bell also rolled out the Vortex Turbo Air, the first racing helmet with high-speed internal fans that direct airflow to the face and shield to ensure comfort and prevent fogging. In 1997 Bell released the Dominator, which combined the know-how gained from the Feuling SS and Vortex into a more compact design, primarily in response to changes in head rest technology designed to improve safety. The 1996 Formula 1 cars, for example, became easily recognizable by the extremely voluminous cockpit side protections, which were extremely detrimental to straight-line speeds, and even engine cooling trough the airscoops. Helmet manufacturers were invited by the teams to do their part. Bell’s decade of aerodynamic innovations was rounded out with the KF1, the first helmet to fully integrate the shield edge into the shell to improve aerodynamic performance.
Along with research and development on aerodynamics, Bell also continued studies on materials. After the co-weave construction – Kevlar and fiberglass – introduced with the earlier AFX-1, the tri-weave material, adding carbon fiber, was launched. This was the beginning for the use in helmets of a material, carbon, that was already widely used in the manufacturing of racing cars due to its strength and light weight qualities since the beginning of the 80s. The Third Millennium was already at the door, with many new challenges ahead.
