The University of Liverpool Team (ULV Team), established in 2013, set a new British land speed record for the fastest human-powered vehicle, reaching 75mph with the ARION1 in September 2015. The Team has been proceeding at pace with the ARION2, thanks to generous support from principal sponsor Rathbone Investment Management, and it is currently on track to surpass the 2015 achievements when they return to Battle Mountain, Nevada, in September.
The responsibility for bringing a design through its life cycle was a new experience for the students involved, but is a key component of the School’s teaching. The ULV Team have improved their skillset by working in the university’s workshop, and with external engineering companies, which has been invaluable for their practical skills and growth as professional engineers.
ULV Team and ARION1 in Nevada, 2015
Rob McKenzie is Team Leader for the ARION2, and says that competitive spirit informs the team’s drive for engineering excellence.
He said: “The bike has to be as perfect as possible to be a world-record contender, and if one part of the machine lets you down it will affect the speed you get. I have to be a really strong and sometimes strict team leader, as we need to achieve perfection. We are working to tight timescales, so getting things done, accurately and on time, is a huge responsibility.”
Michael Head, Sponsorship Manager, explained how the project requires students to strengthen many skills, from negotiation to technical presentation.
He said: “We have to communicate our technical requirements to a range of companies, and see if they can supply us with components or materials, as well as setting up professional relationships with businesses, as our resources are limited, to see if they are willing to get behind us and support our ambition.”
ARION1 in Nevada, 2015
Being part of the ULV Team – one of several “Capstone Projects” (alongside Formula Student and a series of industry-based projects) – has provided excellent experience for alumni as they embark on their engineering careers. Former team leader, Benjamin Hogan, now works for Dyson as a graduate design engineer; while former deputy team leader, Bill Wilkinson, is a mechanical engineer at Crossrail.
There have been some key design changes in the development of the ARION2, incorporating a front wheel drive system, as well as larger wheels and a removable seat. It is becoming a lighter, faster bike, with optimised internal components.
ULV Team is currently looking for a logistics sponsor, to enable the ULV Team and ARION2 to reach Nevada in September; and for a venue to test-run this year’s vehicle over the summer.
ARION1 preparing to race in Nevada, 2015
The team recently gave a presentation about the ARION project in Liverpool for the Merseyside and North Wales Region. Nikki Barker, Regional Secretary, sang the praises of the team for a presentation that was not only technically explicit but also engaged the audience with insights of the pilots’ athleticism, training and mishaps along the way.
She said: “Engineers and cycle enthusiasts alike learnt lots, asked many questions and had the opportunity to see inside the ARION1 shell. The Region would like to wish the team all the best in September and hope that members across the county may be able to assist with the team’s need for logistical and testing support.”
ULV Team have also addressed Institution members in Preston and attended the Advanced Engineering Show in Birmingham, where Rob McKenzie presented to 100 composite experts, who showed great enthusiasm for the project.
When their final exams are over this summer, the team will remain at the University of Liverpool to complete the ARION2, and then the test runs and intricacies of driver training continue, to optimise their chances of breaking the world record. Contact the team via email at ulvteam@gmail.com.
Find out more about the ULV Team
Read how the team broke the British record in Battle Mountain, Nevada, 2015.
Follow the team on Twitter.
Visit the team's YouTube Channel.