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Post by truenorth on Apr 25, 2019 6:59:52 GMT -8
ADVANCED FRONTAL PROTECTION UNITS DEBUT ON CARS AT INDY TEST Mark Robinson Apr 24, 2019 INDIANAPOLIS – The NTT IndyCar Series open test Wednesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway provided the perfect place for sanctioning body INDYCAR to unveil its latest driver safety development, the Advanced Frontal Protection debris deflector. The small titanium piece, bolted on the Dallara chassis centerline of all cars just in front of the cockpit, is designed to push flying debris away from the driver and becomes mandatory on all entries beginning with practice for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and continuing through the rest of the season. The AFP weighs only 2.8 pounds but has passed the same load testing as the Indy car roll hoop that sits behind and above the driver. Explaining the benefits of the AFP on Wednesday morning, INDYCAR President Jay Frye called it the first of several phases that are planned to improve cockpit safety. AFP debris deflector“If a piece (of debris) comes toward the front of the nose, toward the driver,” Frye said, “this will deflect the debris away from the driver.” Frye added that five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon virtually tested an AFP on a racing simulator and had no issues with its implementation. Along with other items on team checklists, the open test served as the chance for drivers to become accustomed visually to the AFP. “It’s something now that’s in front of them that wasn’t there before,” Frye said. “We’re excited to hear what they say. … It’s something they’ll have to get used to, but that’s part of what today is about. “They know why we’re doing it. We’re doing it to help them.” INDYCAR continues work behind the scenes on development of a windscreen. Dixon and Josef Newgarden tested a prototype last year in separate tests at ISM Raceway in Phoenix and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but series technical and safety officials said the windscreen requires further development before it could be implemented. “There’s a cause and effect to everything, so we wanted to make sure we vet it out before we put anything on the car,” Frye said. “That’s kind of what happened last fall with the other piece we were working on at the end. There were some things that didn’t like at the end. “It’s an evolving process; we work on safety every day. (The AFP) is just the next evolution of what we’re doing.” The AFP has been on INDYCAR’s radar since 2012. Including the reinforcements built into the monocoque for support, the entire unit adds less than five pounds in weight. Frye and INDYCAR are sold on its benefits. “We have a very thorough (development) process,” Frye said. “We wouldn’t put it on a car if we weren’t confident it would do what it’s designed to do.” And, Frye added, there’s more to come in regard to cockpit safety … soon. “This will be Phase 1 of our solution,” he said. “Sometime in May, we’ll announce what we’re doing next. “This is Phase 1, it’ll do X. The other things we’re working on will be Y and Z in the process. I wonder what it will do with the car inverted and rubbing along a catch-fence structure?
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Post by truenorth on Apr 26, 2019 13:17:34 GMT -8
The Advanced Frontal Protection device is designed to deflect debris from the driver cockpit area during IndyCar races for the remainder of the season. PHOTO BY CHRIS OWENS | INDYCAR LATEST INDYCAR SAFETY DEVICE RECEIVES MIXED FEEDBACK The biggest complaint with Advanced Frontal Protection is obstructed vision APRIL 25, 2019 The latest safety initiative added to the current Indy car was greeted by the 29 drivers who hit the track in Wednesday’s open test for the Indianapolis 500. But it will take some time for most of those drivers to get used to the device directly in front of their line of vision. That was the general reaction from drivers who experienced minor issues getting acclimated to the Advanced Frontal Protection, or AFP, device that is installed directly in front of the driver in the centerline of the car. It is designed to deflect debris over the cockpit and prevent it from hitting a driver’s helmet. Several racers said the AFP redirected airflow to their helmet, causing a sensation they had not experienced before. “We’ve had some drivers complain of head-buffeting or different forces on the helmet,” IndyCar director of aerodynamic development Tino Belli told Autoweek. “Some of them have already managed to work that out and fixed it. Others are in the process of getting to the bottom of it. “We’ll have a look at it, and I’m sure Honda and Chevy will as well.” Other drivers said the panel causes slight visual issues, but they are confident that over time they will adapt to that. “For sure, it was a visual adjustment,” three-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter said. “You definitely notice it. I’m not having a problem with my helmet -- it’s more the visual aspect because of where it is in your line of sight when you are transitioning your eyes to either side of it, it’s a little distracting. I’m sure the brain will learn how to manage it. It’s the same for everybody. “(But) I don’t think it’s a long-term solution.” Carpenter indicated the high-speed track itself was not where he had the most issues. “I really struggle in the pits,” Carpenter said. “I’m having a really hard time finding my guys. I closed my left eye going down pit lane, and it’s blocking my right eye from seeing all the pit boxes. I really lose all depth perception. “To me, that’s a little concerning because there are a lot of people out there, but I’m sure the eye will adjust. I don’t make the rules, I just live by them. And if that is what they want to do, that is what we will do.” Carpenter said that at certain angles, the AFP is fine, but at others, the device breaks the vision looking over it. “It’s the same for everybody, though,” Carpenter reiterated. Craig Hampson is Sebastien Bourdais’ race engineer at Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser and Sullivan. He is a very strong advocate of enhancing driver protection, and his driver did not experience any visual issues. “Sebastien did not notice it in the slightest,” Hampson said. “I didn’t hear any negative comments whatsoever. I think you are looking so far ahead on the track; I don’t think you are looking straight ahead, so I don’t think it’s going to affect anyone at all. “It’s a matter of acclimating. It’s a good first step. I’m for anything they do to help the situation, but I’m looking forward to having an actual ‘Halo’ bolted to those six bolts that will really give us the kind of protection we need to have in the future.” At 19, Colton Herta is the youngest driver in the NTT IndyCar Series. He is getting used to an Indy car after spending the past two years in Indy Lights. Adding the AFP is just another element of the car he will discover. “I heard some guys said it diverted the wind differently, kind of moving around people's heads, so they had to change up the wickers on the helmet,” Herta said. “I had a little bit of that problem, so we will probably change it a little for the next time we come here. “On a sight thing, you could see perfectly fine. It’s not that big of a deal. Maybe it takes awhile to adjust. The biggest thing I heard from other guys, coming into the box, it's a little different because you’re kind of looking forward instead of looking off to the left like when you're on-track. I didn't feel like it was a problem at all.” Takuma Sato won the 101st Indianapolis 500 in 2017 and believes the AFP is “great progress” toward additional driver protection. “I must say, safety is first,” Sato said. “I think all the R&Ds, experiments, over quite a long time now, I think IndyCar made a great progress. Might not be the perfect scenario today, but I think at least in a week or something, (it's) very strong one before come to the superspeedway, which is very important for all of the drivers. “Of course, it is distracting from the visibility point of view. Better than not to have anything, of course. I think things you just get used to. “First time jumping in the car, I wasn't sure how it is going to be. Out-lap, first few laps, sometimes it was difficult. Imagine, basically you block one eye. Then you go watching an apex on your strong side of the eye, which is broken. So now the brain has to shift to the left eye to see it. “At the same time, you go into the wall, close to the wall, you are usually watching on the right-hand side, but supporting the left-hand eye. Now left-hand eye completely broken by this. “Eventually, we will get used to it, but this is a necessary modification. Compared to the Halo in Europe -- I think it's junior formula here -- I think still there is a step we need to move on. I think IndyCar did a great job for that.” But is it enough? IndyCar officials are working toward a windscreen, but that is not ready to be implemented on the cars as safety testing continues on that project. It probably won’t be ready until 2020. “I don't know, honestly,” Sato said. “In this situation, it's very difficult to predict. But at least it's supposed to be obviously doing a great job when you have a heavy debris coming to the cockpit. I'm sure it's going to work better, of course. “It is interesting today because a lot of drivers feel different airflow coming into the cockpit. I could feel that, too. Some drivers (are) having a little bit helmet lifting or things that come into the cockpit. You can feel the airflow -- it's very different from last year, which is quite interesting. “In a worst-case scenario, if something happened in front, if debris comes, for sure this definitely protect us.”
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Post by mmi16 on Apr 30, 2019 16:34:53 GMT -8
I see it. I hear the engineering speak for the protection it provides.
I don't know that I trust the engineering speak.
If it does what it is claimed to do, it is a head and shoulders better solution than the FIA's Halo, especially with the teams being allowed to make the Halo a aerodynamic device.
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Post by truenorth on May 25, 2019 8:09:35 GMT -8
IndyCar & Red Bull Partner For Aeroscreen Development By SPEED SPORT Staff - May 24, 2019 Red Bull Advanced Technologies is partnering with IndyCar to develop an aeroscreen that will debut in 2020. INDIANAPOLIS – IndyCar has formed a partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies to design an aeroscreen for driver cockpit protection that will be implemented beginning with the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season. The aeroscreen is being developed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies to reduce the risk of driver injury from debris or other objects striking the cockpit area. The driver safety innovation that will encompass the cockpit consists of a ballistic aeroscreen anchored by titanium framework. “Since the first prototypes were developed and demonstrated in 2016, the potential of aeroscreen to improve the safety for drivers in the event of frontal impacts in the cockpit area of cars has been clear,” said Christian Horner, Red Bull Advanced Technologies CEO and Red Bull Racing team principal. “This new partnership with IndyCar gives us at Red Bull Advanced Technologies the go-ahead to fully explore that potential, and to deliver a protection system that will help prevent serious injuries and potentially save lives in the U.S.’ premier single-seater series. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with IndyCar and its drivers to refine and perfect aeroscreen, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results race in 2020.” The Red Bull Advanced Technologies Aeroscreen is the second phase of IndyCar’s objective to further enhance driver safety in the open-cockpit race cars. INDYCAR debuted the Advanced Frontal Protection device for the IndyCar Grand Prix that was held May 10-11 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The AFP is designed to help deflect debris away from the cockpit area and the driver. “This collaborative effort on the aeroscreen between Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Dallara and IndyCar truly exhibits an unrelenting commitment and passion for enhancing driver safety,” IndyCar President Jay Frye said. “We would like to thank everyone at Red Bull Advanced Technologies for creating a design that will be significant in the evolution of motorsports safety, not only for the NTT IndyCar Series but from a global perspective.” The Red Bull Advanced Technologies design will consist of a polycarbonate laminated screen that includes an anti-reflective coating on the interior of the screen, an anti-fogging device through an integral heating element and possibly tear-offs, all of which will be produced by integrated third-party companies. Another feature for the drivers will be a cockpit cooling option that will be designed by Dallara, an IndyCar official supplier, in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The titanium framework will mount in three areas around the cockpit – the chassis centerline, two-rear side mounts and roll hoop integration – to provide enhanced load-bearing capabilities. The load bearing is expected to be 150 kilonewtons (kN), which would equal the FIA load for the Halo design currently used in Formula One. A kilonewton is equal to approximately 225 pounds, which is a force of gravity rating, not static weight or mass. Force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration. Upon completion of the aeroscreen design by Red Bull Advanced Technologies, IndyCar is tentatively planning on-track testing by selected NTT IndyCar Series drivers this summer and the approved aeroscreens delivered to all teams by the fall. “INDYCAR has always been on the forefront of driver safety,” five-time and defending NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing said. “They are constantly looking and evaluating what needs to be done. It’s something they have done throughout history if you look back through the different eras since auto racing started over 100 years ago. The aeroscreen is just the latest effort in continuing INDYCAR’s efforts to enhance driver safety.” The AFP device, a 3-inch-tall titanium component manufactured by Dallara that is positioned in front of the cockpit along the chassis centerline, will be utilized by all teams for the remainder of the NTT IndyCar Series season, including Sunday’s 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Previously, INDYCAR had conducted extensive testing with a windscreen concept developed in conjunction with PPG Aerospace, including on-track sessions in 2018 at ISM Raceway in Phoenix and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The drivers who tested the windscreen did not report any issues, but additional comprehensive testing at PPG’s facility in Huntsville, Alabama, revealed additional work was needed before any implementation. IndyCar was able to utilize the research and on-track testing from this project to provide additional data and information to Red Bull Advanced Technologies for the development of the current design.
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Post by truenorth on Jul 3, 2019 6:35:04 GMT -8
July 02, 2019 10:23 PM UPDATED 56 MINUTES AGO SCOTT DIXON TESTS NEW INDYCAR WINDSCREEN AT DALLARA SIMULATOR The device is a collaboration between Red Bull Advanced Technologies and IndyCar MATT WEAVER Scott Dixon sits in the Dallara simulator prior to testing the 2020 aeroscreen prototype. Following a simulated test of IndyCar’s in-development aeroscreen for next season, Scott Dixon indicated that the league was on the right track with its latest safety initiative. The five-time champion sat in a prototype manufactured by Roush Creative Services at the Dallara simulator on Tuesday in Speedway, Indiana. During his time in the simulator outfitted with the aeroscreen, he turned laps around Texas Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Barber Motorsports Park and the streets of Long Beach. The prototype was not outfitted with the polycarbonate laminated ballistic screen that will be included on the final product but did feature the titanium framework of the device that will enclose the cockpit but include an opening above the driver’s helmet. An additional vane has been added to the outside of the screen to help the tipping point of the car after it hits the wall. Dixon said he experienced no visibility issues with the framework of the device. In fact, he said it was no more prohibitive for visibility than the current Advanced Frontal Protection device used on Indy cars for the past six races. He was also able to climb in and out of the car with no trouble. "The extraction doesn’t seem to be any different than the halo," Dixon said of the Formula 1 deflection device. "That was pretty easy. Visually, there is always the worry about not being able to see the flag stands, but it was actually almost the same as the AFP that we are currently running. "It didn’t really impede my vision." IndyCar also sought Dixon’s feedback on how the aerodynamic properties of the car will change once it gets equipped with the device. Dixon was previously the test driver for two other aeroscreen tests, the most recent in the same simulator in December. "I think every step of the process has been done very well," Dixon said. "It’s not throwing things and seeing what sticks; most of it has been proven previously and getting to this portion on the simulator covers a lot of the bases we’ll see when we get to the real world maybe in 30 or 60 days with the first generation." IndyCar president Jay Frye attended the test with officials from the sanctioning body, Chip Ganassi Racing and Dallara. "The test went just as we thought it would," Frye said. "No hiccups, no issues." The next step will be to physically test a car with the aeroscreen attached in September at Indianapolis. Included on the device will be an integral heating element and tear-offs, all of which will be produced by third-party companies. Another feature for the drivers will be cockpit-cooling ducts designed by Dallara in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The most important takeaway from Tuesday is that Dixon believes drivers will experience no visual impediments due to the windscreen on ovals -- the discipline that sets it apart from other open-wheel divisions globally. "The biggest concern, and it’s a bit of a myth about people talking about the Halo and it not being useful for the Indy car because of line of sight on the ovals," Dixon said. "This design doesn’t impede that. What we have run in the past with the windscreen and how we run the angles and how it applies to the frame, there have been no issues previously. There will be an anti-fog system as well, and that will help. "Distortion and visual are the biggest things a driver looks at to make sure it doesn’t impede your vision or missing the flag stand. Those were all ticked off the list, and there were no issues there."
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kidrybot
Full Member
Dr. Jerry Punch's future son-in-law
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Post by kidrybot on Jul 3, 2019 18:07:54 GMT -8
good bit by autosport here... the halo solution worked in f1 to satisfy for the time being, but IndyCar needed a different solution, and this hybrid is even better than the halo when you get down to it.
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Post by Spin on Jul 6, 2019 18:25:09 GMT -8
I just don't understand the sudden focus on frontal head protection. they've already addressed the problem, we haven't seen any data on whether the problem is solved or not, so they now jump on the halo bandwagon with F1. And we have no data on that either. All to solve a problem that has come up, once in each series in how many years? If you want to make the racing safer, look at the problem that has caused the end of several driver careers (and lives) in the past few years. CATCH FENCING. If you look at Las Vegas, Houston, and Pocono, the catastrophic injuries were caused by the rapid forces when the cars got into the catch fence. Solving that will save lives and debilitating injuries. It's not just open wheel. I've spent many years in race rescue, including open wheel racing (CART, World of Outlaws, USAC, All Stars, pavement sprint cars and supermodifieds) and another long list of stock car and drag racing events. They're chasing the wrong problem. And taking the sport further from its open wheel/open cockpit 100+ year history.
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Post by mmi16 on Jul 13, 2019 6:31:28 GMT -8
Dixon did his 'testing' on a simulator and finds it all well and good. Lets see some real world testing - leading car dropping oil, rain and a drying track with cars tracking mud and throwing on trailing cars, driving into the rising or setting sun and the various angles of glare that get created with multiple 'glass' surfaces getting in conflict with each other (the FPU, helmet visor, individual's eyeglasses [if any].
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Post by wilmywood8455 on Sept 1, 2019 4:31:30 GMT -8
IndyCar reschedules aeroscreen testTesting of IndyCar’s new-for-2020 aeroscreen driver protection device has been moved to a busy series of on-track events in October. Originally scheduled for its debut in early September at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, RACER has learned production delays – a product of most of Europe being on holiday in August – and the upcoming addition of new track surface sealant at IMS that requires two weeks to cure, has forced the series to reschedule its maiden outing to after teams complete the September 20-22 season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. racer.com/2019/08/31/indycar-reschedules-aeroscreen-test/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=recirc-most-popular
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Post by truenorth on Sept 18, 2019 14:37:54 GMT -8
AEROSCREEN TRACK TEST SET FOR OCT. 2 AT IMS By INDYCAR | Published: Sep 13, 2019 INDYCAR is scheduled to perform its first on-track test of the Aeroscreen driver safety initiative Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing and 2014 series champ Will Power of Team Penske have been selected to take part in the full-day test session on the 2.5-mile oval. Shown above, Dixon previously conducted a simulator test of an Aeroscreen prototype in July at the Dallara Research Center in Speedway, Ind. INDYCAR, in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, is designing the Aeroscreen for enhanced driver cockpit protection and plans to have the component implemented for the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season. The RBAT design encompasses the cockpit with a ballistic Aeroscreen anchored by titanium framework. The design will consist of a polycarbonate laminated screen that includes an anti-reflective coating on the interior of the screen, an anti-fogging device through an integral heating element and possibly tear-offs, all of which will be produced by integrated third-party companies. There also will be a cockpit cooling option that will be designed by Dallara in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The test will be open to the media with additional details to follow.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2019 7:48:54 GMT -8
Hex nuts and Friction tape? I would have destroyed that picture until a proper model was ready!
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Post by truenorth on Oct 2, 2019 15:00:09 GMT -8
INDYCAR TESTING AEROSCREEN TODAY AT IMS By INDYCAR Oct 2, 2019 INDYCAR is testing its new Aeroscreen today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing and 2014 series champion Will Power of Team Penske – both Indianapolis 500 winners – are testing the revolutionary cockpit protection Aeroscreen that will be implemented on all cars for the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season. Dixon tested an Aeroscreen prototype on a simulator July 2 at the Dallara Research Center in Speedway. Dallara is an official INDYCAR supplier. The Aeroscreen has been developed in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The driver safety innovation encompassing the cockpit is comprised of a ballistic Aeroscreen anchored by titanium framework. Aeroscreen The Aeroscreen is the second phase of INDYCAR’s effort to further enhance driver safety in the open-cockpit race cars. INDYCAR debuted the Advanced Front Protection (AFP) device for the INDYCAR Grand Prix that was held May 11 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The 3-inch-tall titanium AFP was manufactured by Dallara to help deflect debris away from the cockpit area and the driver. The piece was used in this year’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The RBAT design consists of a polycarbonate laminated screen that includes an anti-reflective coating on the interior of the screen, an anti-fogging device through an integral heating element and tear-offs, all of which will be produced by integrated third-party companies. Another feature for the drivers will be a cockpit-cooling duct designed by Dallara in their CFD. The titanium framework mounts in three areas around the cockpit: the chassis centerline, two rear side mounts and roll hoop integration to provide enhanced load-bearing capabilities. INDYCAR has scheduled additional Aeroscreen tests at Barber Motorsports Park, a permanent road course, on Oct. 7; Richmond Raceway, a short oval, on Oct. 15; and Sebring International Raceway, a road course which can simulate a street circuit, on Nov. 5. Aeroscreens are to be delivered to all NTT IndyCar Series teams before the end of the year. Previously, INDYCAR conducted extensive testing with a windscreen concept developed in conjunction with PPG Aerospace, including on-track sessions in 2018 at ISM Raceway in Phoenix and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The drivers who tested the windscreen did not report any issue but additional comprehensive testing at PPG’s facility in Huntsville, Ala., revealed additional work needed before implementation. INDYCAR provided the research and on-track testing information from the project to RBAT for the development of the current design.
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Post by Spin on Oct 2, 2019 15:45:10 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2019 15:45:23 GMT -8
The committee responsible for this multi-element kluge deserve a public whacking!
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Post by truenorth on Oct 2, 2019 15:46:58 GMT -8
Agreed! Will Power is hideous
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Post by montybriscoe on Oct 2, 2019 16:44:00 GMT -8
Hope nothing falls from the sky.
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Post by montybriscoe on Oct 2, 2019 16:58:25 GMT -8
Some fans act like this will prevent another Justin Wilson or Dan Wheldon. Some act as if they died in vain but they didn't. They both knew what they signed up for.
You, as a driver, either accept the risks or go play golf instead.
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Post by truenorth on Oct 3, 2019 6:41:39 GMT -8
Play golf??? no need to be rude
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2019 8:21:45 GMT -8
This 'thing' is an abomination! By comparison, the 'Halo' is not nearly as hideous!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2019 8:27:27 GMT -8
Put lugs around the top and a locking-cover will screw on.
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