Introduction:
The
DreherAero2 Introducing the
Aero2 scull redesigned in 2010! New in 2009 and redesigned in 2010 with an adjustable handle that requires
no tools for oar length adjustment and an additional blade shape to go along with the Original
Aero-O, the smaller blade area High Aspect Ratio, hydrodynamic blade or
Aero-H. Each shape appeals to a different style of sculling and different water and wind conditions.
The Design:
The Aero2 design draws on 21 years of oar/scull design and carbon prepreg manufacturing experience. The major departure from previous designs is an aerodynamic shaft and hydrodynamic blade system that tests to be more efficient by optimizing the oar shaft and blade shape as they move through the water and the air.
The aerodynamic shaft profile fits exactly into the matching blade profile and assures that the blade pitch exactly matches the sleeve pitch. The result is repeatable pitch, oar to oar. Our manufacturing method allows for a molded in seat for the sleeves that further in constant and repeatable pitch from the sleeve to the keyed blade placement.
Manufacturing Method:
An aerodynamic shaft profile, to reduce drag on the shaft required a new manufacturing method. The result is a smooth continuous aerodynamic shape. Molding to control the outside shape of the shaft rather than to the inside diameter allows location contours. These contours in the sleeve area are unlike any that are possible on present roll wrapped oars. Sleeve locating contours, designed as an integral part of the tooling, allow the sleeve to be easily installed and when worn, the sleeve can be replaced with no adhesive.
Materials Of Construction Method:
The Aero2 has makes use of the same material of construction as the high modulus sculls. The was made possible by and innovative handle design, when moved to the end also reduced the carbon required and therefore a more ecconomical design was possible.
Hydrodynamic Advantages:
Hydrodynamic theory and racing blade performance models shows a high component of lift propelling force at the catch position. This recommends a high aspect ratio blade shape. When the shaft is 90° to the axis of the boat a bigger area would theoretically be best to maximize the drag type propelling forces that predominate. The last 30° of the drive again trend toward a high aspect ratio shape as lift forces reestablish themselves toward the finish.
This is as close as one can come to a adjustable area blade, whereby the foil section of shaft can act as an extension in blade area to the shaft. The hydrodynamic blade shape seamlessly combined with the aerodynamic shaft results in the water not being able to distinguish where the blade ends and the shaft begins. The blade is exceptionally quiet with little splash at the catch small profile and seamless transition from blade-to-shaft also, have parallel hydrodynamic efficiencies.
Aerodynamic Advantages:
A true aerodynamic profile seamlessly mated to a hydrodynamic blade profile provides for the ultimate in wind resistance on the recovery when the boat speed and the oar’s angular velocity are both at their maximum.
The aerodynamic profile is used on the shaft and blade where it will do the most good, toward the end where the angular velocity is the greatest. The aerodynamic profile offers the least resistance at the time when the boat is traveling at it’s fastest – on the recovery, when the oars are out of the water.
Performance:
Less wind resistance on the recovery and improved stability equates to the potential for greater speed for the same effort. The more efficient the sculler and the faster the boat class, the greater the potential for speed improvement.
A side benefit of the aerodynamic shape is a thinner, but much wider shaft where the blade attaches to the shaft, resulting in much more resistance to twist than a circular shaft.
The Integrated Modular Design:
As with the entire family of Dreher Sculls and Oars the DreherAero Sculls, these oars have a true integrated modular design where:
- The Blade is installed without adhesive; requires no pitching and; is removable, but will not slip or fall out with the ‘keyed design”.
- The molded in sleeve “seat” insures perfect and easily sleeve placement, to the blade/shaft interface. The blade end of the shaft is molded to a foil shape, where blade stem fits exactly into foil section of the shaft in a strong press fit, where the pitch is always the same.
- The 2010 handle placement unique design eliminates the need for adjustment of the handle with a tool. If by the mistake the handle is not fully tightened, the design preclude any rotation of the handle during any type of rowing from paddling to racing. This adjustment range is 6 cm or +/- 3 cm of adjustment.
Testing:
Comparative testing has been conducted using a Force Measurement system at 200 meter pieces at varying stroke rating and graphically and numerically capturing all data on flat water thus allowing detailed stroke analysis and comparison. Also, subjective testing was done in variable wind and water conditions and in race conditions at all levels. Most of our best feedback has come from our customers.
Come See our Designs at the 2010 HOCR:
We will have new Aero2 sculls on display there in both blade types and handle sizes. Please see the: The Aero2 Brochure for more pictures.
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DreherAero2 Handle That Needs No Tools
Top Drive View Looking from Handle to Blade
Top Feather View Looking from Handle to Blade
DreherAero Sculls on the Recovery
