FAST - Flinders Automotive Solar Team
Daily event results
| Arrival time | Control stop | Kms from Darwin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oct 22 13:15:26 | Katherine | 321.876 |
| Day 2 | Oct 23 10:23:20 | Dunmarra | 632 |
How many times has your team participated in the event?
The Flinders University FAST team have competed twice previously, in 2017 and 2019. Both times in the Cruiser Class.
What is the design philosophy behind your solar car?
The 2023 FAST vehicle, named Investigator IV, is the fourth in the Investigator line.
Investigator I was built in 1973 and was a two-seat lead-acid/hydraulic-drive vehicle.
Investigator II was a Bedford van.
Investigator III was entered initially in the 2017 event as 3 seat station wagon body. For the 2019 event, it was revised to a 2-seater fastback sedan-based vehicle.
For 2023, the vehicle has been re-engineered as Investigator IV and is now a true two seat Cruiser Class solar car: designed with practicality, reliability and efficiency as key objectives.
What is unique about your solar car?
Seating in Investigator IV, the latest from the FAST stable, is side-by-side as per a typical passenger car, with easy-to-access doors. The body panels have been reduced in number to only 5 pieces, with the front hinging open. The rear body also hinges as a single piece, with 2 doors and the roof panel. All are easily opened or removed for access and servicing.
Why does your team value participating in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge?
It requires a great team effort to design and build a durable and suitable road vehicle. Then, the planning, delivery and logistical challenge of 6 days on the road with a vehicle dependent upon the sun is fantastic team building and an opportunity to showcase Flinders University to local and international markets.
What is the one thing your team is looking forward to when you visit Australia?
The FAST team resides in South Australia, so having the opportunity to traverse our nation from North to South; chasing the sun; in a bespoke designed and manufactured vehicle, is an experience few have in their lifetime. It will be a great privilege for all the team members.
