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BRITISH ADAPTIVE SNOWSPORT EQUIPMENT - INNOVATION COUNCIL
"BASE-IC is a unique consortium of Defence suppliers who have joined together to harness their engineering skills to support high performance adaptive skiers. I am delighted to recognise their efforts and introduce their contribution to adaptive sport. They are bringing engineering innovation and technology from the Defence sector, providing adaptive ski equipment which is giving our disabled skiers a performance edge and a chance to be the best."
Maj Gen Carew Wilks CBE, President, BASE-IC
BASE-IC is a partnership of equals who are working on a 4 year plan with first milestone having been achieved in November 2010. BASE-IC has begun by concentrating on Sit-Ski Rig improvement.
Areas of work include:
- Systems design
- Understand international standards evolution
- Influence and assist representation of UK interests
- Core component development
- Custom made seats, chasis linkage, mono-ski suspension, fixings between rig and ski, individual protection, out-rigger
The mission of BASE-IC is to improve the performance of Britain's disabled ski racers, by working initially with the members of the CSDST to develop innovative technical solutions for use in competitions leading up to, and including the 2014 Sochi Paralympics.
NP Aerospace
BASE-IC Work Package - The Seat
NP's work package within BASE-IC focuses on the rapid production of high performance composite seat mouldings for the sit-ski rigs. NP have taken QuinetiQ's first generation custom seat design and following feedback from two competitive seasons use, have optimised it for performance, comfort and safety. Mick Brennan was presented with his new system in March 2012 which included the new NP seat moulding. A carbon-fibre construction has significantly reduced weight which combined with the enhanced Supacat suspension system, has allowed him to move from side to side more quickly. The seat back has also been extended to protect Mick's spine in the event of a crash.
Contact: John Reeve ()
SELEX ES
BASE-IC Work Package - The Out Rigger
SELEX ES are seeking to make design and manufacturing improvements to optimise the performance of the Out-Rigger which is used by both sit-skiers and three track skiers. The primary focus is on the choice of materials, mechanical components, interfaces, operations and ergonomics which SELEX ES is undertaking through a small team of Young Engineers sponsored by its Group Engineering Director. The team are using proven world class processes, tools and techniques.
BASE-IC Work Package - System Design
Working along side the other UK Defence Industry parterns in the BASE-IC team, SELEX ES will be undertakng a system design review to ensure that the architecture, components, modules and interface of the overall solution are appropriately blended, safe and optimised for performance in the target environment.
Contact: David Claridge ()
BASE-IC Work Package - Suspension
Supacat's focus within BASE-IC is the suspension system used by the sit-ski atheletes. Supacat's engineers are specialists in the development of high performance suspension systems as fitted to the renowned Jackal, Coyote and SPV400 platforms. They have been providing support to the athletes through education, advice, specialist equipment selection, ongoing analysis, on-snow data logging leading to optimum suspension set up and tuning for all conditions. The Supacat suspension programme works alonside the athletes throughout the year, working both in the classroom to educate them on their equipment and on snow using specialist data logging whilst training, and at all other times with the provision of expert support and advice wherever they may be competing. This support has made a significant impact upon the team's results.
Contact: Jamie Clarke ()
QinetiQ
BASE-IC Work Package - Seat
QinetiQ's support to the BASE-IC team has focussed on the devlopment of prototype seats designed to take account of the athletes' unique physical requirements. The first design delivered to Sgt Mick Brennan has been a resounding success and, teamed with his skiing talent, has aided Mick to continue to improve his performance over successive seasons. The team has also looked at concepts to meet Pete Dunning's unique seat requirements and has very much enjoyed the experience of working with such a talented athlete and ambassador in trying to address his needs. In supporting BASE-IC, QinetiQ has drawn on its defence engineering, technical and consultancy expertise. The team has included aerodynamicists to look at drag shape teamed with experts in protection to ensure that the seat withstands the stresses of competitive racing. Performance specialists have looked at harness, padding and other attachment options to attempt to balance comfort, performance and safety. The QinetiQ team has enjoyed its engagement with the athletes and the coaching staff in looking at this specific aspect of skiing equipment and the part it plays in the overall racing system.
Contact: Kevin Harvey ()
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