SAE SUPRA 2019
Raptor Racing from the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi participated in the SUPRA SAEINDIA 2019 competition with a goal of creating a race car that balances performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The project aimed to design a vehicle for non-professional weekend racers, offering affordability, reliability, and minimal maintenance. The result of our hard work was the Eagle 1.0, a car built to meet the high standards of performance and safety while maintaining a focus on affordability and ease of maintenance.
Chassis Design
The chassis, made from 4130 mild steel, was optimized for high torsional stiffness using Altair Hyperworks. With a wheelbase of 1600 mm and front and rear tracks of 1300 mm and 1250 mm, respectively, the chassis provides stability during high-speed cornering while maintaining driver safety.
Steering System
The car utilized a parallel steer geometry with a 9:1 steer ratio to improve control during high-speed turns. The system incorporated moderate toe adjustments at the front for better turn-in response and 0° toe at the rear for stability. A quick-release steering wheel was also added for compactness and safety.
Braking System
A disc brake system was used at the front, and drum brakes were used at the rear, with diagonal braking to ensure redundancy in case of system failure. The braking system was biased towards the front with 70% braking force, resulting in a 4.9-meter stopping distance at 40 km/h.
Engine Selection
The team chose a Royal Enfield 500cc Carburettor-based engine, known for its durability, low cost, and easy maintenance. This 499cc Twinspark Air-cooled engine delivered 26.1 bhp at 5100 rpm and 40.9 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm.
Drivetrain and Tires
The vehicle was equipped with 13” rims and 19.992-inch rear wheels for better traction, with tires selected for optimal grip. The drivetrain was designed to ensure efficient power transmission and stability.
Innovation and Safety
Safety was prioritized with features like a dry powder fire extinguisher, roll cage designed for impact absorption, and seat belts, helmets, and a quick-release steering wheel. Ergonomics were improved with a custom steering wheel and vibration-free cockpit, ensuring driver comfort and safety.
