China Unveils Cutting-edge Bobsled Crafted with Rocket Technology

In a pioneering development, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology has expanded its focus from rocket manufacturing to the production of bobsleds. Renowned for their speed and precision, the bobsled race is poised to reach new heights with the introduction of an innovative sled infused with the latest in Chinese rocket technology.

In collaboration with the luxury automotive brand Hongqi, the academy recently unveiled the state-of-the-art sled they co-developed for the national bobsled team. This partnership marks a significant milestone in their concerted efforts to create the third generation of domestic bobsleds. The first version was introduced in January 2021, followed by the second generation in September 2021, just months before the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Bobsledding is a high-speed team event in which athletes race down icy tracks on specially designed sleds. With speeds ranging from 135 to 165 km per hour, the sport has been a fixture in the Winter Games since its inception in 1924. Despite its long-standing history, China only established a national bobsled team in 2016.

Undertaking an unprecedented venture, researchers at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology embarked on the challenge of designing the country’s first-ever racing bobsled in October 2019. Leveraging their expertise in rocket materials and aerospace engineering, they aimed to provide a competitive advantage for the Chinese team.

Undoubtedly, the project presented numerous challenges, particularly considering that none of the engineers had prior experience with bobsled construction. In the absence of a domestic racing track and with the team’s sleds sent overseas for training, the researchers faced a scarcity of reference materials and resources.

Armed with only a technical manual and two unwavering sleds acquired from abroad, the team delved into the intricate details of bobsled design. Drawing inspiration from rocket aerodynamics and structural integrity, they engineered the sled’s body to minimize air resistance, using carbon fiber composite – a lightweight material employed in rocket nose cones – for the sled’s surface.

The seamless integration of rocket technology and automotive expertise led to a China-made sled that reached speeds exceeding 160 km per hour in tests, firmly establishing its position among the fastest sleds globally. Furthermore, the third generation of the sled boasts a 13% reduction in air resistance compared to its predecessors, thanks to its blended wing body architecture and design, enhancing the athletes’ performance on the ice.

With the capacity to manufacture up to 105 sleds annually, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology is poised to revolutionize the bobsled industry. Lead researcher Zhou Yu expressed his hope that Chinese athletes would showcase the capabilities of the homegrown bobsleds on the world stage, aiming for outstanding performances at the Winter Olympic Games.