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The universal launcher is an impact test system capable of launching anthropomorphic forms against the vehicle. The system simulates a collision with a pedestrian, amongst other tests.

Aries Ingeniería, expert on technology and passive safety test systems for automobiles, trained Great Wall Motors engineers at its Engineering Center in Madrid.

Madrid, November 20th, 2009.- Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas, a leading company developing passive safety test systems for the automotive industry, received preliminary acceptance by the Chinese company Great Wall Motors to deliver a universal launcher. The passive safety test system, which integrates Aries’ most sophisticated technology, is a universal impact test system capable of launching several anthropomorphic forms against internal and external elements of the tested vehicle. Great Wall Motors is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in China with an annual production exceeding 400,000 vehicles.

Great Wall Motors engineers were trained on passive safety tests at Aries Engineering Center in Madrid and approved preliminary acceptance to receive the universal launcher designed by the Spanish company. The impact test system, integrated in a modular configuration, was designed to comply with the international regulations for vehicles or single components and can be used for research, development and approval of vehicles.

Aries’ Universal Launcher is able to integrate the following launchers:

• The main launcher is based in a hydraulic actuator with a closed loop control system. This actuator is capable to cover a wide range of energies in free flight and guided impacts. Adding a simple interface and the impact form, the user is able to perform different type of tests increasing time and effort efficiency.
• The FMH launcher (second launcher) is based in a compact which was designed to comply with the FMVSS 201U regulation for Free Motion Head-form test. The launcher offers an anti-recoil system to minimize the reaction forces during the propulsion. This solution prevents dynamic loads on the supporting structure and delays the reactions on the launcher.

The Great Wall Motors engineers were trained on the specific regulations for pedestrian tests; bodyblock tests (ECE R12), guided head test (ECE R12 and R21) and pendulum for bumper test (ECE R21), which are required to homologate all the vehicles to be sold in the European Union, one of the most promising markets for the Chinese automotive companies.