PAGE 86 © Copyright Hewland Engineering Limited 2001-2008
3
rd
February 2005
FTR Technical Bulletin No. 09
FTRL Gears
As you may know, a range of lightweight FTR gearbox parts is in production at Hewland Engineering. We have also carried
out a review of the FTR gear ratio situation, with particular respect to the Formula Three market.
It has been decided that Hewland will imminently commence production of a range of lightweight FTR gear ratios known as
`FTRL` which are aimed at offering the fullest practical weight saving for the Formula Three market.
These gears will not be `the ultimate` lightweight components that Hewland could produce, but they will afford a 0.9kg
weight saving over a standard FTR layshaft and full gear set, whilst still maintaining long life. Perhaps more relevant is that
the weight saving over a prolific non-Hewland full gear set that we have studied will be 0.63kg. In fact certain of these
`pirate` gears are actually heavier than our standard FTR, despite narrower tooth face width!
The FTRL gears will have narrower face widths than the pirate gears, so the competitive advantage is enhanced due to
lower inertia, as `highest diameter` mass is less.
The superior tooth form and superior heat treatment found in genuine Hewland FTR gears will still be present in our new
lightweight range. This will afford both advantageous weight and superior transmission efficiency over other suppliers.
The FTRL gear cluster will come with a new layshaft, for weight reasons. However all splines and fits are the same, which
will allow the mixing and matching of FTR and FTRL gears if need be. This should be very cost effective as a way of phas-
ing out FTR gears, perhaps during testing.
The main message is this: We advise that you do not stock up on inferior competitors gear ratios before the FTRL range is
available, as this will cause you competitive disadvantage. Lighter and more efficient gears are coming soon!
William Hewland
Managing Director
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