The Eclipse 8 team has been faced with all kinds of challenges during its journey which has led it to participate in two major competitions on two different continents in less than 8 months.

​

Everything had however started well with the design of an optimized vehicle, based on the technical achievements made during the manufacture of Eclipse 7. Unfortunately, when the regulations of the WSC 2013 were unveiled, they included several important modifications which forced the team to completely overhaul its design.

​

Main rule changes:

1. The pilot who previously was lying in the vehicle must now be seated

2. The maximum length of the prototype increases from 5 to 4.5 meters

3. The number of wheels of the type vehiclechallengergoes from 3 to 4
    

Faced with very strict schedule and budget constraints, the team opted for an extraordinary design with a tubular steel frame that completely encloses the driver. The prototype could then easily be modified for subsequent use during the American Solar Challenge 2014, compared to a prototype of a composite monocoque design.

​

Eclipse 8 therefore participated in the World Solar Challenge 2013 and obtained the best result in the history of ÉTS in this competition, despite engine problems that limited its cruising speed at around 55 km/h.

​

Upon returning from Australia, the group had to quickly reorganize to adapt the prototype to the stricter design constraints of the American Solar Challenge. This objective was partially achieved, due to a lack of time to optimize the adjustments. The Eclipse 8.1 team managed to qualify for the 2014 ASC but was forced to withdraw due to a major failure in the steering system.

​

• Highlights:

  • 18th at the 2013 WSC

  • 9th at ASC 2014