Nosecone Australia/Ryman Composites (NSW)

Prior to the widespread implementation of automated speed camera systems in the late 1980s the trucking landscape was dramatically different. Described by Chris Ryman as the "Wild West," trucks, colloquially known as ‘Bitumen Boeings,’ often reached speeds up to 180 miles per hour (289.68 kilometres per hour), navigating the vast and often lawless highways of Australia.

Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.

The genesis of the Australian Nosecone operations traces back to the early eighties, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of aerodynamic aftermarket components for trucks. This journey began when Chris Ryman and his father collaborated with Joe Fitzgerald, the U.S. inventor of the Nosecone, to introduce his aerodynamic enhancement to the Australian trucking industry. During this era, prior to the widespread implementation of automated speed camera systems in the late 1980s—with Victoria pioneering the use of speed cameras in 1989—the trucking landscape was dramatically different. Described by Chris Ryman, former Director of Ryman Composites, now operating under World Class Composites as the “Wild West,” trucks, colloquially known as “Bitumen Boeings,” often reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour (161 kilometres per hour), navigating the vast and often lawless highways of Australia.

According to Chris, trucks were conventionally designed for utility, with little emphasis on aerodynamics until the early seventies. The 1973 oil shock precipitated a global surge in oil prices, profoundly effecting diesel costs worldwide, including in Australia, where the cost of diesel which was 0.10 cents per litre. This event heralded an era of heightened energy expenses, fuel scarcities, and a newfound consciousness of oil’s geopolitical stakes, fundamentally transforming the energy landscape. It catalysed a shift towards energy conservation and the pursuit of alternative energy sources.

Chris reminisces about the early days of Nosecone Australia, “I sold most of our Nosecones by direct marketing over the CB radio. There were no retail outlets. We offered a fuel saving guarantee of 10 per cent which, based on the mileage and age of the vehicle the units would pay for themselves after three months.” This grassroots approach to marketing underscored the innovative spirit and determination that characterised the company’s early operations.

 

Ryman composites

The introduction of the Nosecone to the Australian market was not without its challenges. With the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) enforcing strict standards on vehicle dimensions, including a maximum width of 2.50 meters, slightly less than the American standard of 2.59 meters, Nosecone Australia was tasked with developing moulds that were specifically tailored to Australian conditions. This adaptation ensured that the aerodynamic components not only enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced wind resistance but also complied with national regulatory standards.

The story of Nosecone Australia is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and collaboration across continents. In 2013, this pioneering chapter reached a new milestone when Nosecone Australia was acquired by Aerotrans, further cementing its legacy in the realm of aerodynamic solutions for the transportation industry.