Cars
The 1902 Baker Torpedo”
The Baker “Torpedo” was a pioneering example of aerodynamics research, with a "perfect semi-cast" body that became a benchmark in scientific aerodynamics research.
The Baker “Torpedo” is a very significant — we might even say the ultimate — example of the pioneering phase in aerodynamics research, which was based on substantially empirical but nevertheless effective forms that turned out to be basically correct. Indeed, the Torpedo’s “perfect semi-cast” body/shell was subsequently taken as a benchmark in scientific research in aerodynamics, especially in Paul Jaray’s 1920s studies and patents.
1902. The Baker Torpedo pictured on the day of the Automobile Club of America Speed Event on Staten Island. An incredible race for success, and then disaster.
In 1902, of course, research into aerodynamics had not yet benefited from any contribution from the field of aviation, with the exception of what had been learned from the very first aircraft, such as the 1898 Santos-Dumont airship — Zeppelins were not seen until 1903 — and Jean Marie Le Bris’ 1868 glider known as “the Artificial Albatross”.
