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NCOP VSB14 Compliance
At Blackhawk, we prioritize safety and compliance in everything we do. When designing new products, we begin with the maximum available axle capacity, which serves as the foundation for all calculations and analyses. From there, we ensure that our products far exceed the required specifications for each application. This commitment ensures that our products are not only legal but, more importantly, safe for every user.
The Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts oversees vehicle compliance in Australia. In 2011, the department introduced the National Code of Practice (NCOP) for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB14). This code outlines the technical requirements for vehicle modifications and construction.
Within VSB14, there are four critical load cases that steering and suspension components must meet for compliance:
- Sustained Bump Load
- Skid Load
- Overturning Load
- Fatigue Load
Unmatched Development and Mechanical Testing
The Blackhawk Ultimate range of upper control arms (UCAs) undergoes more rigorous testing than any other UCA on the market.
Each Blackhawk Ultimate Adjustable UCA is developed through a detailed process of design and refinement, aimed at perfecting steering geometry, suspension clearance, and overall fitment. Our process incorporates 3D scanning to create a dynamic suspension model, which is then used alongside real-world wheel alignment to identify necessary caster and camber changes, as well as to determine spatial constraints for the UCA.
Once the design is finalized, a prototype is 3D printed and fitted to the vehicle to ensure proper fitment, clearance, and validate the steering geometry.
The final design undergoes multiple Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations, followed by a comprehensive testing regimen that includes both physical and destructive tests. This extensive process ensures that Blackhawk Ultimate UCAs not only meet VSB14 compliance but also stand as the strongest adjustable UCAs available on the market.
(BHU3881H)