NASA has inspired the design of a bike helmet that emulates jet aerodynamics. Industrial designer Jim Gentes developed the Giro Prolight bike helmet, drawing inspiration from a NASA aircraft wing design used during World War II. The helmet incorporates the NACA 6-series airfoil, originally developed by NASA's predecessor, NACA, to reduce drag in fighter aircraft. Raymond Hicks, an aerodynamicist at NASA's Ames Research Center, helped adapt the wing design to improve airflow over the helmet. The Giro Prolight features expanded polystyrene foam with a removable Lycra cover and vents in the front and rear to allow air flow and reduce turbulence and drag. Giro has since released other helmet models, including the Aerohead and Hammerhead, and continues to offer bike helmets and other sporting equipment and apparel [83f87dc7].
In 1986, the US Cycling Federation mandated helmet use for bike racers. The Giro Prolight helmet was inspired by the NACA 6-series airfoil, a wing design from NASA's predecessor. The NASA-inspired design reduced drag, potentially saving a cyclist one second over a distance slightly longer than half a mile. Giro helmets gained international acclaim when Greg LeMond won the 1989 Tour de France wearing the Aerohead model. Giro continues to produce bike helmets and has expanded its offerings to include various sporting equipment and apparel [22db0690].