They are indeed direct drive. The clutch becomes literally a constant variable transmission with it's multi lock up fingers that are individually adjustable. Basically, as soon as you want to leave, go WOT and the rest of the driveline gradually catches up with the engine, accelerating you though the quarter mile. It is all in the adjusting of the clutch fingers, and that is a tuning nighmare.
The reason you don't use as much fuel in a burnout, is that the tires are not hooking. There is little resistance against the powertrain when the wheels don't grab the gound. Also notice the effect by watching the throttle blades. Just a little pop of the throttle is enough to cut the tires loose and as the burnout starts you see the throttle blades almost closed. There is very little fuel used. Almost like a rev in neutral for you and me.
As far as a g-suit, it isn't really critical. The Gs the fighter pilots endure are for longer and sustained periods and involve a different direction that gravity pulls on the body. The g-loads in a fuel car are high, but very short in duration and are limited to front and back. G-suits are used by pilots to keep blood from pooling in your lower extremities and robbing your brain of blood and oxygen during a high speed pull up. It doesn't do squat for them on a carrier launch.
The reason you don't use as much fuel in a burnout, is that the tires are not hooking. There is little resistance against the powertrain when the wheels don't grab the gound. Also notice the effect by watching the throttle blades. Just a little pop of the throttle is enough to cut the tires loose and as the burnout starts you see the throttle blades almost closed. There is very little fuel used. Almost like a rev in neutral for you and me.
As far as a g-suit, it isn't really critical. The Gs the fighter pilots endure are for longer and sustained periods and involve a different direction that gravity pulls on the body. The g-loads in a fuel car are high, but very short in duration and are limited to front and back. G-suits are used by pilots to keep blood from pooling in your lower extremities and robbing your brain of blood and oxygen during a high speed pull up. It doesn't do squat for them on a carrier launch.
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