MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – Saving the nation $10 billion annually in diesel fuel costs may be possible in a few years thanks to new devices developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, also known as LLNL of Livermore, Calif., that are now being tested at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

WHAT: A wind tunnel test of new devices designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag of semi-trucks, which could increase fuel efficiency by 12 percent, saving the nation more than $10 billion in diesel fuel costs per year.

WHO: Scientists and test engineers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Navistar of Warrenville, Ill., NASA Ames, and the U.S. Air Force will be available for interviews to discuss the tests. 

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010

WHERE: The trucks and the devices will be on display in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, the world’s largest wind tunnel, located at NASA Ames. To reach NASA Ames, take Moffett Field exit off U.S. 101 and head east on Moffett Boulevard to the main gate.

NOTE: News media interested in attending the event must contact the LLNL Public Affairs Office at (925) 422-4822 by Feb. 12, 2010 to make arrangements. Media are advised not to wear high heels or loose clothing in the wind tunnel.

For more information about the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, visit: http://www.arnold.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13107

For more information about NASA’s Ames Research Center, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ames