Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
(OP)
A thread below on "mules vs prototypes" leads me to another question, one that we auto historians hotly debate. In the writing game, the terms, "Pilot Model" and "Prototype" are often interchanged. I think there would be distinct differences between the two but since we seem to have a fair number of industry types here, maybe they would offer some perspective based on industry standards.
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive





RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
We used to have pilot builds - typically in most places that was a dedicated final assembly line where a run of say 50 to 300 cars were assembled. These would be fairly late in the program, say a year before Job #1. The parts would be off tool.
Those cars were used for certification, long lead press cars, marketing, and so on. Oh and possibly to fix one or two little problems.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Pilot runs, in any sort of manufacturing, are used to work out the bugs in the production process, as opposed to ...
Prototypes, which may be made by completely different processes, and are used to work out the bugs in the product.
Pilot product usually looks very much like real production product. Prototypes usually have noticeable, sometimes major, differences.
Of course, none of that is written in stone or in law, so writers are free to interpret it differently.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
I have an issue with that, but that's internal company politics.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
And the plant's job was --- to produce 'pilot builds' using the production assembly tools and processes, using the production intent vehicle components.
The object was not just to see whether the parts went together OK but to also test the jigs, fixtures, welders, assembly aids and the methods set out for production.
As Greg said, the vehicles made this way were often finally used for press reviews and demos. The last group of pilot builds of a model were often road-registered.
Bill
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Mike, Greg: You mirror my current thoughts precisely, though I have often used the terms incorrectly to follow "convention." Thanks.
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Bill
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
I have a desire for a 110 or a 200TDi Discovery, but I don't think the neighbours would like me attending to it in the drive.......
Bill
RE: Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype
Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive