Bloodhound to set new Land Speed Record

The World Land Speed Record which currently stands at 763 mph is to be challenged by the same team that set it in October 1997 — and their target is an astonishing 1000 mph (Mach 1.4)!

The team hails from the United Kingdom. Not surprising since the Brits have held the Land Speed Record for longer than all other countries put together! And if the Bloodhound SSC reaches its target top speed they will have achieved the greatest incremental increase in the record and have beaten the low-altitude record for aircraft (994 mph).

The project is expected to spur development in such fields as as aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, materials technology, composite manufacturing and sustainable high-tech engineering.

Here are some stats for this amazing vehicle — compare them with your car!

• Length (fuelled): 12.8m
• Bodywork: Titanium and carbon fibre
• Engine types: jet from Eurofighter Typhoon and rocket
• Wheel Diameter: 900mm
• Wheel rotation speed: 10,000rpm
• Wheel radial G at the rim: 50,000
• Acceleration: 0 – 1,050mph in 40 seconds
• Braking: air brakes and two parachutes
• Air pressure at maximum speed: over 12 t/m²

Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson, said:

“This project is not just about the bragging rights to the world land speed record. This will result in tangible scientific developments that will benefit all, for example in areas such as fuel efficiency and safety and which could be used in the cars we drive in the future.

Since education is the primary objective of this Land Speed Record attempt the UK’s Department for Children, Schools and Families is funding a three year cinema and television campaign due to be launched later in November which will demonstrate the breadth and variety of careers open to science and maths students. The DCSF is not funding any of the development of the car which is entirely supported by sponsors.

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