1000mph speed record
Andy Green and Richard Noble aim to shatter previous record
The land speed record is set to be smashed by this, the Bloodhound SSC. Andy Green OBE and Richard Noble OBE, the driver and team boss of the current speed record, will be taking the reigns once again. In 1997 they took Thrust SSC to 763mph, and will aim to crack that with three runs: an 800mph record in 2009, 900mph in 2010 and the main goal, 1000mph, by 2011.
The car that should should achieve all of this is Bloodhound SSC. At the heart of its power is a Eurofighter jet engine, which is joined by an 18in rocket - the sources of power necessary to take Green from 0-1050mph in 40sec, and past the low altitude speed record for an aircraft, which sits at c994mph. The 12.8m long, 6422kg Bloodhound will also travel quicker than a bullet fired from a handgun when at full thrust.
It's not all about number-chasing, either. The Bloodhound project is intended to educate and engage 5-19 year olds, getting as many of them involved in the project as possible. The excitement surrounding the record attempt is expected to ramp up interest in careers in science and technology. The only barriers standing in the way of Green and Noble's record is the need for £10m in funding and three other competitors, all aiming to swipe the land speed record from Thrust SSC.
Keep your eyes on evo.co.uk for the project's latest developments.
