1,000mph record attempt aims to inspire

Yesterday (23 October) at the Science Museum Science minister Lord Drayson launched the Bloodhound project - a three-year private venture mission led by Richard Noble OBE to create a land speed record car capable of achieving 1,000mph. It will be driven by Wing Commander Andy Green who set the current record of 763mph (1228kmh) at the controls of ThrustSSC in 1997. The aim of the project, say its organisers, is to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is also intended that Bloodhound will be the catalyst for a raft of cutting-edge research in fields such as aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, materials technology, composite manufacturing and sustainable high-tech engineering. The numbers generated by initial studies, conducted in secret over the past 18 months, give some idea of the challenges ahead. The 12.8m long, 6,422kg (fuelled), jet and rocket-powered vehicle will be more advanced than most spacecraft and faster than a bullet fired from a handgun. Its 900mm diameter wheels will spin at over 10,000rpm, generating 50,000 radial g at the rim. The car will accelerate from 0 – 1,050mph in 40 seconds and at V-max (maximum velocity), the pressure of air bearing down on its carbon fibre and titanium bodywork will exceed twelve tonnes per square metre. At this speed, Andy Green will be covering a distance equivalent to over four football pitches every second, or 50m in the blink of an eye. “The prime objective of The Bloodhound project is to create an unprecedented education and engagement programme, led by a dedicated team of teachers and education specialists. From innovative, curriculum based lesson plans covering subjects ranging from geography to citizenship, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to a schools visitor centre featuring the ‘classroom of the future’ at the team’s HQ in Filton, Bristol, the aim is to make Bloodhound SSC accessible to all ages from 5 – 19 and beyond.” Government is part funding the three year education programme but not the build and running costs of the car, the costs of which will be covered by sponsorship. “There has never been anything like Bloodhound SSC before,” said Noble. “It is undoubtedly the most stimulating and challenging programme I’ve ever been involved with. The next three years are going to be tough, testing and damned exciting!” Pilot Andy Green added: “I’ve met graduate engineers who are adamant that our previous record was what inspired their career choice as youngsters: that sort of thing makes all the effort worthwhile. Bloodhound SSC will be so much faster and, we hope, will fire up every school kid about the science and technology. We’re going to invite everyone to follow our adventure in this, the most exciting and extreme form of motorsport – the World Land Speed Record. Both as a Mathematician, and as a Royal Air Force Fighter Pilot, I can’t think of anything better.”