Bloodhound fires up for 1,000mph bid

Bloodhound successfully tested its hybrid rocket system, for first time at the Aerohub, Newquay Cornwall Airport, At 4 meters (12 feet) long, 45.7 cm (18 inches) in diameter and 450kg in weight, Bloodhound's rocket is the largest of its kind ever designed in Europe and the biggest to be fired in the UK for 20 years. During the test, which was streamed live to the web, the rocket burned for 10 seconds, generating 14,000 lbs of thrust. Sound levels at the rocket nozzle reached 185 dB, many times that of a Boeing 747 at take off. Bloodhound's engineers are now reviewing the data from the experiment; enough to fill a telephone directory, to further develop the system. Initial results show that peak thrust was achieved with the Cosworth F1 engine at a lower throttle position, delivering 820 psi, 20 more than the engineers were expecting, giving them extra confidence in the system. Professor Isobel Pollock, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said the project was a great way to encourage the young people to consider a career in engineering, "The Bloodhound project is much more than a world record attempt. It is a golden opportunity to show the younger generation how exciting an engineering career can be." The Institution is an education partner of the Bloodhound project and has over 150 specially trained Bloodhound ambassadors working with schools across the country to help inspire schoolchildren to consider a career in engineering.