October 24, 2008 | Hi-Tech NewsBritish Supercar Designed to Break World Land Speed Record UnveiledA British supercar designed to break the world land speed record has been unveiled, if it succeeds, the driver will be the first to drive through the 1000 mph barrier.The new car - called the Bloodhound SSC - will be 42 ft long, 9 ft high and will weigh 6.4 tonnes and boasts a top speed of 1,050 mph. It is currently being designed by the Richard Noble and will be driven by Andy Green, a Royal Air Force pilot.
The pair currently hold the world land speed title for their record breaking car ThrustSSC, which holds the record, travelling at 766 mph.
During its record-breaking run, Thrust SSC accelerated to 600 mph (970 km/h) in just 16 seconds and became the first car to break the sound barrier.
Now Mr Green hopes to break the current land speed record in it - by more than 200 mph - becoming the first man to drive through the 1000 mph barrier.
If he succeeds, he will reach 1.4 times the speed of sound - fast enough to get from Land's End to John O'Groats in 51 minutes.
The land speed record is the fastest speed achieved by any wheeled vehicle on land, as opposed to one on water or in the air or on rails.
Mr Noble, who first broke the record in 1983, said: "We have held the world land speed record for the last 25 years and we still hold it. There is early competition developing and we have to defend our record."
The supercar will be powered by a Eurojet EJ200 and a Falcon hybrid rocket - each delivering 20,000lbs and 27,000lbs thrust respectively. They say the new car will is faster, sleeker and lighter.
Mr Noble and Mr Green say the £10 million project will tour schools across the UK, in a bid to boost interest in engineering.
The Bloodhound Project, unveiled by a team of engineers and technicians,will launch an appeal for sponsors at the Science Museum, in South Kensington, London.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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