BLOODHOUND SSC: The Fastest Car In The World (So Far!)
When you imagined a car that can travel faster than a bullet fired from a Magnum 357, we’re guessing you didn’t predict that this monster of a vehicle-dream would be crafted in the good old year of 2015…
The supersonic car branded ‘BLOODHOUND’, is currently being put together at its design centre in Avonmouth, Bristol and project director, Richard Noble, hopes that it will beat the current land speed record of 763mph, set by the current supersonic car king, Thrust.
So, what’s it all about?
Simply, the BLOODHOUND SSC does exactly what it says on the tin – a supersonic car that aims to travel faster than any vehicle ever has before. This being said, it’s referred to as ‘supersonic’ because it is specifically designed to go faster than the speed of sound, and it’s classed as car because it has four wheels and is under full control of its driver.
A team of some of the world’s most revered engineering talent are currently working on the BLOODHOUND, and on completion, aim for 0m – 1000m in just 55 seconds. So, that’s 150 metres in the blink of an eye, round about four and a half football pitches in one second… And that’s pretty speedy, right?
The British-made vehicle is being built as the fastest car in the world, hoping to beat the current record, set by Thrust Supersonic car in 1997. Being put together in Bristol, the vehicle is part of a private venture (although has gained substantial support from the UK government) and is being used as an education resource, hoping to encourage more pupils to study science and technology-related courses.
Overall, the car is a mix of car and aircraft technology, with the front sector being a carbon fibre monocoque (like that of a racing car) and the back sector boasting a metallic framework and panels (like an aircraft.) The vehicle itself will be powered by an EJ200 jet engine, that if fired straight into the air, could blast the car to an altitude of 25,000ft.
During the attempt of breaking the current land speed record, the rocket will reach a blistering 3,000 degrees – twice the temperature of inside a volcano!
The Statistics
Length- 13.470 metres
Max Height- 3 metres
Wheels diameter- 0.915 metres
Turning radius- 120 metres
Car Mass (fully fuelled)- 7786 kg
EJ200 Jet engine- 90 kN
Hybrid Rocket engine- 122 kN
Design speed- 1,690 km/h (1,050 mph)
Wheels rpm- 10,000
Length of track- 19 km (12 miles)
Current record- 1,227.99 km/h (763.035 mph)
Air Brake- deployed at 800mph
Parachutes- deployed at 600
For more information, check out the BLOODHOUND SSC official website for all facts, figures and updates of the BLOODHOUND’s progression.
Don’t forget that this week we also celebrate British Science Week, a 10-day programme of science, technology, maths and engineering events across the UK for people of all ages. Get involved! For more information, please visit the BSW official website.
Here at SmartWay London, we specialise in car body repairs in Wimbledon and provide a range of extensive services to enhance your vehicle. So, for more information, or to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team – please do not hesitate to contact us on 07732 542 500 today!
