News & Advice
3rd Nov 2008
STP sponsors BLOODHOUND SSC 1000mph World Land Speed Record
Eleven years since Briton Andy Green and his record breaker, Thrust SSC smashed through the sound barrier on their way to the current World Land Speed Record of 763.035 mph, Green and former record-holder, Richard Noble OBE, are preparing to write the latest chapter in the history of World Land Speed Record attempts, with a 1,000 mph bid.
As much an engineering adventure as the ultimate speed record challenge, the three-year BLOODHOUND Project, sponsored by the famous fuel additive maker STP, is designed to re-ignite interest in science, technology and engineering amongst the youth, and increase those entering technology careers.
Founder sponsor of the BLOODHOUND Project, STP is no stranger to the land speed record arena, having sponsored Art Arfons to repeated Land Speed Records in the 1960s at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, USA.
An exotic combination of jet, rocket and a V12 petrol engine is used in the 13.5 meter BLOODHOUND SSC supersonic car, in the quest for the 1,000mph record, and the team will use regular STP fuel additives in their bid.
With Andy Green again fronting the team led by former Land Speed Record Holder and team boss from 12 years ago, Richard Noble, the team has all the credentials to tackle arguably the greatest sporting challenge on earth.
The project, based in Bristol, UK, will provide the most exciting arena in which to showcase new technologies and, for STP, to educate consumers and future users on wider issues of engine efficiency.
800mph and 900mph runs in BLOODHOUND SSC will take place in 2010, and the car will be continuously developed, and the ultimate goal of 1000mph will be aimed for in 2011. The venue for the record runs is to be confirmed.
Significantly, to generate interest and enthusiasm in technology, BLOODHOUND SSC will be developed in the full public gaze and visitors will have access to see the car taking shape.
BLOODHOUND SSC Facts:
If BLOODHOUND SSC achieves its target of 1,000mph (Mach 1.4) it will mark the greatest incremental increase in the history of the land speed record; it will also exceed the low altitude speed record for aircraft (c.994mph).
As the ultimate, unlimited racing car, BLOODHOUND SSC will also be the catalyst for cutting-edge research in fields such as aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, materials technology, composite manufacturing and sustainable high-tech engineering.
The 12.8m long, 6,422kg 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.
The car will accelerate from 0 1,050mph in 40 seconds. At this speed, Andy Green will be covering 500m in the blink of an eye.
The BLOODHOUND Project is a private venture. The British Government is part funding the three year education programme, but not the build and running costs of the car. These costs will be covered by sponsorships including the backing from founder sponsor, STP.