Bloodhound Super Sonic Car to Try for Speeds over 800 MPH in 2011, Will Try for 1,000 MPH in 2012

In 2011, a project called Bloodhound Super Sonic Car will attempt to break the land speed world record in a supersonic car that the United Kingdom's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) helped design. NPL advised on the design of the wheels, which will need to rotate at 10 500 rpm to reach over 1000 mph. NPL’s materials experts provided guidance on what materials they should build the wheels from, how high speeds would affect these materials, and how they should be produced.

NPL also helped develop a modeling tool to understand Bloodhound’s hybrid combustion process and to simulate the internal motor ballistics. Richard Noble, Project Director of the Bloodhound Project said “I would like to thank NPL for undertaking this work which has underpinned the early research for Bloodhound SSC and given us the confidence to proceed. With the help of experts like these we are sure that our world record attempt can be a success, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in the UK.”

Richard Noble, Project Director and model of Bloodhound SSC

 BLOODHOUND SSC (Super Sonic Car) has been designed to run at speeds up to 1050mph and being jet and rocket powered has 133,000 ehp (about the same as 180 Formula 1 cars). They are currently entering the build phase of the program and the first attempt is scheduled for 2011 with an initial  target of 800mph. The car will then be reviewed and modified before aiming for 1000 mph in 2012.

This project would not be possible without public help. The car’s build is entirely funded by corporate sponsorship and public support. The education arm of the Project is part-funded by the Department of Children Schools and Families. So please get involved, says Noble, and join the supporters club, the BLOODHOUND 1K Club, and have your name on the BLOODHOUND tail fin! The project has fought a huge battle to survive to this point – "we are now into 400% expansion as we build the BLOODHOUND SSC," says Noble. 

Bloodhound Concept