Thrust SSC - Supersonic Race Update

Issue 124 Lead Article - 30th May 1997

Running Free

by Jeremy Davey, ThrustSSC Webmaster and Satellite Communications Manager


The BBC's cameraman, Tony, filming the microlight
(The BBC's cameraman, Tony, filming the microlight. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

0630

It's cool, dry and there's a gentle breeze wafting across the desert. In position 500 metres east of ThrustSSC's track, the BBC crew are happily joking away as I type this report for the Internet. Good humour seems to be in plentiful supply on the Jafr Desert despite the long hours - and that heat. ThrustSSC is in position at Mile 4 for the start of a North-South run to 200 mph. If all goes well on that run, she will be towed a mile further south from the finish to run back to the North, finishing conveniently opposite the Pit Station - itself positioned 500 metres to the west of the track.

0650

We've seen this sketch before - a delay to move local wildlife off the track...

0655

Wildlife moved, Andy Green calls: "ThrustSSC is armed."

0705

Pit Station calls: "2 minutes to run."

0707

Andy Green: "SSC is ready to roll."

Pit Station: SSC clear to roll."


ThrustSSC accelerates into Run 27
(ThrustSSC accelerates into Run 27. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

Even from over a mile away the Aarooogaah Alarm on the Pit Station can be heard clearly as it sounds for the start of the run. The 'rooster tail' dust behind ThrustSSC rises into the air as the car accelerates from Mile 4 down Track 12. Reaching maximum military power (no reheat, Andy Green steers her onto the tracks left by a previous run - the Design Team are keen to discover the effects of hitting old tracks while the car is still at relatively low speeds. As Aerodynamicist Ron Ayers describes it later: "It isn't something Andy would normally want to do, but he found he could steer the car so that the rear wheels ran in the old ruts, then steer them out again, then back in. It's a fantastic demonstration of the accuracy of the steering."


ThrustSSC's marks on Track 12 where Andy steered in and out of the old ruts
(ThrustSSC's marks on Track 12 where Andy steered in and out of the old ruts. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

It's a comfortable 74° ambient as the jet car reaches a peak of 196mph indicated air speed before storming past, slowing gently without parachutes. Deceleration due to rolling resistance is higher than expected - a good sign as it increases the safety margins and ThrustSSC is not short of power. Andy stops at Mile 7 and the South Team 'recover' while 'safe' is called.

The video tapes are quickly removed and taken to the Pit Station for inspection by the Design Team. South Team start to tow ThrustSSC to the next start point. A call from the Pit Station requests that they check the play in the rear (steering) wheels. Has something been seen on the video, or it just a precaution?

South Team quickly reach the start point for the next run at Mile 8.5. The wheels are checked while they are still jacked off the ground on the towing dolly. Nick Dove reports back:

"Pit Station, this is South Team."

"Pit Station. Send."

"Pit Station, there is no apparent play in the rear wheels."

"Copied. Thank-you."

The video tapes check out well. ThrustSSC's steering and rear suspension have proved good at 200mph. Clearance is given for a second run to 300mph, again using just dry power to avoid any problems with asymmetric light-up of the afterburners.

0834

'SSC armed' is called.


ThrustSSC passes the BBC crew filming
(ThrustSSC passes the BBC crew filming. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

0835

Clearance to roll is given and through the distant mirage the rooster tail is seen rising again. About a mile into the run the car drifts left about 20 feet, and Andy brings it back on course, finding that at speed more steering input is needed. Holding it on the line he accelerates to an indicated 292mph (the data later shows a ground speed of exactly 300mph) before lifting off the throttle and releasing the triple parachute. Again ThrustSSC slows quicker than expected - rather than the intended finish opposite the Pit Station at Mile 5, Andy Green is half-a-mile short.


Andy Green climbs out of ThrustSSC
(Andy Green climbs out of ThrustSSC. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

The team are delighted with the run. Pete Ross simply calls it: "Absolutely excellent!" while Steve Wiltshire in the North Team makes his predictions: "I'm ecstatic! So far, so good. 600mph - no problem!" Leigh Remfry from the south end of the track was pleased with the teamwork: "Very good. Start and recovery were neat, tidy and slick - as always."


Steve Wiltshire reverses a Supacat onto ThrustSSC's tow dolly
(Steve Wiltshire reverses a Supacat onto ThrustSSC's tow dolly. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera)

The track is inspected while the car is towed back to its waiting Aireshelta and the videos are again reviewed. Operations Manager Martyn Davidson holds his debrief in the Aireshelta before Nick Dove's workshop team check the car. The plan is outlined - subject to no problems being found, Saturday will be another 'run day' - this time to 350mph, then 400mph. Sunday is a VIP visits day, so the team will get a morning lie-in - until 0600!

All that's left for the team to do this afternoon is a little light fodding…!





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