The first engine tests at Al Jafr, Jordan, had revealed a problem with the Non-Return Valves between the fuel tanks and pumps - having replaced the NRVs with new ones flown out from the UK, it was now time to test the engines up to full reheat again.

(Al guides Chris in the Merlo, while Robbie looks after the top. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

After yesterday’s difficulties getting ThrustSSC onto its trailer with the solid aluminium desert wheels fitted (see "Taking The Load"), the team had the procedure for loading and unloading worked out. First the car was eased down the ramps using the winch, then with engine man Al Harkness guiding Chris Cowell in the Merlo forklift, and Robbie Kraike in his regular position astride the tailfin, the rear of the jet-car was soon resting on the ground with the precious wheels protected by rubber matting. By the time the press had arrived, ThrustSSC was in position on the air base’s test pad being prepared for a tie-down test.

(Chris Cowell checks the engines. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

The bellmouth was fitted first to the left-hand engine - crucial to ensure that the airflow into the engine is smooth when there is no ram-effect from forward motion. Among others, crews from ITN, Brazilian television, German magazines and Jordanian television and newspapers were all present for the tests - as they had little or no experience of afterburning miltary jet engines at close quarters, Al began by giving them a safety briefing, pointing out the all-important limits of movement and the procedure in the event of a fire.

(Robbie Kraike prepares for his fire-fighting role. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

Robbie Kraike meanwhile set out his fire-fighting equipment from the Jaguar firechase - hose, specialised suit and breathing apparatus. Someone did comment that when he was fully kitted-up, there was a resemblance to a character from "Lost in Space"…

The sequence of the tests was straightforward. First would be a ‘false start’ on the left engine to bleed the fuel system. When all was clear, the left would be started, then the right, before taking the left engine up to maximum reheated thrust. After shutdown and checks, the process would then be repeated with maximum power on the right-hand engine.

(Smoke from the left-hand engine burning off oil. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

With everyone in position the Palouste air starter was fired up. The left engine whined as the turbines spooled up. Fuel was applied without ignition - Al Harkness checked that all was well. Once he was satisfied, the engine team went for a left-hand engine start, and the now-familiar roar was heard again over Al Jafr. The air-hose was disconnected, passed under the car and connected to the right-hand engine. Unheard over the din of the left engine, it too spooled up and ignited. Again the engine team satisfied themselves that all was well before the signal was given increase power on the left - ‘Max Mil’ (full power without reheat) was quickly reached with smoke billowing around the car as excess oil was burned off.

(The media cover their ears as ThrustSSC kicks up the dust behind the test pan. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

The engine settled well at maximum revolutions - then Andy Green was given the signal to take it up to full reheat. Those present who had seen ThrustSSC in the test cell at Boscombe Down were to be disappointed - this time the ground did not shake, nor did the noise pummel the body’s every organ, nor was there a 50 foot-long reheat flame from the rear. Boscombe Down’s test cell is enclosed and the noise is concentrated within it, magnifying the effect. Here at Al Jafr, the tests are conducted on an open pan with no walls to prevent the energy dissipating. Likewise the fierce sun masked the flame in a manner unseen in England - indeed, at first some observers were unsure whether maximum reheat had been reached, but that point was quickly confirmed by the engine team.

(The right-hand engine raises a duststorm. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

With the left hand engine successfully tested, the car was allowed to cool as the bellmouth was transferred to the right-hand intake. The observers changed sides of the car and again the Palouste was fired up. First left-hand, then right-hand, engine was started. Max Mil was attained without a hitch, and after the engine had settled comfortably, Andy Green took it up to full afterburner. Again there were no flames, and no full-body massage, but with the Spey’s exhaust pointing across the dusty ground behind the pan a huge dust cloud was raised, obscuring everything from view and providing the photographers with a uniform tan-coloured backdrop.

(The media surround Andy Green for interviews. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

Again the engine team satisfied themselves that all was well with the car, the ‘thumbs-up’ was given and the engines shut down. Once it had been established that all was safe, the media were allowed to approach once more and begin their interviews.

(Jayne Millington checking ThrustSSC's systems. Photo: Jeremy Davey)

Finally quiet settled once more on the pan and the ThrustSSC team were on their own again to begin the task of loading their car and returning it to the hangar. Even tonight she is not resting peacefully, as Jayne Millington, Robert Atkinson and Jeremy Bliss, test circuits and calibrate sensors in preparation for the first desert runs. The workload is only going to get greater...

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