New wheels suppied by Dunlop Aviation helped the ThrustSSC team achieve its aim of getting ready for the world land speed record attempt at Black Rock, Nevada in September.
Incorporating twin keels round the periphery of the solid aluminium forgings instead of the single one originally specified these new wheels were used in the recent trials which achieved 540 mph in the Jordanian desert This was found necessary from previous trials in order to reduced shimmy at higher speeds. The wheels are 150mm wide, about a metre in diameter, and weigh 90 kg.
Steering of ThrustSSC is carried out using the rear wheels. This means that braking is more effective as two sets of brakes can be fitted on the front wheels. At the same time the body form can be more streamlined.
Dunlop Aviation has also supplied the brakes. Carbon developed from that used by Dunlop Aviation for aviation brakes has been adopted as it is ideally suited to the demands of heavy braking loads at high speeds. ThrustSSC weighs nearly 10 tonnes and the braking system has to meet a number of unusual requirements. These include holding the car against the thrust of two Rolls Royce Spey jet engines during power build up.
Normally, the brakes will be used to stop the car from about 170 mph but, if the parachutes fail, they may be called upon to provide retardation from higher speeds.
Dunlop Aviation, a member of the Specialist Engineering group of BTR plc., is a world leader in aircraft wheels/brakes and brake management systems, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. Other aerospace products include airerait ice protection and composite structures.
Issued on behalf of:
Dunlop Aviation Holbrook Lane Foleshill Coventry CV6 4AA Tel: +44-(0)1203-666655 Fax: +44-(0)1203-662294by:
David Sommerlad Grafton House North Hills Brill Bucks HP18 9T14 Tel: +44-(0)1844-238352 Fax: +44-(0)1844-238464
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