At 1500 hrs today ThrustSSC was positioned on the threshold of the DRA's runway 25 ready for its first low speed run. It had taken 2.5 years of research and 27 months of build with the help of 202 companies.
The run profile called for driver Andy Green to accelerate the car gently to 40mph using no more than 70% of maximum rpms and then the application of firm brake pressure to check and calibrate wheel brake retardation.
At 40mph the wheel brakes were applied firmly and almost immediately all four wheels locked. The two front tyres burst and the two rear tyres were severely abraded.
Glynne Bowsher, ThrustSSC's Chief Designer, reported 'This was a minor setback, but with a new set of tyres which are currently being fitted and a positive indication to the driver of the deceleration being achieved - this will allow Andy Green to decelerate within the limits of tyres.
'The friction at the brake interface is substantially greater than anticipated and we are now investigating.'
In summary whilst 24hrs of drive time and 4 tyres have been lost - the gains are:
The Farnborough runway was blocked for two hours while ThrustSSC was returned to Q Shed. The car will continue its runs on Wednesday.
ENDS.
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