Due to weather delays (high winds) the second run of the supersonic car ThrustSSC was achieved today - with a peak speed of 320.6 mph (515.8kph). The run profile required a gentle acceleration to 200mph, a decel at idle power to identify rolling resistance and then a high power (non-afterburning) acceleration to 350mph max to check suspension settings stability and control. The run was a great success proving the softer suspension settings directional stability and control. The car drifted slightly due to a crosswind and driver Andy Green found he could bring the car back on line with ease.
After 16 days of car and desert preparation the first run was achieved on the 12th November with a maximum speed attained of 230mph (370kph). During the run the car hit a track hollow created by a filled sunken desert road, and flew a short distance - this required resetting of the suspension and rear steering wheels. Overall the car experienced a rough ride due to the hardness of the desert and the suspension settings.
Driven by British fighter pilot Andy Green, the 850mph (1370kph) ThrustSSC car weighs 10 tonnes, and has 106,000hp making it the most powerful car ever built. The car is highly innovative featuring twin jet engines, hydraulic suspension, active computer controlled ride and rear wheel steering. The research period took 2.5 years and the subsequent build 75,000 manhours. The 30 person ThrustSSC team is operating from King Feisal Air Base at Jafr Jordan - with its operational base on the nearby Jafr desert which offers a consistently hard desert surface with a longer operational weather window.
The Thrust SSC team are in competition with the US and Australian team to achieve the first ever supersonic (750mph-1210kph) World Land Speed Record.
Following the last run and after 35 days of non stop long hours work, the team is to take a days break whilst the operational data from the last run is analysed. The next run for ThrustSSC will take place on Tuesday November 19th with a target speed of 450mph (724kph) using the afterburners for the first time at Jafr. Following this the car is due for a major inspection prior to commencement of the high speed run programme which will commence later that week.
An interesting variable in the overall equation is the fact that the weather has changed bringing rain and winds with a forecast return to hot conditions on Monday. This slight rain has dampened the desert and may increase surface rolling resistance - this will prove helpful since it will help ThrustSSC to stop from higher speeds on the short 10.2 mile desert.
The current World Land Speed Record is 633.468mph (1019.44kph) held by Richard Noble, project director of ThrustSSC since Oct 4th 1983 - second longest period in history.
ENDS
Day by day coverage and 600 page support material on the ThrustSSC project is available with 200 high quality JPEG copyright free photographs on the Internet. Access http://thrustssc.digital.co.uk (4.0 million page accesses - growth 50,000 accesses/day). Full media support service with photographic reproductions service (44)181-308-6520. Project Jordan office 009626-886141.
PLEASE NOTE. Motor Racing can be very dangerous. You attend the Thrust SSC Jafr Jordan trials only at your own personal risk.
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