Trimble, the world=92s largest Global Positioning System (GPS) company, is the exclusive supplier of GPS equipment for the latest supersonic land speed record attempt by Richard Noble. The attempt will take place in September in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA. The new Thrust SSC vehicle is currently being assembled in Farnborough, and will be moved to Jordan for tests in mid July. Richard is using the Trimble ScoutMaster hand-held GPS receiver to accurately map a practice course in the Al Jafr desert. ScoutMaster is being used to plot precise points to mark out the course, which will be over 10 miles long and one quarter of a mile wide. The Thrust SSC Team's objective is to break Richard's unbeaten record of 633.468 mph, which he set in Black Rock in 1983, and then to race against the Shell Formula Spirit of America in September 1996.
ScoutMaster uses advanced GPS technology: a constellation of twenty-four satellites circles Earth at an altitude of 11,000 miles, beaming signals back 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Developed originally by the US military, GPS is now used in many commercial applications all over the world. By picking up GPS transmissions and comparing the distances to different GPS satellites, GPS receivers can identify a position on the globe with great accuracy.
Mike Coles, managing director of Trimble Europe, commented, "We are very pleased to be part of such an exciting event, and delighted that Richard chose Trimble as the most reliable supplier for his GPS equipment. Trimble products are able to plot positions with great accuracy, ensuring that Richard can get on with his own work, confident that his record attempt will exactly cover the required distance, and stay on the pre-plotted and prepared race track." He added, "We wish Thrust SSC a safe race, and the best of luck!"
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Notes to Editors:
Trimble is the world's largest GPS company, with leadership positions in GPS-based navigation, positioning and communications products. The company holds more patents for GPS technology than any other organisation, including the US Government. These products are sold worldwide for many markets, including land and hydrographic survey; GIS data acquisition; military; general; corporate and commercial aviation; and marine navigation.
Founded in 1978 and located in Sunnyvale, California, Trimble has been a leader in providing GPS solutions since 1984. Trimble has offices in fifteen countries around the world: its European headquarters are in Hook, England.
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Tel: +44-(0)1442-61199 Fax: +44-(0)1442-236401
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