When Thrust SSC broke the sound barrier on land at 763 miles per hour, it was an amazing achievement. The same UK-based team is now aiming to smash their current record by reaching 1000 miles per hour with their new Bloodhound SSC. It is an incredibly ambitious goal, but they believe they are in with a chance using a Eurofighter jet engine plus rocket propulsion and the application of various lessons learnt from Thrust SSC. For example, they are trying to avoid the shockwave damaging the ground the wheels run over, which was an issue for Thrust SSC. A few mind boggling facts about Bloodhound SSC:

• it has an 800 hp petrol engine just to drive the oxidizer for the rocket
• it will use 1.5 tonnes of fuel in 40 seconds
• the air pressure will reach 12 tonnes per square metre
• the wheels will be machined from solid titanium to resist up to 50,000 g of force caused by them spinning at up to 10,500 rpm

The stated aims of the Bloodhound SSC project are:

1. To create a national surge in the popularity of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects
2. To create an iconic project requiring extreme research and technology whilst simultaneously providing the means to enable the student population to join in the adventure
3. To achieve the first 1000 mph record on land
4. To generate very substantial and enduring media exposure for sponsors

Note that breaking the record is only goal number 3. Anything that results in a few more people doing degrees in science and technology, rather than media studies and homoeopathy, has my full support. So I have stumped up a few pounds to join their supporters club. You can find out more about the challenges of designing a 1000 mph car in this Guardian article. You can find out more about Bloodhound SSC and join their supporters club on their official website. You might even win the draw to see Bloodhound SSC run.