The quest for land speed records has always captivated engineers and thrill-seekers alike. The sheer audacity of pushing the boundaries of physics on land has resulted in some incredible feats of engineering. While no wheel-driven car has yet broken the 700 mph barrier, jet and rocket-powered vehicles have. This article will explore the car that currently holds the land speed record and how it achieved such incredible velocity.
Land Speed Record Holder: ThrustSSC
The ThrustSSC, a British jet-propelled car, holds the current land speed record. On October 15, 1997, at Black Rock Desert in Nevada, it achieved a speed of 763.035 mph (1,227.985 km/h), becoming the first land vehicle to officially break the sound barrier. This remarkable achievement remains unbroken to this day.
| Feature | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Car Name | ThrustSSC (SuperSonic Car) | Highlights the car's primary function: achieving supersonic speed. |
| Record Speed | 763.035 mph (1,227.985 km/h) | The highest land speed ever recorded, surpassing the speed of sound. |
| Date of Record | October 15, 1997 | Marks the historic moment when the land speed record was broken. |
| Location | Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA | Provided the flat, dry lakebed necessary for high-speed runs. |
| Engine Type | Two Rolls-Royce Spey 202 turbofan engines (originally designed for the F-4 Phantom II fighter jet) | Provided the immense power required to overcome aerodynamic drag and achieve supersonic speeds. |
| Thrust | 50,000 lbs (222 kN) combined | The total force propelling the car forward. |
| Horsepower | Approximately 110,000 bhp (brake horsepower) | A measure of the engine's power output. |
| Driver | Andy Green | The skilled driver who piloted the ThrustSSC to its record-breaking speed. |
| Vehicle Length | 54 ft (16.5 m) | Influenced the car's stability and aerodynamic characteristics. |
| Vehicle Weight | 10.5 tons (9.5 tonnes) | Required immense power to accelerate to record speed. |
| Aerodynamics | Advanced design including a sharp nose, delta wings, and a long, slender body | Minimized aerodynamic drag and ensured stability at supersonic speeds. |
| Steering System | Conventional steering wheel controlling the front wheels, with limited movement to minimize instability | Allowed for precise control while minimizing the risk of overcorrection at high speeds. |
| Braking System | Air brakes and parachutes | Provided sufficient stopping power at extreme speeds. |
| Project Lead | Richard Noble | Oversaw the entire ThrustSSC project, from design to execution. |
| Project Cost | Approximately £14 million (equivalent to roughly $23 million USD in 1997) | Reflects the significant investment required for such a complex engineering endeavor. |
| Materials | Primarily aluminum alloy, with some steel components in high-stress areas | Chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio and ability to withstand high temperatures. |
| Fuel | Kerosene-based jet fuel | Provided the necessary energy to power the engines. |
| Suspension | Limited suspension travel, designed for stability on the flat desert surface | Prioritized stability over ride comfort at extreme speeds. |
| Wheels | Solid aluminum wheels (no tires) | Designed to withstand the extreme centrifugal forces generated at high speeds. |
| Data Recording | Extensive telemetry system recorded various parameters, including speed, acceleration, engine performance, and aerodynamic forces | Provided valuable data for analysis and future development. |
| Predecessor | Thrust2 (held the land speed record from 1983 to 1997) | The car that paved the way for the ThrustSSC and its groundbreaking achievement. |
| Successor (Planned) | Bloodhound LSR (attempted to break the ThrustSSC's record but was ultimately unsuccessful due to funding issues) | A later project that aimed to surpass the ThrustSSC's record but faced significant challenges. |
Detailed Explanations
Car Name: The name "ThrustSSC" stands for Thrust SuperSonic Car. This name directly reflects the project's primary goal: to design and build a vehicle capable of exceeding the speed of sound. The "Thrust" part signifies the propulsive force generated by the jet engines, while "SSC" denotes its supersonic capability.
Record Speed: The ThrustSSC achieved a record speed of 763.035 mph (1,227.985 km/h). This speed not only broke the existing land speed record but also shattered the sound barrier, making it the first land vehicle to officially achieve supersonic speed. The record was achieved over a measured mile, with the average of two runs in opposite directions being used to account for wind conditions.
Date of Record: October 15, 1997, marks the historical date when Andy Green piloted the ThrustSSC to its record-breaking speed. This date is significant as it represents a pivotal moment in land speed record history and a major achievement in engineering and human endeavor.
Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA, was chosen as the location for the record attempt due to its vast, flat, and dry lakebed. This provided the necessary uninterrupted surface for the high-speed runs. The desert environment also offered optimal weather conditions, crucial for achieving and maintaining stability at extreme speeds.
Engine Type: The ThrustSSC was powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey 202 turbofan engines. These engines were originally designed for the F-4 Phantom II fighter jet, providing immense power and thrust. The choice of jet engines was crucial for achieving the speeds required to break the sound barrier, as conventional piston engines would have been insufficient.
Thrust: The combined thrust of the two Rolls-Royce Spey engines was approximately 50,000 lbs (222 kN). This immense force was necessary to overcome the significant aerodynamic drag encountered at supersonic speeds and propel the vehicle to its record-breaking velocity. Thrust is the force that directly propels the vehicle forward, counteracting resistance.
Horsepower: While jet engines are typically measured in terms of thrust, the equivalent horsepower of the ThrustSSC's engines was estimated to be around 110,000 bhp (brake horsepower). This figure provides a more relatable understanding of the sheer power generated by the engines, highlighting the immense energy required to achieve such high speeds.
Driver: Andy Green was the driver of the ThrustSSC during its record-breaking run. His exceptional driving skills and expertise in handling high-speed vehicles were crucial to the success of the project. He was specifically trained to manage the unique challenges of piloting a supersonic car, including maintaining stability and controlling the vehicle at extreme speeds.
Vehicle Length: The ThrustSSC was a massive vehicle, measuring 54 ft (16.5 m) in length. This long wheelbase contributed to its stability at high speeds. The length also played a role in the car's aerodynamic design, helping to minimize drag and maintain a straight course.
Vehicle Weight: Weighing in at 10.5 tons (9.5 tonnes), the ThrustSSC was a heavy vehicle. This weight contributed to its stability and resistance to aerodynamic forces. However, it also meant that a significant amount of power was required to accelerate the car to its record speed.
Aerodynamics: The ThrustSSC's design incorporated advanced aerodynamic principles to minimize drag and ensure stability at supersonic speeds. Features such as a sharp nose, delta wings, and a long, slender body were all carefully designed to optimize airflow and reduce resistance. The aerodynamics were critical to achieving and maintaining control at extreme speeds.
Steering System: The steering system used a conventional steering wheel controlling the front wheels, but with limited movement. This was designed to minimize the risk of overcorrection at high speeds, which could lead to instability. The sensitivity of the steering was carefully calibrated to provide precise control while preventing sudden, erratic movements.
Braking System: To safely decelerate from such extreme speeds, the ThrustSSC was equipped with a combination of air brakes and parachutes. The air brakes were deployed first to slow the vehicle down, followed by the parachutes to provide additional stopping power. This dual system ensured a controlled and safe deceleration.
Project Lead: Richard Noble led the ThrustSSC project from its inception to its successful execution. His vision, leadership, and expertise were instrumental in bringing together the team of engineers, designers, and drivers who made the record-breaking achievement possible. He also drove Thrust2 to its record in 1983.
Project Cost: The ThrustSSC project cost approximately £14 million (equivalent to roughly $23 million USD in 1997). This significant investment reflects the complexity and technological demands of designing, building, and testing a supersonic car. The cost covered everything from research and development to manufacturing and logistical support.
Materials: The ThrustSSC was primarily constructed from aluminum alloy, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to withstand high temperatures. Steel components were used in areas subject to high stress. The selection of materials was critical to ensuring the vehicle's structural integrity and performance at extreme speeds.
Fuel: The ThrustSSC was powered by kerosene-based jet fuel, a standard fuel used in jet engines. This fuel provided the necessary energy to generate the immense thrust required to propel the vehicle to supersonic speeds. The fuel consumption during the record attempts was extremely high.
Suspension: The ThrustSSC had limited suspension travel, designed for stability on the flat desert surface. The primary focus was on maintaining a stable platform at high speeds, rather than providing a comfortable ride. The suspension was carefully tuned to minimize vibrations and oscillations.
Wheels: Unlike conventional cars, the ThrustSSC used solid aluminum wheels instead of tires. This was necessary to withstand the extreme centrifugal forces generated at high speeds, which would have caused conventional tires to explode. The solid wheels were precisely machined and balanced to minimize vibration and ensure smooth running.
Data Recording: An extensive telemetry system recorded various parameters during the ThrustSSC's runs, including speed, acceleration, engine performance, and aerodynamic forces. This data was crucial for analyzing the vehicle's performance, identifying any potential issues, and making necessary adjustments. The telemetry data also provided valuable insights for future land speed record attempts.
Predecessor: Thrust2 held the land speed record from 1983 to 1997 before ThrustSSC broke its record. Thrust2 was also led by Richard Noble and provided valuable experience and knowledge that contributed to the success of the ThrustSSC project.
Successor (Planned): Bloodhound LSR was a later project that aimed to surpass the ThrustSSC's record. While the project achieved significant milestones, it ultimately faced funding issues and was unable to make a serious record attempt. The Bloodhound LSR project aimed to use a combination of jet and rocket power to achieve even higher speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the land speed record? The land speed record is the highest speed achieved by a vehicle on land, measured over a flying mile.
Who holds the land speed record? Andy Green, driving the ThrustSSC, holds the current land speed record.
When was the land speed record broken? The land speed record was broken on October 15, 1997.
Where was the land speed record broken? The land speed record was broken at Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA.
How fast did the ThrustSSC go? The ThrustSSC achieved a speed of 763.035 mph (1,227.985 km/h).
What type of engine did the ThrustSSC use? The ThrustSSC used two Rolls-Royce Spey 202 turbofan engines.
Why did the ThrustSSC use jet engines? Jet engines provide the immense power and thrust needed to overcome aerodynamic drag at extremely high speeds.
What are some challenges of breaking the land speed record? Challenges include overcoming aerodynamic drag, maintaining stability, managing extreme temperatures, and ensuring driver safety.
Have any wheel-driven cars broken the sound barrier? No, no wheel-driven cars have broken the sound barrier.
What is Bloodhound LSR? Bloodhound LSR was a project aiming to break the land speed record but ultimately failed due to funding issues.
Conclusion
The ThrustSSC's achievement of breaking the sound barrier on land remains a remarkable feat of engineering and human endeavor. The combination of powerful jet engines, advanced aerodynamics, and skilled piloting allowed it to reach speeds previously thought impossible, solidifying its place in history. Future land speed record attempts will likely build upon the lessons learned from the ThrustSSC project, pushing the boundaries of speed even further.