Bloodhound LSR is looking to set a new land speed record & 1000mph is the target. Here’s how
TLDRIn this episode of Harry's Garage, host Harry Metcalfe welcomes Stuart Evon, CEO of the Bloodhound LSR project, to discuss the supersonic car designed to break the land speed record. The car, powered by a Eurofighter Typhoon jet engine and a rocket, is undergoing testing to validate its aerodynamics and handling at high speeds. With a goal to exceed 800 mph, the project faces engineering challenges and requires significant funding. The video offers insights into the car's design, testing in South Africa's Hakskeen Pan, and the thrilling experience of driving at such extreme velocities. Evon shares the project's inspiration for future generations and the team's quest for a sustainable record attempt.
Takeaways
- 🚗 Harry's Garage features the Bloodhound land speed record car aiming to break new speed records.
- 🛠️ Stuart Evon, CEO of the project, explains the car's engineering and its potential.
- ✈️ Stuart has an RAF background, working on tornadoes and typhoons, which connects to the Bloodhound's typhoon engine.
- 🚀 The car focuses on reducing drag through its design rather than brute force.
- 🏁 The car's 2019 test run reached 628 mph, surpassing the target of 600 mph and validating their computer models.
- 💡 The project needs funding to return to the desert for a definitive record attempt, with a new driver potentially involved.
- 🎥 The road tour aims to raise awareness and funds, hoping to attract a sponsor or investor.
- 🛞 The car's wheels are designed to handle the high speeds and desert conditions, acting more like a boat hull to reduce friction.
- 📊 Detailed planning and testing ensure the car's performance aligns with their models, including suspension and stability considerations.
- 🔧 The car includes advanced features like coolant tanks for driver protection and sophisticated fuel systems for both jet and rocket engines.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the Bloodhound land speed record car's current tour?
-The Bloodhound land speed record car is on tour to raise funds for its next attempt at setting a new land speed record and to generate excitement about the project, especially with the potential of a new driver.
Why was the tail fin removed before bringing the car into the garage?
-The tail fin had to be removed to fit the car through the garage door, highlighting the car's large size.
What is Stuart Evon's background and how is it related to the Bloodhound project?
-Stuart Evon, the CEO of the project, has a background in the RAF working on tornadoes and typhoons, which is directly linked to the Bloodhound project as the car uses a typhoon engine.
What was the outcome of the Bloodhound car's high-speed testing in 2019?
-The high-speed testing in 2019 did not involve an official record attempt. Instead, it aimed to demonstrate that the car's performance matched the modeling done on a supercomputer, achieving speeds of 628 mph.
What is the significance of the car's shape in terms of aerodynamics?
-The car's shape has been developed to reduce drag, allowing it to reach high speeds without relying solely on brute force to punch through the air and break the sound barrier.
What is the car's acceleration capability and how does it compare to other vehicles?
-The Bloodhound car can accelerate from 0 to 600 mph in 50 seconds, which is an extraordinary feat considering most vehicles do not reach such speeds.
What is the role of the driver during a record attempt and why is discipline important?
-The driver must maintain discipline to accurately control the car at extreme speeds, respond to any issues that arise, and ensure the car's performance matches the modeling data.
What are the physical sensations and challenges experienced by the driver during high-speed runs?
-The driver experiences high G-forces, a lack of air conditioning, and the need to wear a protective suit and helmet in a desert environment while operating a car that shakes and encounters bumps.
What is the significance of the car's design in terms of stability and control?
-The car's design, including its length and narrow shape, is intended to provide stability and control at high speeds, which is crucial for setting a land speed record.
How does the Bloodhound car's engine differ from a typical car engine and why?
-The Bloodhound car uses a jet engine from a Eurofighter Typhoon, which is capable of producing up to 9 tons of thrust, unlike typical car engines. This is necessary to achieve the extreme speeds required for the land speed record.
What is the Bloodhound project's stance on sustainability and how does it plan to achieve it?
-The Bloodhound project aims to run the car using sustainable fuel without a drop of fossil fuel, demonstrating that it is possible to break records and push engineering boundaries in a sustainable way.
What are the challenges and considerations for braking the Bloodhound car after reaching high speeds?
-The car uses a combination of drag, air brakes, and parachutes to decelerate, with the final braking occurring at speeds as low as 200 mph, which is considered slow in the context of the car's capabilities.
What is the financial goal for the Bloodhound project and how does it plan to achieve it?
-The project requires £12 million to prepare and deploy the car for a new land speed record attempt. The funding will cover the costs of rebuilding the car, the deployment period, and associated activities over a period of three years or more.
What is the potential timeline for the Bloodhound project to achieve a new land speed record if fully funded?
-While a specific timeline cannot be given until full funding is secured, the project anticipates that with funding in place, preparations and the record attempt could realistically be expected to occur within the following two to three years.
Outlines
🏎️ Bloodhound LSR Car Overview
The video script introduces the Bloodhound Land Speed Record (LSR) car, which is currently on tour to raise funds for a new record attempt. Stuart Evon, CEO of the project, discusses the car's design, which focuses on reducing drag and is powered by a Eurofighter Typhoon engine. The car is not just about brute force but is engineered to be long and narrow to enhance aerodynamics. The script also mentions the car's 2019 high-speed testing in the desert, which validated the computer modeling and confirmed the car's readiness to attempt speeds beyond 800 miles per hour.
👨✈️ Piloting Challenges and Engineering Marvels
The conversation delves into the piloting challenges of the Bloodhound LSR car, highlighting the importance of discipline and the ability to respond quickly to issues while enduring physical pressures such as high G-forces. The potential new driver, who will experience these challenges, is a topic of discussion, with Andy Green being considered ideal for the role. The engineering aspects of the car are also explored, including the car's suspension, the unique design of the wheels, and the use of water for both cooling and as a ballistic protection measure for the driver.
🚀 The Role of the Jet Engine and Rocket Power
This section explains the role of the jet engine and the rocket in achieving the land speed record. The EJ200 jet engine, on loan from the military, provides a significant thrust, but to break the record, additional power is needed, which is where the rocket comes in. The rocket's function, design, and the use of a Jaguar V8 engine to pump fuel at an extreme rate are detailed. The script also touches on the car's acceleration, the importance of airflow stability, and the challenges of cooling the engine without a radiator due to the car's unique design.
📈 The Testing and Validation Process
The script outlines the meticulous process of testing and validation that the Bloodhound LSR car underwent. It describes the incremental speed testing, the importance of the car's stability and handling at high speeds, and the challenges of running the car on a dry lake bed in South Africa. The need for a wide, flat surface for testing is emphasized, as is the process of clearing the desert of stones to ensure a safe run. The wheels' performance and the car's steering dynamics are also discussed, highlighting the car's ability to plane on the desert floor due to its high-speed capabilities.
💰 Funding and the Future of the Project
The need for funding to continue the project is a central theme in this part of the script. The goal is to raise enough money to return to the desert and make a record attempt. The idea of involving a new driver to add excitement to the project is introduced, with the potential for media coverage from platforms like Netflix and Amazon. The script also discusses the car's design evolution, the decision not to use winglets for pitch stability, and the car's current status as a mockup that will be refined with further funding.
🔄 The Sustainable Fuel Initiative
This section discusses the project's commitment to sustainability, with plans to use plastic-based fuel in an effort to break the land speed record without relying on fossil fuels. The script highlights the challenges faced in adapting the jet engine and rocket to use this new type of fuel and the environmental benefits of doing so. It also mentions the amount of fuel used during a run and the project's relevance in today's focus on sustainability.
🎥 Media Coverage and the Thrill of the Record
The potential media coverage and the excitement generated by involving a new driver in the project are highlighted. The script speculates on the interest from streaming platforms in documenting the journey of someone pushing beyond previous speed limits. It also touches on the financial aspect of the project, with a target of £12 million needed to cover the costs of the record attempt, including preparation, deployment, and the media hype surrounding the event.
📆 Timeline and Commitment to the Record Attempt
The script concludes with a discussion on the timeline for the record attempt, emphasizing the need for full funding before any dates are announced. It outlines the process of preparing the car, deploying it, and the potential for a successful record attempt. The goal is to secure the funding and make the attempt within the next few years, with the hope that the record will stand for a long time, inspiring future generations.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bloodhound Land Speed Record Car
💡Stuart Evan
💡Typhoon Engine
💡High-Speed Testing
💡Drag Reduction
💡Supersonic
💡Transonic Region
💡Aerodynamic Flow
💡Sustainable Fuel
💡Rocket Engine
Highlights
Bloodhound land speed record car is featured in the video, aiming to set a new record.
Stuart Evon, CEO of the project, discusses the car's capabilities and its mental design aspects.
The car's design focuses on reducing drag, rather than using brute force to break the sound barrier.
In 2019, the car underwent high-speed testing, reaching 628 mph, but did not attempt a record.
The car is equipped with a Typhoon engine, similar to those used in RAF jets.
The car's acceleration can reach up to 2.5g, presenting a significant physical challenge for the driver.
The car's aerodynamics are in the transonic region, validating complicated airflow.
Funding is being sought for the project through a road tour and the announcement of a new driver.
Andy Green, the current driver, has a strong background in driving high-speed vehicles.
The car's design includes a unique airflow management system, developed in partnership with Rolls-Royce.
The car's wheels are solid aluminum alloy, designed to withstand high speeds and desert conditions.
The car's braking system includes air brakes and parachutes, essential for deceleration from extreme speeds.
The rocket engine is a critical component for achieving record speeds beyond 763 mph.
The project aims to use sustainable fuel, moving towards environmentally friendly record attempts.
The Bloodhound project has educational goals, aiming to inspire the next generation into STEM fields.
The team is seeking £12 million in funding to return to the desert and attempt the record.
A new driver will bring a fresh perspective and excitement to the project, potentially attracting media interest.
Transcripts
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