One to look out for in 2012. It's going to be much faster than a bullet! (well, most bullets!)
Northampton engineers helping to power record-breaking attempt to reach 1,000mph
Northampton Chronicle
Sat Nov 13, 2010
ENGINEERS from Northampton are working on an engine which will help power a record-breaking attempt to drive a car at more than 1,000 mph.
Workers from Northampton, St James- based Cosworth have built a special version of their Formula 1 engine to be used in the Bloodhound Supersonic Car, which it is hoped will reach 1,050mph when it is driven across a South African desert in 2012.
Cosworths chief executive, Tim Routsis, said staff at the Northampton firm had been delighted to work on such a prestigious project.
He said: The invitation to participate in such a high profile and adventurous project is both exciting and a privilege for Cosworth.
We look forward to working with the Bloodhound team to develop the new technology necessary to achieve the record and inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists.
Bloodhound has been designed by the British team which set the current land speed record of 763 mph with their Thrust car in 1997.
As well as the Cosworth power unit, Bloodhound will also be powered by both a rocket and a jet engine.
The Cosworth engine will be used to supply fuel to the rocket, pumping the fluid at an average speed of 75 pints a second.
As well as their engine, Cosworth will also supply electronics for Bloodhound which will help control the vehicle and allow engineers and members of the public to see data beamed back from the car during its record attempts.
The car will be driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, who piloted Thrust in 1997.
He said: Ive met graduate engineers who are adamant our previous record was what inspired their career choice as youngsters.
That sort of thing makes all the effort worthwhile. Bloodhound will be so much faster and, we hope, will fire up every school kid about science and technology.
Bloodhounds record-breaking attempt is planned to be held on the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa, a space the size of 4,800 football pitches, during summer 2012.
Last week, the Cosworth engine secured another success with its first pole position (*) since the company returned to Formula 1 earlier this year.
(*) Nico Hulkenberg's surprise run to pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix