If it seems like the Bloodhound SSC project has been running for a jolly long time, that's because it has; today's reveal is the culmination of eight years research and development, involving over 350 companies. We know about the
team behind it
the location
will be driving
. Now we know exactly how the car that's targeting 1,000mph will look.
More to come from Canary Wharf soon
Predictably enough, it's very similar to the renderings and images already seen. However, with this official debut there are also some incredible stats released about the project. And who doesn't love a good stat attack? For example, Bloodhound 'will go from zero to 1,000mph in 55 seconds and back to zero again in a further 65 seconds, covering 12 miles.' The wheels will spin at 10,200rpm, or 170 times per second. And the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa, where the drive will take place, has had 15,800 tonnes of stones removed from it.
There's another big number associated with the Bloodhound too: eight thousand. That's how many members of the public are signed up to see the car over the next few days in a free expo at Canary Wharf. PH is heading along so will be sure to grab a few pics of the complete car. This public display will also see the the Bloodhound cameras operating for the first time too; the team describes it as a 'supersonic TV studio', with 12 cameras built in to capture all the action. When the first record attempt comes, we will have access to the same view as Andy Green, with all the information on the car's temperature and speed also. Cool!
Finally, this evening Bloodhound will reveal the date of the 800mph record attempt. Not 1,000mph, granted, but enough to surpass the existing 763mph record. So if you're on the Twittersphere at 2000h this evening, that's where you'll find out. The handle is @Bloodhound_SSC. Not long to wait now!