Bloodhound testing begins

Shakedown runs at Newquay airport should see the land speed challenger hit 200mph

By Nik Attard / Thursday, 26 October 2017 / Loading comments

The land speed record challenging Bloodhound SSC is set for its first public shakedown at Newquay airport today, piloted by Andy Green, the holder of the current record. It will be his first time at the wheel of the machine, with the aim being to get up to 200mph in 1,300m.

These shakedown runs are of course necessary to make sure all systems are working as intended before the car heads out to South Africa for its record attempt. Tests on the steering, brakes, suspension and data systems will take place as well calculations to determine exactly when full throttle can be applied once on the Hakskeen Pan.

During these initial trials, Bloodhound will be fitted with carbon fibre disc brakes and wheels shod in rubber. But, once the full rocket cluster has been added to the Eurofighter jet engine - generating the full 135,000hp - and speeds reach the planned 1,000mph, solid aluminium units will be required to cope with the 50,000g they will be exposed to. What a thing.

You can watch the test runs at Newquay on the livestream below