Bloodhound LSR - 1000 mph car

[BTB 500]

I loved the bit in the video above where Andy Green was talking about the steering wheel on Bloodhound - super hi-tech 3D printed titanium modeled to precisely fit the shape of his hands. Then mentioning that the two triggers on it were robbed from Black & Decker cordless drills

 

[Mactech]

I loved the bit in the video above where Andy Green was talking about the steering wheel on Bloodhound - super hi-tech 3D printed titanium modeled to precisely fit the shape of his hands. Then mentioning that the two triggers on it were robbed from Black & Decker cordless drills

Yes, Andy is quite remarkable guy. Just as comfortable speaking at boardroom level as shop floor level.
He also is very realistic. Knows when you need to push technical boundaries and when simple is best, just as NASA spent millions developing a Biro to work in zero gravity, whilst the Russians took a pencil....

 

[moonloops]

Knows when you need to push technical boundaries and when simple is best, just as NASA spent millions developing a Biro to work in zero gravity, whilst the Russians took a pencil....

Unfortunately the NASA pen story is an urban myth.

 

[Mactech]

Unfortunately the NASA pen story is an urban myth.

Ok, thanks! Myth or not the principles apply. Maybe you mythed the point?
I was going to use 'no point in re-inventing the wheel' but in this context it seemed inappropriate....

PS. Are urban myths still valid in rural areas where I live

 

[grober]

The development of the "Biro" is a facinating one and the idea started as early as 1888 ! The breakthrough seems to have come with the adoption of printer's ink. I had heard the WW2 bomber aircrew story before but perhaps that illustrates that the best urban myths have an element of truth in them but said element gets embellished over the years?

Ballpoint pen - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[SW18]

Unfortunately the NASA pen story is an urban myth.

Ok, thanks! Myth or not the principles apply. Maybe you mythed the point?
I was going to use 'no point in re-inventing the wheel' but in this context it seemed inappropriate....

PS. Are urban myths still valid in rural areas where I live

I understood the NASA / Russians thing was about razors. That NASA developed a clever electric razor that retained the cut hairs and prevented them flying loose around the craft. Whereas the Russians just used traditional wet shaving which trapped the hairs in the soap anyway. No idea if that one is true either!

 

[Mactech]

I can see where the 'rumour' came from:

"Because of a ballpoint pen's reliance on gravity to coat the ball with ink, most cannot be used to write upside-down. However, technology developed by Fisher pens in the United States resulted in the production of what came to be known as the "Fisher Space Pen". Space Pens combine a more viscous ink with a pressurized ink reservoir[4] that forces the ink toward the point. Unlike standard ballpoints, the rear end of a Space Pen's pressurized reservoir is sealed, eliminating evaporation and leakage,[4] thus allowing the pen to write upside-down, in zero-gravity environments, and reportedly underwater.[26]Astronauts have made use of these pens in outer space.[4]"

I'm sure somebody would have then said that it was just the sort of thing NASA would produce, then it's difficult for the truth to get in the way of a good story!

 

[Mactech]

Whatever the truth is, Andy is a very practical guy and got us to fit a holder for a notebook and 'writing implement' in a recess on the dashboard of Dieselmax so he could jot down any observations from a run whilst he waited for the turnaround crew to catch up with him.
Much more pilot than racing driver!

 

[moonloops]

I can see where the 'rumour' came from:

"Because of a ballpoint pen's reliance on gravity to coat the ball with ink, most cannot be used to write upside-down. However, technology developed by Fisher pens in the United States resulted in the production of what came to be known as the "Fisher Space Pen". Space Pens combine a more viscous ink with a pressurized ink reservoir[4] that forces the ink toward the point. Unlike standard ballpoints, the rear end of a Space Pen's pressurized reservoir is sealed, eliminating evaporation and leakage,[4] thus allowing the pen to write upside-down, in zero-gravity environments, and reportedly underwater.[26]Astronauts have made use of these pens in outer space.[4]"

I'm sure somebody would have then said that it was just the sort of thing NASA would produce, then it's difficult for the truth to get in the way of a good story!

Bottom line was that a pencil in space sheds material so is the worst thing to have on board a space craft in zero G

 

[BTB 500]

Interesting development:

Driver Replacement Requirement – Announcement​

"Race to Greatness: Bloodhound Land Speed Record Driver Search" is an exciting and captivating campaign aimed at finding a new driver for the iconic Bloodhound Land Speed Record car. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will attract passionate and skilled individuals who are ready to push the boundaries of speed and become part of history, as they pilot the fastest car on Earth.

As we continue to raise the required funds to set a new LSR, the appointment of a new driver will add fresh excitement to the project; it will enable people to follow the journey of a new driver and get direct feedback from someone who has never driven at LSR speeds.

Ultimately, we are looking for a driver that must bring the remaining funding required for Bloodhound to set a new LSR. So, if you think you have the right experience, skills and have what it takes to drive a car at over 800mph, whilst providing the necessary funding, then we would love to hear from you.

Bloodhound LSR - Bloodhound

The search is on for the next Super Sonic Driver to take the Land Speed Record. Find out more

www.bloodhoundlsr.com

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[Bobby Dazzler]

Interesting development:

Bloodhound LSR - Bloodhound

The search is on for the next Super Sonic Driver to take the Land Speed Record. Find out more

www.bloodhoundlsr.com

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

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If only I was younger, fitter, and a better driver then I might have been up for that! These days my only qualification for that job is having a pair of Aviator sunglasses!

 

[BTB 500]

I wonder how much money they are looking for the new driver to provide!

 

[Mactech]

I wonder how much money they are looking for the new driver to provide!

I understand that it will be into 8 figures ($)....which is quite expensive given the target speed has now also dropped to 800 from 1000 mph

 

[BTB 500]

I understand that it will be into 8 figures ($)....which is quite expensive given the target speed has now also dropped to 800 from 1000 mph

Damn, that rules me out then

Yes I picked up on the lowered target in the video. I suspect they'll first try to set a new world record using the jet engine alone - they were within 6 mph of that during testing. The rocket motor adds a whole layer of complexity and cost (and potentially risk). Already having a new record in the bag would potentially attract enough new sponsorship to go for 800 (+) with rocket assistance.

 

[John N]

Interesting development:

Bloodhound LSR - Bloodhound

The search is on for the next Super Sonic Driver to take the Land Speed Record. Find out more

www.bloodhoundlsr.com

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

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I don't fancy it myself! I can't see any AMG Mats anywhere!

 

[Steveml63]

A guy went for the interview to drive the land speed attempt vehicle.
After a successful interview - the interviewer told him he could start next Wednesday.
The candidate was very keen and said that he could start on Monday.
Interviewer said “Sorry you cannot start on Monday as you are having your brain removed that day”!

 

[Mactech]

A guy went for the interview to drive the land speed attempt vehicle.
After a successful interview - the interviewer told him he could start next Wednesday.
The candidate was very keen and said that he could start on Monday.
Interviewer said “Sorry you cannot start on Monday as you are having your brain removed that day”!

You may think anyone who contemplates such a task may be a few vouchers short of a pop up toaster! However, Andy Green who holds number of landspeed records and remains the only one to exceed the speed of sound on the ground, is actually one of the most level headed, sanest and brightest guys I have ever worked with. Did I mention clever? A 1st in maths from Oxford gives some clue, but his decision to step down as driver after already being the only and fastest man to drive that car gives another big clue.
The guy who eventually gets the job will have to be really, really smart.