UWE not so slow after all

It’s not often UWE and rocket science are mentioned in the same breath.

But one crack team of students and staff from Bristol’s lesser university are bidding to change that, as they attempt to break the world land speed record.

Their Bloodhound rocket, designed to reach 1000mph, was tested this week ahead of a 2014 record attempt in South Africa.

“It´s the first time we´ve tested the Cosworth F1 engine and rocket together,” says Sarah Covell, Technical Centre Manager for the Bloodhound SuperSonic Car. This is also the first time the rocket has been fired in the UK.

If all goes well, the result will be 30,000 brake horse power, released in just 10 seconds. If the rocket weren’t strapped down, Sarah tells The Tab it would go, “a long way”.

All this is in preparation for next year when the team will attempt an 850mph land speed record on their specially prepared track in the South African desert of Hakskeen Pan. Then in 2014 they will go for the coveted 1000mph mark.

The first record attempt might be some months away, but the team at Hakskeen Pan are already preparing the track: a laser-equipped road grader is out making sure the track is as flat as it can be.

Sarah said: “We’ve done a lot of research, so we’re pretty confident we will be able to achieve it. We’re going to gradually build up the speed”.

But a rocket and an F1 engine alone are not enough to break those dizzying land speed records: the Bloodhound will also have a Eurofighter-Typhoon engine.

Wing Commander Andy Green will be at the wheel. “Andy’s body will be under a lot of strain, 2.5G during acceleration and then -2.5G when he breaks.” All in just 100 seconds. “Andy took us up in a stunt plane and flew the G-profile. It was pretty tough on your body”.

The team are well prepared and a lot of research has been done to minimise the risks, although it is still dangerous. The car has to withstand immense force, whilst minimising drag and ensuring there is enough down force to prevent it from catapulting into the air.

Sarah tells The Tab there is the chance for you to send your name hurtling through the South African desert, too: they’re looking for people who want to put their name on the tail fin.

You can find out more on their website.

Land speed records have certainly come a long way since Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat reached 39mph back in 1898.