Successful Engine Test in UK For Planned 1000 mph Car 262
amkkhan writes with this excerpt from International Science Times: "Scientists aiming to create a car that can break 1,000 mph cleared a large hurdle yesterday when they successfully tested their rocket engine. The engine will power the supersonic car known as the Bloodhound SSC — meant to become the fastest car in the world. The British team tested the engine in an aircraft shelter in Newquay Cornwall Airport, originally designed to protect fighter planes from bombs. Although the data hasn't fully been analyzed, the researchers said the engine reached 30,000 horsepower during the 10-second burn. Given enough time, they expect the engine to reach 80,000 horsepower and 27,500 pounds of thrust."
Its not a car (Score:3, Insightful)
A rocket with wheels is still just a rocket, doesn't matter where its aimed.
Re:I used to think this stuff was cool (Score:5, Insightful)
But far more boring to most kids. I admit, it sounds pretty boring to me too, even if it is the more responsible goal to aim for. The UK has a problem with getting kids interested in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). Most kids love explosions, fire, noise and power. You lecture them on how you can make a car go 1000 miles on a gallon of fuel, and most would probably fall asleep.
This however, is fast, noisy, pushes science/engineering to its limits, and shoots a massive jet of fire out the back, what's not to love? It gets kids excited, which is its primary goal, it is an excellent world showcase for the high-technology design/manufacturing that the UK still has, and installs some pride in the UK populace. It is not a blueprint for all future cars, so the fact it gets 0.04mpg (uk gallons) is irrelevant, especially as it will probably only run a few times in its life.
Not to fret though, there are lots of challenges every year to see who can get the best mpg (I think we're up to 350mpg on diesel). Different strokes for different folks and all that. There is a lot of work on both sides of the fence :)
Re:Will that there engine fit in my '79 Firebird? (Score:0, Insightful)
You can't be a republican AND a christian.
One hates helping people, the other is required to.
Re:It gave ZERO horsepower (Score:5, Insightful)
Au contraire! They slightly accelerated/slowed* the rotation of the earth.
* I don't know which way it was pointing, hopefully not north.
The "not built here" lobby (Score:5, Insightful)
I've got plenty of karma so I'm just going to say it.
I've just been scrolling through the "what's the point" posts and all I can say is get the fuck over yourselves. If this thing were built in America you'd be calling it the greatest thing since the outside toilet. Same as how you pissed on Concorde, one of the greatest technical achievements of the 20th century, after you didn't get your act together with your own SST projects. Same s how you defend your suckiness at soccer by claiming "oh but we don't care about that game anyway."
But you know what? The Brits have made the land speed record their thing. I say good on them and I have to ask what ground-breaking records have you broken from the comfort of your mother's basement lately?
Lighten up, you depressing fucks!
Re:What's the point? (Score:5, Insightful)
Does it provide new insights into the science invlved, such as aerodynamics?
Actually, yes. It's extremely difficult to keep a car level with that much thrust, and not flying or burying itself. Also, before ThrustSSC nobody really knew what would happen with the sonic boom and how it would interact with the ground, reflect back onto the car, etc.
Also... it's *awesome*! Do we stop doing cool stuff because there's no immediate benefit??
Re:I used to think this stuff was cool (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Will that there engine fit in my '79 Firebird? (Score:3, Insightful)
You need to go read about the No True Scotsman fallacy.
Your incorrect assumption is that Christians follow the teachings of Christ, which is completely wrong.
The engine isn't the problem. (Score:4, Insightful)
The engine isn't the problem. There are many aircraft engines powerful enough. The problem is keeping the "car" stably in contact with the ground. Really, anything going that fast is an aircraft. The aerodynamic forces dominate.
Finding a long enough flat area to run the thing is getting hard. The Bonneville Salt Flats aren't big enough any more. The last few land speed record efforts moved to Black Rock Desert, and this one is planned for the Hakskeen Pan dry lake bed in South Africa.
Rails work better than salt flats. Holloman USAF Base has a 10-mile high speed test rail track for rocket sled tests. The speed record there is 6,481 MPH.
Re:Will that there engine fit in my '79 Firebird? (Score:2, Insightful)
No - the incorrect assumption is that you can't help people without doing so via the government. I'm not a Christian, but I've spent a significant amount of time studying the teachings the Bible purports to be his (in a collegiate setting). I don't recall Jesus or his disciples ever telling their followers to petition their government to enact laws to help people. They told their followers to help people directly.
Most Christians don't follow that teaching either, but those who do are far more impactful than any of us who simply pay taxes and figure we've done our part.
Re:Will that there engine fit in my '79 Firebird? (Score:5, Insightful)
People have been giving alms to the poor throughout the middle ages, and up until now. Government programs to help lift people out of poverty (such as by providing free education) have only been around perhaps 150 years or so. All that private charity did absolutely nothing to reduce or eliminate grinding poverty, yet government provision of services (mostly education) has created a giant and prosperous middle class and a strong economy in all developed nations.
Paying your taxes (to whichever part of the government funds education) does a LOT more than giving money to some charity.