New land speed record on course thanks to bespoke components

Phil Black - PII Editor 30/04/2014

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A British-led assault on the world land speed record has moved up a gear thanks to bespoke components from Morgan Advanced Materials. Working closely with the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) team, Morgan has been commissioned to design and manufacture custom parts to be used in various applications from ‘nose to tail’ drawing on the group’s broad range of engineering and materials expertise which ranges from composites to thermal management.

Led by Project Director Richard Noble and due to be driven by Andy Green, the Bloodhound world land speed record attempt is scheduled to take place in summer 2015 in South Africa with the twin aims of reaching speeds of 1,000mph (1,600kph approx) and motivating the next generation of British engineers to ‘confront and overcome the impossible using science, technology, engineering and mathematics’ (STEM).

Using racing car technology, the front half of the car takes the form of a carbon fibre monocoque – a rigid and secure ‘cell’ which provides optimum aerodynamics through its complex curvature as well as efficient air intake. The Morgan team will take responsibility for ballistic protection of the monocoque through designing, validating and manufacturing port and starboard panels which will shield the driver from any debris showers at high speed.

Morgan will also contribute to the lateral stability and aerodynamics of Bloodhound, working to provide an external surface covering for fin fairings on both sides as well as the leading edge of the fin itself. The fin has been designed to ensure stability throughout the Mach range and is also likely to include antennae which form part of Bloodhound’s vital on-board communication infrastructure.

Finally, Morgan’s thermal management expertise will be utilised through a customised kit of fire protection parts and materials to be used across Bloodhound as well as the support equipment used in running the vehicle. In contrast to the carbon fibre compartment at the front of the vehicle, the rear of Bloodhound will comprise of a metallic framework and panels, with a combined length of 14m, adding an additional challenge for Morgan’s design, engineering and assembly teams.

Mark Robertshaw, CEO of Morgan Advanced Materials plc explained: “As well as a unique opportunity to help Bloodhound smash the world land speed record, our involvement in the project allows us to promote engineering as a career to young people in Britain. The opportunities in the field are varied, as Bloodhound proves, and our broad range of experience in creating custom solutions for the aerospace, defence and automotive sectors means we can give Bloodhound the best possible chance of securing supersonic speeds – and the record.”

Conor La Grue, Engineering Lead Commercial of Bloodhound SSC added: “Bringing together the expertise of specialist UK manufacturers, Bloodhound is a collaborative effort aimed at motivating the next generation of engineers. Breaking the record is the goal, but the true legacy of this iconic project will be in inspiring participation in STEM subjects, producing engineers ready to tackle the future challenges of industry.”