[ad_1]
The road runs fast for a British team behind a supersonic car built to beat the world speed record at 1000 km / h.
Project Bloodhound, a not-for-profit company combining cutting-edge technologies in the automotive and aerospace fields, has called for £ 25 million in funding to carry out its research and development efforts. A decade after the fall of the company in the administration.
This development is a blow to the hope that the showcase of British engineering will one day attempt to break records, which was planned for next year in the Hakskeen Pan (South Africa), a plateau of mud and salt in the Kalahari Desert.
Powered by the thrust of a military jet engine, the Bloodhound SSC vehicle made its first public release almost a year ago during a test at Newquay Airport in New York. Cornwall, where he reached a top speed of 210 mph – approaching the speed of a Formula 1 car.
But since then, essential fundraising efforts seem to have stopped. Chief Engineer Mark Chapman said that when Bloodhound pulled out of the research and development phase, a "different funding approach" was needed.
"This project is built around the most successful team in the history of ground speed racing and, with the appropriate support, we are confident that the project will achieve its goals and that it could beat the record for 'here 10 months,' he said. added.
Approximately £ 30 million was spent on the project, funded by a combination of corporate sponsors, government grants and public donations. Of this amount, £ 20 million was spent in cash with the rest coming from in-kind donations.
Founded by Richard Noble, a 72-year-old speed veteran who brought the speed record back to the UK in 1983, Bloodhound's overall goals are to develop and test advanced technologies with potential applications. wider and to attract the interest of schoolchildren for engineering.
Its educational arm, which runs workshops in schools, said that as a distinct society and a registered charity, it was unaffected and would continue to operate.
The Bloodhound vehicle uses a Rolls-Royce Eurofighter Typhoon EJ200 jet engine and the team has planned to add three Norwegian Nammo rockets to give the car a boost to reach its maximum speed.
Andrew Sheridan, a partner of FRP Advisory, appointed as a director, said discussions were underway with a number of potential investors, but urged all other interested parties to get in touch " without delay".
"If Bloodhound needs £ 25 million to beat the ground speed record, it represents a fraction of the cost, for example, finishing last in an F1 season or leading a team from America & # 39; s Cup. It's an opportunity for the right investor to leave a lasting legacy, "he added.
A spokesman for the administrators refused to specify the deadline of a rescue contract or the amount of debts of the company.
Source link
