Rejuvenation Strategy for UK's Bloodhound Land Speed Race Car

The UK is seeking a driver for its Bloodhound supersonic car as it aims to break the world land speed record. To be considered for the role, applicants must demonstrate their ability to handle speeds exceeding 800mph (1,290km/h) and secure a significant sponsorship deal. The Bloodhound car, which impressed during testing runs in South Africa's Kalahari Desert in 2019, has been stored at the Coventry Transport Museum. Reviving the project and attempting to break the land speed record would require an estimated cost of £12m. The Covid-19 pandemic halted previous funding attempts, but project leader Stuart Edmondson believes it is now an opportune time to pursue the mission. Edmondson plans to apply an approach commonly seen in other motorsport categories, where drivers bring substantial funds to secure a racing seat. The right candidate will possess the necessary skills and experience, as well as the discipline to operate in a challenging environment. Former RAF pilot Andy Green, who set the current supersonic land speed record in 1997, is passing the baton to the next generation but will continue to provide advice behind the scenes. The Bloodhound car is in good condition, with sensitive components like its EJ200 Eurofighter jet engine removed and securely stored. The team has received assurance from the UK Defence Secretary that the power unit will be available if the project resumes. The car will require stripping down and rebuilding, with the aim of achieving high speeds in June/July 2025. The runs will take place on Hakskeen Pan in Northern Cape, where Bloodhound reached a top speed of 628mph (1,010km/h) in 2019. The car was designed to carry a monopropellant rocket, and simulations have indicated that it should be capable of surpassing the existing world record with the combined thrust from both power units. Stuart Edmondson, who also has a background in the RAF and advises on decarbonizing planes, aims for Bloodhound to adopt a similar approach by utilizing synthetic fuels and an electric motor for the pump. He argues that land speed records are still relevant for pushing engineering boundaries while embracing a changing world. A full-scale model of Bloodhound will be showcased during a short tour in southern England to announce its return from hibernation.