Thanks to Doug's posting about the Robert Llewellyn "CarPool" podcast, I've become a fan. Robert Llewellyn was the host of 'Scrapyard Challenge' the original "Junkyard Wars." Now he interviews interesting people while driving a Prius, EV or other hybrids. In this episode, he interviewed Richard Noble whose team exceeded Mach 1 on land. Richard's current project is to exceed 1,000 mph in what can only be called a hybrid that combines several propulsion sources: european jet engine - just to cover 0-~500 mph 12 cylinder engine - the fuel pump for the rocket engine hydrogen peroxide rocket engine - with ~12 seconds of thrust to reach 1,000 mph Yes, this project is perfectly mad, insane, nuts but what a challenge. The wheels have to turn at 10,000 rpm. This project is insane but so too is going to the moon and returning ... oh how I love engineering! Bob Wilson
I'll bet GM is scrambling to acquire them. This would be great for GM's PR team. I'm not sure I would feel safe going 1000mph on the ground. Doesn't sound very safe.
Now -THAT'S- an understatement! They had a story on this on Discovery last night (Daily Planet). They have to worry about the shock waves (sonic boom) tearing up the ground so there would be nowhere for the wheels to ride. They had to offset the front wheels from the rear because they also tear up the ground as they slide/roll over it. In fact, (something new they discovered when they ran the previous vehicle) the "media" they kick up (dust and dirt including rocks) introduces tremendous drag when it hits the vehicle (if they can't avoid it hitting). Not to mention the damage! Then there is the little problem of keeping the vehicle on the ground and level. I think it was Craig's car that nosed into the ground from aerodynamic forces. Not good! I believe this project is the logic invert of "nothing can go wrong".
A 12 cylinder fuel pump? I like engineering, too, but there's a difference between appropriate technology and complete and utter insanity.
If I remember correctly: 2G acceleration - this would wake you up 6G deccelration - at this rate, you'd feel like the Devil was dragging you and your soul to H*ll. Without straps, you arms and legs would extend as straight out in front as the coffin ... cabin would allow. This would not a 'fun ride' by any stretch of the imagination. There would not be a 'driver' as things are happening too fast, but rather a primate 'lab rat' passenger. . . . No thanks, no interest at all. At least a Burt Rutan rocket ride would give some zero-G time. This thing is totally awesome, nuts and though I admire what it takes, not the place I'd want to be anywhere within less than 15 miles. Bob Wilson
