Going for green… at 1000mph

Scandinavian rocket manufacturer Nammo, the powertrain partner of the Bloodhound group’s land speed record attempt, has completed a successful initial test of its innovative hybrid rocket propulsion system.

Bloodhound aims to use the hybrid technology to surpass the current 763mph (1228km/h) land speed record, held by its own project director Richard Noble and driver Andy Green, who was aboard Thrust SSC.

An 800mph (1288km/h) attempt will be completed before aiming for 1000mph (1609km/h) in 2016, with the high-speed runs conducted on the desert plain of the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa.

Described by Nammo as a ‘safe, controllable, low-cost and green alternative for rocket propulsion’, the hybrid rocket uses a propellant combination of hydrogen peroxide as the oxidiser and synthetic rubber for fuel.

The video conveys the test, conducted at Nammo’s Norwegian facility. The initial firing lasted a pre-determined 16 seconds, with maximum achieved thrust of three tonnes.

Temperatures reached 2500 degrees inside the rocket and 1400 degrees in the plume, and the post-firing inspection revealed the motor’s full integrity was conserved, an encouraging sign for future firings.

Beyond the world land speed record attempts, the hybrid rocket technology is seen as the future for affordable launching of small satellites and as such has been supported by the European Space Agency since 2010.

Bloodhound will initially use a single Nammo hybrid rocket for testing, before a three-pronged system will be installed for the run to 1000mph (1609km/h).

The rocket system will be augmented by a Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine and a supercharged 5.0-litre Jaguar V8 internal combustion engine that produces 410kW and drives the vehicle’s hydraulic systems as well as the rocket’s oxidiser pump.

This is capable of supplying 800 litres of peroxide oxidiser in just 20 seconds. All-up power is stated at 135,000 thrust horsepower, or the equivalent of 180 Formula One machines.

Beyond engine supply, Jaguar, as Bloodhound's main partner and innovation partner, is involved in supplying technological solutions to the cockpit design, in consultation with driver Andy Green so he can properly and comfortably monitor essential control systems.

The prestige British company will also provide two bespoke Rapid Response Vehicles on-site during the record runs.

Phil Popham, Jaguar's Global Marketing Director, said: The Bloodhound project is one of the most inspirational and innovative currently in existence. Jaguar is delighted to be part of a project which inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers, whilst also supporting Jaguar's commitment to high performance technology and our mission of advancing knowledge and improving lives.”