Analysis
Parker Hannifin supports development of world's first 1,000mph car
Parker Hannifin is supporting the pioneering Bloodhound SSC project, which will see a specially developed car attempt to achieve the first 1,000mph record on land. As one of the project’s key product sponsors, Parker is supplying a range of advanced hydraulic equipment that will be used in the initial test stages right through to the final in-car systems. In particular, the company has provided equipment that will be involved in the control of the car’s aerodynamic trim system and the air braking system, as well as ground support equipment for use during the record attempt.
The Bloodhound project aims to go above and beyond just breaking the current land speed record of 763mph. Indeed, the mission statement for the project – confront the impossible and overcome it using Science Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) – ties in perfectly with Parker’s own business philosophy and goals: to develop innovative solutions in motion and control technologies and to partner with customers to deliver unrivalled technical and commercial value. Bloodhound is intended to become a platform for the best of British engineering and to inspire and motivate the engineers of the future. It is being built around cutting edge technology, including a Eurojet EJ200 jet engine, to accelerate the vehicle to 300mph, and a Falcon rocket, which boosts speeds to 1000mph or more. Centrally mounted in the car is an 800hp auxiliary F1 engine that provides power to the hydraulics, starting of the jet engine and feeds High Test Peroxide through to the Falcon rocket. Combined, these engines provide an impressive 135,000hp and give a 0-1,000mph time of just 42 seconds.
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Parker is working with the Bloodhound engineering team to develop a series of test rigs, which will provide critical test data for the subsequent evolution of hydraulically powered air brakes and control of winglets situated over the front wheels to maintain aerodynamic stability. In addition, the company will be supplying dedicated hydraulic power packs and specialised ground support systems for use during the test and world record attempts, which will be carried out in 2012 at the Haskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Mark Cattermole, Product Manager – Industrial systems for Parker Hannifin, commented, “We are delighted to be involved in this ground breaking project and be part of the team that will see Bloodhound’s goals come to fruition. It is great to watch our leading edge technology delivering the power to drive innovation in one of industry’s most fast paced sectors. Another key element is the enthusiasm and inspiration that this project is sparking in the next generation of engineers, something we are always keen to support.”