The first public outing for Bloodhound SSC, the British-built supersonic car designed to exceed 1,000mph and break the land speed record, is fast approaching, with the first ‘low-speed’ tests (up to 200mph) due to take place at Newquay airfield at the end of the month.

The car is now undergoing dynamic testing, following a week of static tests at the end of September when engineers turned over its Eurofighter jet engine in a ‘tie-down’ test (pictured) that went flawlessly, sending a
large orange flame out of the rear nozzle.

The team had been concerned that the Rolls-Royce EJ200 power unit might have some operational difficulties being in a car as opposed to sitting in a fighter aircraft, but any fears were soon allayed when Andy Green flicked the switches in his cockpit and the engine performed exactly to its specification.

It was also proof that the car’s sophisticated electronic systems were working as designed.

Dynamic tests carried out so far have enabled the team to prove the steering, brakes and tyre grip at speeds up to 50mph, but it has not been all ‘plain sailing’.

On one of the early runs, the front right carbon brake disc did not come up to temperature like the other three. It was found to have ‘glazed’, so it refused to bite and come up to temperature.

The glaze was eventually burned off after a number of high-energy stops, and all four brakes are now properly bedded in.

Mr Green said: “Once we’d got all four brakes operating together, it handled like a real racing car. The team have been putting in the long hours, working through minor issues as we learn how to fine-tune the car and operating procedures.

“We must say a big ‘thank you’ to the staff of Cornwall Airport Newquay for their support. The airfield is proving to be the ideal test and development centre for the world’s fastest car.”