Grapevine: New land speed record bid launched

The car, to be known as Bloodhound SSC, will be built at the University of West England in Bristol, and is scheduled to go for record attempts at 800, 900 and then 1000mph by the end of 2011.

Richard Noble, who broke the land speed record in 1983 aboard Thrust 2, will spearhead the project, while Wing Commander Andy Green, who was behind the wheel of Thrust SSC when it set the current record of 763mph in 1997, will again drive.

Noble said: "This is definitely the most exciting and ambitious project I have ever been involved in.

"Just seeing the technology involved here, it's a big step from Thrust SSC. We used lots of existing technology in that, but with this it's almost all new. Very exciting.

"Keeping our record is important - there are a couple of groups in America and Australia who want to take it from Britain. But what is even more important is using this project to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, the kids at school and college, to take Britain on to the next level in terms of engineering in the future."

Bloodhound will be powered by three engines. A purpose-built rocket, in addition to a Eurofighter jet powerplant, will produce 25,000lb of thrust, with an adapted version of Menard Technologies' Superleague Formula V12 powering the pump that will force the fuel into the rocket.

It has yet to be decided where the record attempts will take place, although the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, the location of Thrust SSC's sound barrier-breaking attempt 11 years ago, is no longer suitable due to the site having deteriorated. 36 locations around the world are under consideration.

The budget for the project - which is privately funded - has been set at £10 million.