Bloodhound SSC: Electronic and Control System Overview

Project Bloodhound is more than a world land speed record attempt: while it aims to push the boundaries of technology by building the world's first 1000 mph car, the wider aim is to re-invigorate national interest in science and engineering, particularly in schools. After two years of research and testing, the team is now starting to build the Bloodhound SSC (SuperSonic Car), with over 2000 UK schools already signed up to follow the project’s technology over the next 2-3 years. The car is built around a state-of-the-art jet fighter engine (the Eurojet EJ200, delivering 90 kN of thrust) and the purpose-build Falcon hybrid rocket (120 kN thrust), which will consume one tonne of high-test peroxide in 20 seconds. The wheels will have to survive a force of 50,000 radial 'g', aerodynamics loads will reach 12 tonnes/m² and suspension loads will exceed 30 tonnes. Throughout this extraordinary process, measurement and control of the car’s systems and its dynamic performance will be absolutely critical to its safe operation. This huge responsibility falls squarely on the speaker, who describes how he plans to prepare, monitor and control the fastest car in history.