Bloodhound SSC

[Answerprancer]

UK still holds the land-speed record with Thrust SSC having broken the sound barrier in 1997. Currently the above named project is still in the developmental stages.
The aim is to produce the first vehicle of its type to do 1000mph - d'you think they'll do it?

[Tonester]

British engineering at its finest, ofcourse they will.

Last I've heard about it, is they're setting the record in South Africa?

[Answerprancer]

Yes, they call it "fodding" (from Foreign Object Damage).
I saw a fantastic documentary about land-speed attempts - they interviewed loads of past contenders including Craig Breedlove and Richard Noble.
I wish I knew the name of it so I could get it somewhere.

[sddsddean]

I've got a video about it AP. Its called 'One Second from Eternity'. Don't know if its the same one.

[Answerprancer]

The one I saw was a potted history, it had clips of the Australian attempt, I think there were clips of Bluebird, interviews with Craig Breedlove, Donald/Malcolm and possibly Gina Campbell - I seem to remember a clip of one sliding out of control on ice and ending up in the drink. It came right up to date with Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC, I think there was a bit where Craig Breedlove referred to Thrust SSC as "ugly".

[sddsddean]

Not the same as I mine. Btw, Craig Breedlove is American, so what would he know about good engineering!! SSC might not have been the most beautiful 'car'. but it did the job.

[Answerprancer]

Yes, I also remember some sour grapes/grasping at straws criticism regarding asymmetric thrust coming from one of the former US contenders.

[Answerprancer]

Update: tests have just started in South Africa.
Richard Noble (who is behind the project) had made this a special new incentive to inspire potential new engineers. Lots of schools have been encouraged to follow the stages of the project, I think this is fantastic.
I am off to find out where they're at so far !