LSR ThrustSSC Report 97-09-18

THRUSTBRIEF 10: Black Rock Desert 17.09.97

Battle for Mach 1 on Land:

Currently ThrustSSC is under check and inspection prior to continuing the run programme into the high Mach No. runs starting Thursday 18th. Maximum speed achieved so far is 624mph. The inspection is now complete and the car is into final assembly ready for runs tomorrow . The computer software and voltage supply problems have been rectified.

The USAC timekeepers are now on site at Black Rock and the timing equipment has now been installed and the timekeepers are ready.

Spirit of America made two runs on the 16th but suffered engine problems -the third run was aborted. It was hoped that Spirit of America would run again today but high winds on the desert make this unlikely. The immediate forecast is not promising and runs may have to be made early morning before the wind gets up.

The ThrustSSC objective this autumn is to achieve the first supersonic World Land Speed Record - which means a peak speed in excess of 750mph. To achieve this the speeds above 650mph (Mach 0.85) have to be increased in small increments which is expected to start later this week.

Keeping up to Speed with Thrust SSC Internet at http://ThrustSSC.Digital.co.uk : Info line on (44) 0839-888-850