by martine » Tue Nov 24, 2015 1:40 pm
Hi Guys,
As Angus predicted, here I am! Reason is I'm a Bloodhound Ambassador so about as involved as you can get without being paid!
Bloodhound is a truly amazing project for all sorts of reasons and having been actively involved since 2010 I've seen it go through some ups and downs to say the least. I guess it's inevitable with a project like this.
Yes it was meant to be doing low-speed trials at Newquay this month...but that is now delayed until 'Spring next year' is the official line (between you and me they are yet aiming at Easter). The latest delay is caused by the rocket and supporting equipment (Jag V8, gearbox and high-pressure pump) needing more testing after serious bearing failure in the pump earlier this year and lack of money!
The 'World Media Launch' in Canary wharf last month was a great success and generated yet more public interest and great media coverage (BBC Breakfast live, Sky News live, hundreds of national and international newspapers and websites). They are hopeful some major new sponsors will be along soon as well...at last count there are negotiations on-going with some 24 companies but these things take an age to come to fruition.
Despite the car looking good there is still a lot of work to do...as well as the rocket testing, there are full systems testing, rear wheel fairings (crucial), airbrake doors, hundreds of sensors (literally) and load of cameras to install and test etc.
Watch this space and if you're not a Bloodhound 1K supporter club member - why not!
Martin - Bristol IAM: IMI National Observer and Group Secretary, DSA: ADI, Fleet, RoSPA (Dip)