Bloodhound axed!

ICBM · December 2018

I understand what you're getting at, but wouldn't using the same sort of technology to develop something like a reusable launch system for small satellites actually be more useful?

ThorpyFX · December 2018

ICBM said:

I understand what you're getting at, but wouldn't using the same sort of technology to develop something like a reusable launch system for small satellites actually be more useful?

In theory yes, but those projects are generally built to a budget and as such they use what works rather than what is needed to excel...I.e. typicaly ,a compromise solution.. pushing the envelope of tech creates a need for equipment that is cutting edge.... bloodhound was one of these things that pushed the envelope.

PC_Dave · December 2018

Moominpapa said:

boogieman said:

Moominpapa said:

I've been following the posts on it for a couple of years now. It's a great project, a showpiece for British engineering, and has real educational value. To see them stopping for the lack of a lousy quarter million is heartbreaking. I really hope somebody (Dyson? Branson?) steps up and rescues the project.

It’s 25 million they need not 250,000, but still not a great deal of money in the great scheme of things.

D'oh - my bad. But still, some fecker should give them the money. They're pushing technical boundaries and going round telling schoolkids about it and generally making high-level engineering sexy. If that doesn't deserve funding in a country that is supposedly trying to promote STEM subjects, then I don't know what does.

The car is for sale for £250k. Must be heartbreaking for everyone who worked on it!

Kilgore · December 2018

This is a real shame. I've followed this project from the start. To get this far and have to throw in the towel must be devastating.

prowla · December 2018

A dragster which does real burn-outs!

manicguitarist · December 2018

Just don't let Richard Hammond have a go!

strtdv · December 2018

It's a shame, although I don't really view these as "cars", they're basically jets flying at zero altitude. The wheel driven record is what is regard as the land speed record. It's roughly 450mph which is incredible

deano · December 2018

ICBM said:

I understand what you're getting at, but wouldn't using the same sort of technology to develop something like a reusable launch system for small satellites actually be more useful?

We are a contributor towards ESA though (and I don't believe Brexit will stop that), so the launch capability is something we already have access to. Arriane can launch many small satellites as well as providing a heavy lift capability.

Anyway, we are setting up a small-satellite launch facility in Scotland, to capture some of that market... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44841123.

Chalky · December 2018

These things usually fail to get backing because the business plan isn't viable and underplays risk and the maximum downside.

The investment curve rises steeply as you approach the technology limits. The classic example, the American XB70 bomber was costing around $11million per test flight as it was trying to achieve Mach 3 for purely poltical reasons. If they'd have settled for 10% less speed they'd have saved huge amount of money. This car is going to be the same - achieving the transonic and supersonic speed is where the money will be needed.

Saying the car is almost finished is truly nonsense.

Plus, in a world of environmental concerns on social media, who wants to be associated with a fire-breathing superfast car?