SPEED DEMON
‘World’s most dangerous job’ is HIRING as driver needed to steer 800mph Bloodhound supersonic car – will you apply?
The project aims to set the first net-zero land speed record
A SEARCH is underway for a capable new driver to steer the Bloodhound supersonic car to a world land speed record of 800mph.
But the world's most dangerous job comes with a catch.
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Applicants will not only need the skills to be considered for the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity", but also a major sponsorship deal.
The jet-powered car has been sitting in Coventry's Transport Museum since 2019, when the record-holder Andy Green drove it across the South African desert at speeds so fast its paint came off.
It earned a prestigious spot in the top eight fastest cars of all time, alongside Sonic 1, Blue Flame, Thrust2, Budweiser Rocket, Sonic Arrow, Aussie Invader III, and Thrust SSC.
To hit the track again and break the land speed record of 800mph without using fossil fuels, as is Bloodhound CEO Stuart Edmondson's aim, will likely cost £12million.
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Mr Edmondson told BBC News: "They've [the applicant has] got to have certain skills and experience.
"I need a particular mind to sit in Bloodhound. It's all about discipline in a challenging environment."
They will also need a substantial package of funds, as all previous attempts to raise the necessary cash during the Covid pandemic failed.
Mr Edmondson said the car was in good condition with sensitive components, such as its EJ200 Eurofighter jet engine, placed in safe storage - to be returned to the car if the renewed project proceeds.
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Bloodhound will need to be stripped down and rebuilt, with the aim of running at speed in South Africa's Northern Cape in June or July 2025.
The CEO added: "People might say land speed records are no longer relevant. Yes, they can be.
"We can still push engineering boundaries and go with the way the world is changing. We can operate that EJ200 without using a drop of fossil fuel and we can use an electric motor for the pump.
"We can set the first net-zero land speed record in 2025."
Backers of the project, which began with a £600,000 government grant 15 years ago, launched a seven-day roadshow on Wednesday, displaying a full-size replica of Bloodhound at seven English venues.
It is their hope the roadshow will "attract passionate and skilled individuals who are ready to push the boundaries of speed and aspire to become part of history by driving the fastest car on Earth".
The supersonic car, which was built to attempt a 1,000mph land speed record, had its first public trial in October 2017.
Driver Andy Green, a British RAF Wing commander who set the current supersonic land speed record of 763mph in 1997, will advise behind the scenes when Bloodhound's new driver is selected.
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