Final Coat
Jet coatings for Bloodhound supersonic car
The British-built rocket and jet powered super sonic ar, Bloodhound SSC, designed to break the land speed record and be the first to drive through the
1,000 mph barrier, has been coated in paints designed for
high flying jets and military aircraft.
The special coatings were specified and donated by
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, who are more used to providing paint systems for the world’s commercial airlines and air
forces. “As this vehicle will be up against many of the operational and environmental conditions usually experienced by jet
aircraft, aerospace coatings are the natural choice,” said Martin
Carter, technical manager of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coating’s
UK operation. “We were delighted to have the chance to supply
the coatings for such an unusual and iconic vehicle.”
Bloodhound SSC (Super Sonic Car), developed under project director Richard Noble, will be driven by Royal Air Force
pilot Andy Green, a partnership that broke the current land
speed record of 763 mph with the Thrust SSC, the first car to
break the sound barrier.
The new record-breaking attempt is scheduled to begin
in 2011, with a target speed of 800 mph before the car is
reviewed and modified to aim for the 1000 mph barrier.
To break the boundaries, the super sonic car is powered
by a Eurojet EJ200 and a Falcon hybrid rocket. The project is mainly funded by corporate sponsorship and public
support and has a wider educational remit to teach,
demonstrate and build understanding of the careful use
and management of energy. If it is to achieve its target
speed, the Bloodhound SSC vehicle will have to be the
most fuel-efficient Mach 1.4 manned vehicle ever.
A full-scale model of the Bloodhound SSC was constructed on the Isle of Wight. Aerocomposites Ltd. is the
preferred specialist coating facility where the coatings are
being applied. “We have provided a full technical advice
and backup service, just as we would with a jet that flies,”
Carter said. “Everyone in our office has been excited by
the project and we will be following its progress every step
of the way.” CW
Courtesy of curventa
Courtesy of curventa
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings specified products for the Bloodhound from their Alumigrip range, popular with the business aviation
market where high definition, vivid and colorful finishes also need to be tough and durable. The Alumigrip products guarantee a
smooth surface that will reduce aerodynamic drag. Two new colors in shades of blue and orange were developed by AkzoNobel within
the Leicester Aerospace facility specifically for the Bloodhound. These colors will be unique to this vehicle.
