British engineers will attempt to build the world’s fastest motorbike and return the two wheel land speed record to the UK for the first time since 1937.
The 50-strong team of engineers will be attempting to smash the Motorbike Land Speed Record in either 2011 or 2012, but need to secure £100,000 for the project. They are attempting to build a bike that will break the 400mph barrier and will have a groundbreaking supercharged 700 bhp engine. If the group succeeds in its aim, the bike will be travel at an amazing nine seconds per mile.
Members of the scheme named the Angelic Bulldog Project will be hosting a free event at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Birdcage Walk in London, on Thursday 23 September from 6.30pm to tell their inspirational story. Project Leader and Driver, Gabriel Uttley, will discuss the project’s latest developments. The team’s Engine Specialist, Dan Dole, will also be available to talk about the engineering of the bike which will run on E85 Race blend bio-ethanol.
The project will utilise British design, manufacturing, engineering, products and services and will aim to help restore Britain’s heritage of outstanding engineering achievements and inspire the next generation of engineers. Chief Engineer, Jim Brown, leads the team’s 12 mechanical engineers and is an active member of the IMechE, which shares the aims of the project in raising the profile of British engineering and renewing enthusiasm for the subject among young people.
Jim, a Chartered Engineer, gave up his job at Siemens Gas Turbines to devote more time on the project and is the only full-time member of staff. Located across the UK, the team has expertise from Formula 1, 24 Hour Le Mans, as well as other successful UK land speed record teams. This includes the IMechE sponsored Bloodhound Supersonic Car project, which will similarly attempt to break the world land speed record for a four wheeled vehicle in 2012.
He said: “The UK has a great track record in engineering which is so often ignored. We hope this inspirational project will help achieve global recognition for British engineering skills and talent. If we can do it we will be the first team to exceed 400mph on two wheels and reclaim the title which has been held by the Americans for the last 53 years.”
See the below video of the existing record holder, Chris Carr, as he reached a top speed of 367mph on September 24, 2009.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCuokkXJsoc&fs=1&hl=en_GB]
