A Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine will be used in conjunction with a custom designed hybrid rocket to propel the Bloodhound Project’s car to over 1,000 mph.
Director of engineering and technology at Rolls-Royce, Colin Smith, said: “Cutting edge engineering keeps Rolls-Royce, and the UK, at the forefront of global business. We understand the fundamental importance of inspiring young people about STEM and know that more needs to be done. Sponsoring Bloodhound gives us an opportunity to showcase world-class British engineering and invest in our future.” Rolls-Royce will also provide financial and technical support for the project.
Mr Smith is the Rolls-Royce director who, legend has it, banged his fist on the board room table at Richard Noble’s pitch to Rolls-Royce, saying the company had to back the world speed record challenging supersonic car.
Richard Noble OBE, Bloodhound Project director, said: “Rolls-Royce’s support of the programme is invaluable, their highly motivated ambassadors will help us reach many more schools and youth groups across the country. Their experience of working within a first class aerospace company makes them perfect role models for aspiring engineers.”
The group’s iconic logo will now be displayed on the engine cowlings of Bloodhound’s Rolls-Royce built EJ200 jet engine. Normally, the engine, which generates 20,000lb 90 kN thrust, is used to power the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.
Bloodhound’s global education programme aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the 219 countries and territories where it is followed.
Fifty-six trained Rolls-Royce Bloodhound ambassadors will assist school teachers all over the country deliver Bloodhound themed lessons. It is hoped that they will help young people to make positive career choices by giving real life context to their STEM subjects.
At the moment, 5,442 UK primary and secondary schools have signed up to join the education programme. This equates to about 2.5 million pupils.
