The human race is defined by their creativity and curiosity. We have a hunger to go further, go higher and go faster. We want to break boundaries previously thought impossible and as a race we rejoice when we achieve the impossible.
On the 15th October 1997, at Black Rock, Nevada USA, Andy Green piloted the Trust SSC (SuperSonic Car) and achieved what was previously thought impossible. He travelled at a speed of 1,227.985 km/h (Mach 1.020) and broke the sound barrier. His breaking record vehicle is pictured in the header image courtesy of The Guinness World Recorders.
The sound barrier was first broken by Chuck Yeager in the X-1 aircraft on October 14, 1947, flying at an altitude of 13.7 km 50 years and 1 day prior.
So what’s the big deal with Andy? Well Andy broke the sound barrier in a vehicle that travelled along the ground. These types of vehicles are called Land Speed Record Vehicles. The land speed record has a hard-fought battle with a long history of design and engineering.
The task for the Year 8 Engineering students, was to design and make a Land Speed Record Vehicle (LSRV) – CO2 Dragster. It needed to be fast, stable and light weight. Students were provided with 4 wheels, 2 axles, 1 CO2 Cannister, some light-weight modelling foam and balsa block. The design and strategy needed to be their own work to try and achieve the fastest dragster.
Some very fast, aerodynamic and unique looking dragsters were created and raced. Enjoy the photos and footage of the master creations of some of our amazing Year 8 engineers.
Damien Taylor
Design & Technology Teacher
