Bloodhound SSC to use Jaguar engine

Jaguar is in a technical partnership with the Bloodhound SSC project, as was announced at the LA Auto Show. The former’s V8 engine will be used to power the fuel pump used for the rocket that will push the car beyond 1,600kph.

The provision of the engine to be used with the fuel delivery system is a part of a bigger co-operation between Jaguar and the Bloodhound team that includes technical input, sponsorship and marketing assistance.

The Bloodhound will use a jet engine from a Eurojet EJ200, which powers the Eurofighter Typhoon. Once Andy Green, driver for the Bloodhound, reaches a set velocity in the car, he will fire the rockets for extra boost, which will make the total thrust go up to 77,500bhp.  It is for this rocket that the Jaguar V8 will need to pump fuel at a rate of 40-litre per sec.

Jaguar engineers have already finished testing the communication systems at the Hakskeen Pan desert in South Africa. For the test, they flew a fighter jet at 800kph toward the newly unveiled Jaguar F-Type AWD being driven flat out. They achieved a combined speed of 1125kph, which allowed them to test the radio equipment.

The team will begin testing the Bloodhound next year, with the goal of surpassing 1,227.985kph. If that goes well, they will then try and break the 1000mph (1,600kph) barrier.