Thrust SSC: Britain challenges the world. 1

September 1997 sees a unique competition shaping up for a showdown in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada as Britain´s Andy Green faces America´s Craig Breedlove in a bid to be the first man to go supersonic in a land vehicle. This contest is more than just a test of speed as the rival designs represent opposing technical, financial and organisational solutions to an immense challenge. The first article in this two-part series looks at the technical aspects and the design of Britain´s contender-Thrust SSC. The aerodynamic fundamentals, the Rolls Royce Spey 205 jet engines used to power the vehicle, vehicle layout, and modelling and testing are discussed.