Bluebird Aero Jet-Powered Soapbox Aims for 100 mph Record
Bottom line: A small British team has built the 47 kg Bluebird Aero, a jet‑powered soapbox that already hit 55 mph and now targets a 100 mph land‑speed record.
Bluebird Aero Jet-Powered Soapbox Aims for 100 mph Record – Latest Speed News
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Image: Bluebird Aero Jet-Powered Soapbox Aims for 100 mph Record – Latest Speed News – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The Aero is a composite‑monocoque racer inspired by the 2013 Lola gravity car. Its carbon‑fibre/aluminium honeycomb tub weighs just 47 kg, including fuel. Power comes from a single‑stage JetCat gas‑turbine (2.8 kg) that spins at 123,000 rpm and delivers 17 kg of thrust. A 700 mph jet‑nozzle exit makes the car deafeningly loud. Recent upgrades include a 3D‑printed dive‑plane that adds front‑end downforce, improving high‑speed stability.
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Performance & Mileage
In May 2024 Russell Annison piloted the Aero to a new record for a prototype electric‑and‑jet hybrid, reaching 55 mph even after the turbine was switched off. The team believes the existing power is enough for 100 mph, but two hurdles remain:
- Stability: maintaining control at double the current speed.
- Tyres: current Schwalbe bicycle tyres have reached their speed limit, so a new rubber compound is required.
Because the vehicle is a record‑breaker, traditional mileage (km/L) isn’t relevant. Its focus is pure speed, not fuel efficiency.
Price & Rivals
The Bluebird Aero is a one‑off prototype, so there’s no official price tag. Compared with other land‑speed projects like Bloodhound or the original Bluebird K7, the Aero is dramatically lighter and cheaper to build, thanks to off‑the‑shelf jet‑cat engines and 3D‑printed parts. Its key rivals are other experimental soapbox racers that rely on electric or rocket propulsion.
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| Engine | JetCat single‑stage gas turbine (2.8 kg, 17 kg thrust) |
|---|---|
| Mileage | Not applicable – record‑speed vehicle |
| Price | Prototype – cost undisclosed (estimated low‑six‑figures) |
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FAQ
- What speed is the Bluebird Aero aiming for? The team’s target is to break the 100 mph barrier for a soapbox‑style record car.
- How is the Bluebird Aero powered? It uses a JetCat gas‑turbine jet engine that produces 17 kg of thrust; the project also integrates a modest electric system for brakes and instrumentation.
- Can students build their own version of the Bluebird Aero? Yes – the project encourages schools and young engineers to design competing versions, using the same basic jet‑cat engine and 3D‑printed components.
What do you think about a soapbox that can roar past 100 mph? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
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