WDS supports 1,000 mph Bloodhound SSC project

Bloodhound SSC (Super Sonic Car) is a jet- and rocket-powered car, designed to travel at 1,000 mph (just over 1,600 kph). The Land Speed Record currently stands at 763.035 mph over a one mile pass, with this record set by Andy Green in Thrust SSC in 1997, also the driver of Bloodhound, and was the first time that a car had ever broken the sound barrier. WDS has agreed to supply the project with components free of charge. Bespoke angle plates were manufactured for use as assembly jigs for the front and rear suspension to ensure that the vehicle is assembled precisely. WDS already manufactures castings that are used in the aerospace industry, as well as by many Formula 1 teams. WDS carried out all of the angle plate casting and machining in house, meaning it could ensure that the very high standards required were guaranteed. Once the work was complete, the parts were supplied with a certificate of conformity to confirm that they met with the signed-off design. Tony Parraman, Bloodhound head of supplier liaison, says: "WDS has been fantastic to work with. From the first briefing, they have been pro-active and able to meet all the deadlines that were needed. It's impossible to overstate the importance of accuracy as we put the car together, and the parts WDS has supplied will play a significant part in this. It's great that a British company has been willing to support our efforts. This project wouldn't have got any further than the drawing board without the support of our sponsors." Chris Putman, WDS sales and marketing director, adds: "We supplied similar components to the team that built Thrust SSC and set the last record in 1997. When we heard that Andy Green was making another attempt at the record, it seemed fitting that we offer the same support, so approached Bloodhound to see if they required our services. We understand the importance of precision in a project like this, as the smallest misalignment could be catastrophic. Fortunately, we are used to working to such fine tolerances, due to the other industries that we work with."