Bloodhound Supersonic Car's Cockpit Is Complete

Back in early 2011, we reported on the Bloodhound supersonic car, an ambitious project aiming to score the land speed record. It is a dedicated undertaking, and after years of work the cockpit for the supersonic vehicle has been both built and fitted for the car.

If all goes as planned, actual assembly for the vehicle will take place in a year, with the rocket-propelled vehicle ultimately being destined for South Africa in fall of 2015. During that first stint in the nation, driver Andy Green will blast through the current land speed record of 763MPH.

From there, the Bloodhound will then return to South Africa in 2016 and set a new record altogether: exceeding 1,000MPH. The cockpit has been an important component in this goal, and being finished has taken the project forward quite a bit.

The cockpit is made of carbon fiber and is bolted to the Bloodhound's metal body. The steering wheel is made of titanium and constructed using 3D printing in order to match the shape of Green's hands. In the same way, the seat in the cockpit has also been designed specifically for his body shape.

Instrument panels are also positioned within the cockpit showing things like speed and information on acceleration and braking, as well as whether all the wheels are on the ground — a necessity, given that the car is propelled with a jet engine.

SOURCE: BBC News