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The Bloodhound Project BLOODHOUND Run reports 10 and 11

Run report – Run 10 – 10 Oct 17

Aim

Continue to expand the performance envelope and verify the power-off overswing of the EJ200.  Target 125 mph at max dry.

Operation

Weather 17C, 1003 mb, strong crosswind.  Overcast, damp to drying surface (moistness 2/5) 

  • 1240 hrs.  Wind 10 o/c 15 kt.  D2 to D4
  • Fuel 50 to 38% (calc fuel 24 at end of run, jumped to gauged 38 after shutdown), engine run time 5:30
  • Profile 5, max dry to 90 mph, select idle, peak speed 120 mph.  Approx 2400 ft start-stop.  Brief power vs brakes to finish
  • Front right brake temp still low (220C vs ~350C)
  • Gusting crosswind required minor steering inputs, Car very controllable. 

Summary

Speed overswing consistent at 30 mph from max dry.  Car is feeling the crosswinds at and above 15 kt, but remains very controllable. 

Procedural points

  • Nil

Technical points

  • EJ200 dynamic fuel calcs will be updated – not essential for runway ops

 


Run report – Run 11 – 10 Oct 17

Aim

As the brakes are bedding in, continue to expand the performance envelope and understand the power-off overswing of the EJ200.  Target 150 mph at min reheat.

Operation

Weather 17C, 1003 mb, strong crosswind.  Overcast, mostly dry surface. 

  • 1330 hrs.  Wind 3 o/c 15-17 kt.  D4 to D2, with overrun if required (total ~5000 ft)
  • Fuel 40-30% (calc fuel 10 at end of run, gauged 30 after shutdown), engine run time 5:00
  • Profile 6, min reheat (light at ~15 mph) up to 120, select idle, peak speed 156 mph (in just under 8 sec)
  • Brakes on just before peak speed.  Slow response (as usual) but all 4 temps came up this time and brakes were effective once hot.  Distance start-stop ~3500 ft
  • Crosswind response more evident, nose appeared to be blown off slightly by gusts.  Very controllable
  • Minor confusion with Recovery about ‘chocks’ signals

Summary

Successful runs, speed increase to 150 as the maximum we can do on the taxiway.  Speed overswing after selecting idle is now understood up to min reheat, this will need checking at max reheat.  Car is feeling the crosswinds at and above 15 kt, but remains very controllable.  Slick team work all day, despite weather, ATC and other distractions. 

Procedural points

  • 150 mph is the practical safe limit for taxiway testing
  • Distance run matches predictions, giving further validation prior to runway runs
  • Use standard ‘brakes on’ signal of clenched fist.  Once chocks are in, relay to driver with ‘brakes off’ signal of opening fist to flat hand

Technical points

  • Car comms and fuel calcs as previous runs

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Run report overview