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The Bloodhound Project Auxiliary power unit (APU)

Auxiliary power unit (APU)

The auxiliary power unit for BLOODHOUND SSC drives the rocket oxidiser pump, which will supply 800 litres of high test peroxide (HTP) to the rocket in just 20 seconds: this is equivalent to 40 litres (over 9 gallons) every second.

The auxiliary power unit is a 550bhp Jaguar Supercharged V8 engine, lubricated by Castrol EDGE. The rocket will be a single monopropellant unit for the initial high speed runs (up to 800mph) and then a cluster of hybrid design rockets for the 1,000mph runs, both developed by Norwegian specialist Nammo.

Keeping the APU cool

The Jaguar engine has to sit next to the HTP tank, but it’s vital that the heat from the engine doesn’t transfer to the HTP itself to prevent it exploding. The engine’s exhaust is therefore covered with a ceramic coating which can reduce its surface temperature by at least 30 percent.

Find out more about how ceramic coatings are going to keep BLOODHOUND cool.

LatestRelated Photos

  • Newquay Oct 12 - Rocket rig
  • Newquay Oct 12 - Cosworth CA2010
  • Newquay Oct 12 - Engineers work on the rig
  • Newquay Oct 12 - Full Rocket Rig

Cisco Bloodhound TV, Episode 17

BLOODHOUND Hybrid Rocket Test

Friday, 12 October, 2012

Bloodhound TV

Cisco Bloodhound TV Episode 17 visits Newquay Cornwall Airport on October 3rd 2012 for the 18" Hybrid rocket test.

[Original Music by Al Lethbridge]

Press Release

Rocket Propulsion System on Display for First Time

Saturday, 2 July, 2011

News

Press Release from the Goodwood Festival of Speed, 1st July 2011

Press Release

BLOODHOUND to test fire Britain's biggest hybrid rocket

Thursday, 3 March, 2011

News

It was announced today (03.03.11) that The BLOODHOUND Project will undertake the first full test firing of their 122 kN (27,000lbs) prototype hybrid rocket in the UK.

Press Release

Cosworth Group F1 engine and electronics announced as key components in 1,000 mph SuperSonic Car

Tuesday, 9 November, 2010

News

New product sponsor Cosworth Group will call on its aerospace, automotive and motorsport expertise to provide unique technology to support the BLOODHOUND SSC – a car which will travel faster than a bullet in an attempt to break the world land speed record.