Now Rolls-Royce puts brand power into speed record bid

The firm is backing the Bristol-based Bloodhound project, which aims to travel at over 1,000mph as well as break the record.

A Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine will be used in conjunction with a custom-designed hybrid rocket.

Next year the Bloodhound team are hoping to break the current record of 763mph in South Africa to. They then will target the 1,000mph barrier.

Colin Smith, director of engineering and technology at Rolls-Royce, said the firm will also provide financial and technical support for the project.

“Cutting-edge engineering keeps Rolls-Royce and the UK at the forefront of global business,” he said. “We understand the importance of inspiring young people about science, technology, engineering and mathematics and know that more needs to be done. Sponsoring Bloodhound gives us an opportunity to showcase world-class British engineering and invest in our future.”

Bloodhound project director Richard Noble said: “Rolls-Royce’s support is invaluable, their highly motivated ambassadors will help us reach many more schools and youth groups across the country.

“Their experience of working within a first class aerospace company makes them perfect role models for aspiring engineers.”

Rolls-Royce’s logo will be displayed on the cowlings of the EJ200 jet engine, which in its normal role generates 20,000lb (90 kN) thrust to power the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.

In the 1930s a Rolls-Royce engine powered Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird cars and boats.

Rolls-Royce powered Mr Noble to a record of 633.047mph and again in 1997, when Andy Green became the first and only person to break the sound barrier on land, setting the current record.