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The Bloodhound SSC is the fastest, most powerful land vehicle in
the world, with a maximum speed of 1,000 mph, which it can reach in
less than 60 seconds. Engineers are currently in the process of
building this supersonic car, which is set to be tested in Cornwall
next summer at the low speed of 200 mph, before flying to South
Africa, where it will try to break the land speed record.
The assembly of the Bloodhound SSC is being supported by the Royal
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, of which Prince Philip is the
Colonel-In-Chief. In addition to that, he is the senior most fellow
of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and has a deep rooted interest
in the design and running of cars. His Royal Highness met the rest
of the Bloodhound team, engineers, and education and administrative
staff. He had lunch with them, before admiring the plans for the
supersonic vehicle.
The director of this project, Richard Noble, said: “We were
privileged that the Duke should take time out from his busy
schedule to have lunch with the Bloodhound team. He took the time
to talk with everyone and was particularly interested in the
project’s education remit.”
It seems that the Duke’s love for cars runs in the family. Prince
Philip himself has been seen driving around Windsor Great Park. Of
his children, Prince Charles owns two Aston Martins which have been
converted to run on bio fuel. One may remember the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge were seen driving down The Mall in Charles’s Aston
Martin following their wedding. Both Prince Andrew and Princess
Anne each own a Bentley, which they use for private
engagements.
Coincidentally, from 1962 to 1969, the Royal Family owned a yacht,
which, like this new high-speed car, was also called Bloodhound. It
was bought on the request of Prince Philip. Perhaps this visit
brought back old memories for him?
Photo credit: 4 Cdn Div/4 Div CA – JTFC/FOIC via
photopin cc]]>
