New Zealand Unlimited Jet Land Speed Record Attempt.

New Zealand Unlimited Jet Land Speed Record Attempt.

Project 2016-09-17 15:45:11 +1200

"Speed costs money-how fast do you want to go?"

This is a well known saying in racing circles.Yes,it does cost money.But,at least I DO know how fast I want to go. In October 2012,Eddie Freeman set a N.Z.Land Speed Record of 355.485 KMH over  Flying Kilometer at Ohakea A.F.B. So,I KNOW how fast I have to go.At least 360 KMH.Freeman's attempt was in a modified Lamborghini,valued at around $450,000.I want to do the Kiwi thing,and build a purpose-built Jet Car to do the job.Please do not think I am taking anything away from Eddie Freeman's Record,he had the cojones to take it to the limit and hold it there.So full credit to him.But I have always admired Burt Monroe,and his approach to land speed,which was 'keep going faster,when it breaks,rebuild it'.I was born in Invercargill,so Burt was a household name when I was growing up.I would like to build my own car,just like  he built his own motorcycle,I think something hand-built takes on a part of the soul of the builder,if he/she has one.(And don't we all?)

I will be attempting to set a Jet Unlimited Land Speed Record.Most L.S.R's are set by wheel -driven vehicles,as opposed to  absolute thrust ,as in a Jet Engine.Donald Campbell's Bluebird was driven by a Gas Turbine engine,which drove the wheels.The Jet engine was perhaps looked down on by purests,as perhaps an 'easy route ' to go down.In fact the F.I.A. did not recognise thrust driven vehicles initially. BUT,my advantage is that I have the Rolls Royce Mk 540 Viper Jet engine in my possesion.

Exactly 10 years ago today ,as I write this,Richard Hammond from'Top Gear' crashed the Vampire Jet car (as pictured above) It was on 20 September 2006.A testament to the strength and safety of the vehicle is that Richard survived after crashing at around 464 KMH.The Video shows the right front tyre exploding,which caused Vampire to veer off the tarmac and go onto the grass,causing it to roll.A subsequent inquiry found that the tyres were about four years old.Recommended useful,safe life is around 2 years.I point this out to reinforce that this Project will be run with one of the main goal being not to waste your money with an ill-conceived design or shoddily engineered vehicle.

The real reason I have pictured the 'Vampire' is that it is the design (more or less) I have decided on.The engine will be mounted slightly higher,and the cockpit will be designed so that the driver (me) is in a more reclined position.This is so that the finished shape will be more 'wedge'-like,starting from a very small frontal area footprint ,moving up to a large,blunt rear.The body will be totally enclosed in a streamlined shell.

My Jet Engine for the Project: Rolls Royce Mach 504 Viper.It once powered a South African Air Force Impala Jet Aircraft.It was removed when it ran out of hours,but it is still in good working order.It produces around 3000 ounds of thrust.

When I was growing up,Donald Campbell was my hero.I was not alone in this,many boys around the world shared my thoughts.I recently realised that my life is acellerating fast ( I am 63 ). I have not even attempted to fulfull one of my dreams,which is to set a Land Speed Record,as my heros,Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald did. (Please take a moment to Google these men,even if you are not interested in such matters,I think you wil find their stories inspiring. )I feel I must now start this process,so I am calling on the good people of New Zealand to help with this dream.I may seem arrogant to expect others to help with what may appear to be a self-centred goal. ( I am perhaps lucky to live in a Country where the Land Speed Record is ,I think,attainable.)But I am hoping that there may be others out there who would perhaps like to vicariously live through their own dream, by helping me with mine.Lets hope so.

 WHAT WILL THE MONEY GO TOWARDS?

 The most important point to mention is that I already have the engine.A Rolls Royce Mk 540 Viper Jet Engine,which has done service in a South African Impala  Aircraft.I have the log-book detailing all maintenance records.This engine is in working condition,and is soon to be gone through to make sure it is in good,working condition.
So,as you see,this is my advantage,cost wise.Now,we just have to add,chassis,running gear,brakes,parachutes,cockpit gauges and controls.safety requirements,etc,etc.
This sounds simple,but it is quite an undertaking.

Approximate cost as follows:  
Chassis and body work:   $20,000.00
Front axle                          $2000.00
Real axle and brakes          $4000.00
Tyres                                $4,000.00
Perspex                               $500.00  
Seat and belts                     $1500.00
Parachutes                         $8,000.00
Fuel tanks,plumbing,etc.      $3000.00
Fuel                                    $2000.00
Wiring                                 $1000.00  
On Board  Fire system          $4000.00
Jet Engine servicing              $5000.00
Transport                            $8,000.00
 Reward expenses               $5,000.00
Unforeseen expenses        $10,000.00

TOTAL                               $78,000.00   

WHO AM I?

My name is Selwyn Findley.I am 63 years of age.I run a Business called Monster Motorsports (NZ) Ltd,the only Monster Truck entertainment firm in New Zealand.I generally work alone,so my team will be everyone who donates,no matter how large or small the donation. I am sure some folk who want to support the Project in a 'hands on' manner will surface during the Campaign.They will be more that welcome to be a part of the effort.I own the Jet Engine and the rights to this Campaign.

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