Aim
- Profile 6, 500 mph with a double chute deployment. First test of the modified brake chute.
Run Set-up
- Track 20, Km 1
- 37C, 921 mb, sunny and hot. Wind light and variable, occasional gusts SW 10 mph.
- Fuel full.
- 8 miles run.
Run Details
- 1505 local. Engine start 56 sec with a light head wind. 10:00 run time inc. 5 min cooldown. AMAD peak temp 77C.
- Centre and left screen displays swapped. Centre screen froze at ~350 mph, live again near peak speed.
- Right brake temp indicating full scale throughout.
- Car generally quite stable throughout the run. Noticeable yaw (5-6 m) into gust at peak speed, controllable and recovered to line.
- Peak speed 501 mph.
- Chute 1 (modified) at ~490 mph, much more stable. Chute 2 (unmodified) at ~390 mph, less stable. Both chutes suffered canopy dump during deployment and need stronger closure ties.
- Brakes on at 200 mph/40 Bar, Car stopped at 5.8 miles run (Km 10.5). Max brake temp (left hand side only) 210C.
- Fire caption (overheat) in engine bay after shutdown. ‘Fire’ call not received by Control or Eng, most others heard it. Rescue crews already in attendance to confirm no fire.
Summary
Successful profile 6. The modified chute works well and should serve for all further HST runs. The Car remains crosswind sensitive but controllable.
Procedural Points
- During set-up for a run, marshals, spotters, etc. do not drive on/across the tracks. Stop and check any unexpected traffic.
- Start team no closer to the northern end of the track during the tow-out. Into-wind parking to be discussed before roll out.
- In the event of an incident (e.g. ‘Fire’ call), Rescue 1 has control on arrival and all non-Rescue personnel step away from the Car, with Eng directing off-Car activity.
- Emergency comms can be intermittent. If in doubt, repeat the call.
Technical Points
- Chute canopy dump.
- Centre screen failure.
- Right brake temp full scale throughout.
- Hatch air pressure sensor connector stiff to operate.
