The Insane Engineering of a 1000mph Car

Summary

This script highlights the remarkable journey of Rosco McGlashan, a man with an unwavering passion for speed and engineering. From starting with a rocket-powered 250 mph go-kart to designing the Aussie Invader 5R, a 200,000-horsepower vehicle capable of breaking the 1,000 mph barrier on land, Rosco's story is one of grit, determination, and incredible engineering feats. The video delves into the history of land speed records, the technical challenges faced by Rosco's team, and the meticulous design process behind the Aussie Invader 5R. With a blend of Rosco's wild experiences and the intricate details of the car's aerodynamics, propulsion, and safety systems, this script promises to captivate viewers with a thrilling tale of human ambition and innovation.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ The video discusses the quest of Rosco McGlashan to break the 1,000 mph land speed record with his Aussie Invader 5R rocket-powered vehicle.
• 🚀 The Aussie Invader 5R is a 16-meter-long, 9-ton car powered by a bipropellant rocket engine providing 62,000 pounds of thrust (equivalent to 200,000 horsepower).
• ⏱️ The car is designed to accelerate from 0 to 1,000 mph in just 22 seconds, covering the measured mile in 3.5 seconds for the record attempt.
• 🔬 Designing a vehicle capable of reaching such extreme speeds required extensive engineering considerations, including aerodynamics, chassis construction, and braking systems.
• 👨‍🔧 Rosco has been involved in various high-speed vehicles, starting with a V8-powered motorcycle, a rocket-powered bike, and a rocket-powered go-kart.
• 📈 Previous attempts at breaking the land speed record with the Aussie Invader 2 (in 1994) and Aussie Invader 3 (in 1996) were unsuccessful, with the latter being written off after a crash.
• 🏆 Andy Green and the British Thrust SSC team set the current land speed record of 763 mph in 1997, raising the bar significantly.
• 🚀 The Aussie Invader 5R has been designed with the potential to break the 1,000 mph barrier, with Rosco building the car in his home garage.
• 🛠️ The car's design involves a high-grade steel main frame, massive aerospace aluminum wheels, and a V-shaped underbelly to handle the shock wave at supersonic speeds.
• 💪 Rosco's passion, determination, and grit in pursuing his dream of becoming the fastest person on Earth are highlighted as driving forces behind the project.

Q & A

Who is attempting to break the 1,000 mph barrier on land?

Rosco McGlashan is attempting to break the 1,000 mph barrier on land with his vehicle, the Aussie Invader 5R.

What was the first ever recorded land speed record and in what year?

The first ever recorded land speed record was in 1899 in France, with a car powered by an electric motor reaching 39.24 mph.

When did a vehicle first break through the 100 mph barrier, and what powered it?

A vehicle first broke through the 100 mph barrier in 1904, powered by a 15L machine producing 50 horsepower.

What significant change occurred in land speed record vehicles in 1963?

In 1963, the significant change was the switch from internal combustion engines to jet engines for land speed record vehicles.

What rocket fuel did Rosco McGlashan's rocket powered bike use?

Rosco McGlashan's rocket powered bike ran on hydrogen peroxide rocket fuel.

What is the main difference between a jet engine and a rocket engine?

The main difference is that a jet engine draws in air from the atmosphere to burn fuel, relying on atmospheric oxygen for combustion, whereas a rocket engine carries its own oxygen to burn fuel.

What is the estimated horsepower of the Aussie Invader 5R?

The estimated horsepower of the Aussie Invader 5R is about 200,000 horsepower.

Why are there no tires on the Invader 5R's wheels?

There are no tires on the Invader 5R's wheels because at speeds of 1,000 mph, tires would simply disintegrate.

How does the Aussie Invader 5R plan to stop after reaching its top speed?

The Aussie Invader 5R plans to stop using a combination of engine shutdown, hydraulic air brakes, a high-speed parachute, a low-speed parachute, high-speed disc brakes, and an emergency brake.

What challenges does the Aussie Invader 5R face in its attempt to break the land speed record?

The Aussie Invader 5R faces technical and financial challenges, including dealing with the complexities of aerodynamics at supersonic speeds and ensuring sufficient funding for the project.