Composite engineer Chris Horne, front, with, from left, Ken Prescott, Dan Blowers, Marcus Boxall, William Sheppard and ACL manager Jon Benton. Picture by Laura Holme.
AN ISLAND firm is playing a key role in an exciting British engineering project to beat the land speed record.
Aero-Composites Limited is sponsoring the Blood-hound, a jet engine and rocket-powered supersonic car designed to reach speeds of over 1,000 mph in just 40 seconds.
The company will also paint the car in unique blue and orange colours, using aerospace-quality materials desig-ned to withstand extreme speeds and temperatures, at its aerospace manufacturing and aircraft refinishing facility at Bembridge Airport.
The project, designed to encourage youngsters to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology, is already well under way.
A large-scale model of the Bloodhound, which will eventually be driven by wing commander Andy Green after work is completed in autumn next year, is due to be displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.
Ryde-based Chris Horne, son of Mike Horne who was involved in the Thrust supersonic car and steam car projects, has built the model, while Aero-Composites has painted it.
Jon Benton, Aero-Comp-osites’ paint shop manager, said: "We relish the opportunity of working on such a prestigious project and helping youngsters to be inspired. Being part of Bloodhound gives the team a chance to be a part of something we hope will be a truly great British project."
reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk