Andy Green, the only person to have ever broken the sound barrier in a car, returned to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to attempt a new land speed record this week. Driving a specialized hydrogen-powered vehicle, the retired Royal Air Force fighter pilot aims to shatter his previous speed milestones while demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a clean-energy alternative.
A Return to the Salt Flats
The attempt marks a significant return to the Utah salt flats for Green. Two decades ago, the driver set a world land speed record for diesel-powered cars by reaching 350.092 mph (563.4 kph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This time, however, the mission focuses on a different propulsion technology: hydrogen.
Green's current objective is to exceed his former diesel record using the JCB Hydromax. According to a July interview with The Associated Press, Green views hydrogen as the "fuel of the future" and intends for this high-speed run to showcase the power of hydrogen as a clean-energy alternative to traditional fuels.
The Hydrogen-Powered Hydromax
The vehicle being utilized for this record attempt is the JCB Hydromax, a 32-foot (9.75-meter) long, slim, yellow car designed by the British construction equipment manufacturer JCB. The vehicle's design is described as resembling a pencil.
Unlike traditional land speed vehicles, the Hydromax is powered by two hydrogen internal combustion engines. These engines were adapted from technology used in JCB's commercial construction machinery. To generate power, the engines mix pressurized hydrogen gas with air and ignite the mixture to create high-output bursts of energy, producing a combined 1,600 horsepower.
Targeting Multiple Records
The pursuit of the land speed record involves multiple benchmarks. By targeting the existing diesel-powered record, Green is also positioned to potentially break the world land speed records for both hydrogen internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.
Currently, the record for hydrogen internal combustion engines stands at 185.5 mph (298.5 kph), while the record for electric vehicles is set at 341.3 mph (549.2 kph). Success in the current attempt would see Green surpass both of those existing marks.
Testing and Official Verification
Testing has already provided a glimpse of the vehicle's capabilities. During practice sessions held last week, Green reached a top speed of 368.347 mph (592.797 kph).
To officially secure a new hydrogen-powered record, the attempt must be conducted on Tuesday before the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, which serves as the international governing body for motor sports.
Engineering for the Future
The mission highlights the intersection of extreme motorsport and emerging green technologies. By utilizing engines derived from industrial diggers, the project seeks to bridge the gap between heavy construction applications and high-performance sustainable transport.
