Rolls-Royce backs Bloodhound project

Rolls-Royce PLC today announced support for the Bloodhound Project, an international education initiative focused on a 1,000 mph World Land Speed Record attempt. A Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine will be used to propel the car to over 1,000 mph (1,600 kmh or Mach 1.4). Rolls-Royce will also provide financial and technical support for the project.

Bloodhound’s global education programme aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians. 56 trained Rolls-Royce Bloodhound ambassadors will take part in this programme, assisting school teachers all over the UK to deliver exciting Bloodhound themed lessons. The ambassadors will play a key role in helping young people to make positive career choices, by giving real life context to their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Announcing the partnership today at its Patchway site, Colin Smith CBE, Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering and Technology, said:

“Cutting edge engineering keeps Rolls-Royce, and the UK, at the forefront of global business. We understand the fundamental importance of inspiring young people about STEM and know that more needs to be done. Sponsoring Bloodhound gives us an opportunity to showcase world-class British engineering and invest in our future.”

Richard Noble OBE, Bloodhound Project Director said:

“Rolls-Royce’s support of the programme is invaluable, their highly motivated ambassadors will help us reach many more schools and youth groups across the country. Their experience of working within a first class aerospace company makes them perfect role models for aspiring engineers.”

The Group’s logo will now be displayed on the engine cowlings of Bloodhound’s Rolls-Royce built EJ200 jet engine; which, in its normal role, generates 20,000lb 90 kN thrust to power the twin-engined Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.

Currently 5,442 UK primary and secondary schools have signed up to join the Bloodhound Education Programme, equating to roughly 2.5 million pupils.

Photo credit: Stefan Marjoram