Driver who broke the sound barrier attempts another land speed record in Utah

Wendover, Utah, Andy Green, the former RAF pilot who once shattered the sound barrier in a jet-powered car, is returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats this week with a new vehicle designed to challenge the land speed record he previously held. This time, however, the focus is on hydrogen fuel rather than jet propulsion. Green, 64, will attempt to exceed his previous diesel-powered record of 350.092 mph (563.4 kph), set in 1997, using a hydrogen-powered car developed by British construction equipment firm JCB. The upcoming run takes place on Tuesday at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, a lunar-like expanse known for hosting some of the fastest land speed records in history. The flat, a remnant of an ancient lake bed, stretches over 10 miles (16 kilometers) and offers a smooth, low-friction surface ideal for high-speed trials. Spectators will be required to remain at least a quarter of a mile (400 meters) away from the main straightaway to ensure safety during the test. Green will drive the JCB Hydromax, a 32-foot (9.75-meter) vehicle built specifically for this purpose. The car features two hydrogen internal combustion engines, each capable of producing 800 horsepower, for a total of 1,600 horsepower. These engines, derived from JCB’s construction machinery, operate by mixing pressurized hydrogen gas with air before igniting it to generate power. The design resembles a sleek pencil, with a bright yellow finish that stands out against the white salt flats. During recent practice sessions, Green achieved a top speed of 368.347 mph (592.797 kph), surpassing the current world land speed record for hydrogen internal combustion engines. To officially claim the title, he must achieve this speed again on Tuesday under the supervision of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The attempt will also serve as a demonstration of hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy alternative, a goal that aligns with JCB’s broader strategy to promote sustainable technologies. JCB has invested over $134 million in hydrogen-powered engine research, emphasizing that these engines produce zero carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. Anthony Bamford, JCB’s chair, stated that hydrogen could offer advantages over electric power in certain industrial applications. However, the production of hydrogen remains largely dependent on fossil fuels, though JCB has committed to sourcing green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, which constitutes a small portion of global supply. Safety concerns surrounding hydrogen combustion engines persist due to the gas’s high flammability and the pressures involved in its storage and use. Green acknowledged these challenges, noting that the car underwent extensive testing and that he dedicated months to understanding its performance characteristics. He emphasized the importance of careful risk management, including the deployment of a parachute system to decelerate the vehicle safely after reaching peak speed. Green’s journey to breaking the sound barrier began in 1997 when he piloted a jet-powered car to a speed of 763.035 mph (1,227.98 kph) in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The achievement generated sonic booms that rattled nearby towns, marking a defining moment in automotive history. Despite retiring from competitive racing, Green found renewed interest when JCB approached him with the opportunity to push the boundaries of hydrogen technology. As the countdown to the record attempt begins, the Bonneville Salt Flats continue to draw enthusiasts and innovators alike, offering a stage where past achievements meet future aspirations. Whether Green succeeds in setting a new benchmark or not, his efforts underscore the evolving role of hydrogen in the quest for cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.