Re: Land Speed Record (was note on Henry Joy)

[STEADIRIC@aol.com]

10/14/97 9:38 AM mnelson@brls.com

>Interesting you mention that...if you go to
>http://thrustssc.digital.co.uk/thrustssc/contents_frames.html they
>discuss this controversial topic.  It turns out that NO sonic boom was
>heard, as was the case with Thrust, and they were using a ground
>tracking radar system to time the car (very unusual method).  There was
>also no effects left on the desert floor at Edwards AFB, as was the case
>at the Black Rock Desert.  Anyway, you can check it out for
>yourself...the British are looking for pictures of the event, as well.

Sorry but there was a boom (3 of them in fact, Nose, Front Wheel and Rear 
rear Wheels) a forward shock wave and the rear wheels were off the ground 
through the entire timing trap and then some.  The car was timed thru a 
trap, Timed by ground track radar, Onboard airspeed sensor's and also 
timed by several "Sensor's" that were 18 miles away. (They drove us by it 
by would'nt let us near it. They showed us some imagery from it though 
and it's an amazing device, You could read a arm patch on a ejecting 
pilot from 44 miles and 650mph......).  The Rocket Car did leave PLENTY 
of marks on the desert floor we have picture's and there is film of it in 
the Documentry (This project was concived by Hal Needham the Movie 
Director and Ex-Stuntman) There are also Plenty of Photographs 
documenting the proect too, My dad shot them.  I still have the 
"Budweiser Racing Team" Jacket and the Patch Proudly proclaiming 
"739.666mph Mach 1.011"


Later!


Eric Fletcher S.O.C.
'87 5KCSTQ with WAY too many toys
St. Louis, MO

STEADIRIC@aol.com