News
JCB DieselMax 350mph Record
R&D Vehicle Systems (RDVS) played a vital technical role in
the land speed record breaking JCB DIESELMAX car which is now the
world's fastest diesel-powered car.
Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green the JCB streamliner set a new
FIA land speed record for diesel-powered cars of 350.092mph at
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah on 23 August 2006.
The Banbury-based company created the bespoke electrical system
for the technically complex machine which was powered by two 750
bhp JCB444 diesel engines.
"This was our most technically challenging task to date," said
RDVS director Rob Millar. "RDVS designed and installed the
electrical system that had to operate in a hostile environment
while controlling the diesel engines and their transmissions, the
myriad support systems and the unique lithium ion batteries."
These high-tech batteries gave a crucial weight saving of 50 kg
per unit so raising the car's performance.
"The outstanding reliability of the electrical system was vital to
the project because the car's record breaking performance had to be
developed on the Salt Flats in less than two weeks," said Project
Director Dr Tim Leverton, "RDVS played a crucial technical role in
our success".
RDVS was established in 2004 by former TWR employees Millar, Dave
Rothera, Pete Baker and Adrian Bell, and specialises in creating
bespoke vehicle electrical systems, from concept to
realisation.