THE "THUNDERBOLT"
EYSTON'S RECORD CREATOR
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Aerodynamic principles guided the design of the "Thunderbolt," the racing monster with which Captain G. E. T. Eyston raised the land speed record to 357.5 m.p.h. the day after Cobb took it a fraction over 350 m.p.h.. The body of the "Thunderbolt" is beautifully streamlined to reduce head resistance and is shaped according to data obtained in aerodynamical wind channels where aircraft models are tested. Apart from the big tail fin the only protrusion from the smooth sweep of the bodywork is the transparent casing for the driver's head and outlook. Initial braking is achieved by two hinged flaps, attached to the sides of the machine, which operate similarly, though in a vertical instead of a horizontal plane, to the flaps fitted to the trailing edge of the wings of most fast aeroplanes to facilitate slow landings.
The steering is ingenious. It is done through four separate wheels, each
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 28
Word Count
156THE "THUNDERBOLT" Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 28
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