News: Newburgh delivers groundbreaking gearbox

Rotherham-based Newburgh Engineering has completed an integral component for the Bloodhound SSC supercar that aims to break the world land speed record by achieving the supersonic speed of 1,000mph.

The high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor is a project sponsor and has completed Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) gearbox casings for use in the car. They were presented to the Bloodhound SSC team at the recent Autosport International 2012 in Birmingham.

Newburgh is a specialist contract manufacturer of component parts and assemblies for the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

The firm utilises manufacturing cells at their Templeborough facility, dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

Apprentice Luke Thickett, who presented the parts to Bloodhound engineer James Painter, has been working on the precision components for 12 weeks, ensuring the finished product is to the highest quality standards – levels equal to those used in aerospace manufacturing and Formula 1.

Andy Millward, apprentice manager at Newburgh. said: "We are delighted to have been asked to present our contribution to this internationally recognised project at Autosport 2012. Bloodhound is an exciting project, and we are honoured to be a part of history in the making. The event was also a fantastic reminder that British manufacturing is among the best in the world."

Building a car quicker than a fighter jet is not, however, the primary goal of the Bloodhound project. Rather, it is to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible.

The event included a full size model of the car and also saw the Bloodhound team launch the Design and Manufacture work packages with the Motorsport Industry Association. The cream of UK motorsport engineering companies are being invited to take part and showcase their expertise by manufacturing the 3,000 bespoke components needed over the next 12 months to complete the world's ultimate racing car.

Richard Noble OBE, Bloodhound project director, said: "UK Motorsport engineering is the best in the world. We're delighted to partner with the Motorsport Industry Association to launch our supersonic work packages, as they sit at the heart of British motorsport and offer access to over 9,000 leading UK technology companies."

Conor La Grue, product sponsorship lead, added: "The project is accelerating rapidly as the engineering team crack on with the build phase. Support from the UK motorsport community will be invaluable in helping meet very tight deadlines Bloodhound has set itself."

The Bloodhound team are determined to produce a rolling chassis by Christmas 2012 with UK runway tests pencilled for 2013. High speed testing on the desert race track, Hakskeen Pan, South Africa is also slated for 2013.

Newburgh Engineering
Bloodhound website

Images: Bloodhound SSC / Autosport International