World Land Speed Record Holder at SRM University

The IET Lord Austin Lecture 2014, Chennai was hosted by SRM University, Kattankulathur. This year’s Lord Austin lecture was in keeping with the IET’s mission-‘Inspire, Inform and Influence’ the aspiring engineers of the country.  The lecture was delivered by Wing Commander Andy Green, a Royal Air Force fighter pilot and World Land Speed Record Holder.  The lecture was attended by about 2500 students, 1000 faculty members and delegates from corporate India. Green delivered an inspiring lecture on the nuances of building the world’s fastest vehicle and achieving a target of 1600 kmph. 

 The BLOODHOUND SSC stands true to its name- it’s a supersonic car! It was conceived in early 2007 as an ‘Engineering Adventure’ to bring science and technology to life for the next generation.

The event brought in a fraternity of Engineers and an elite gathering.Dr. Parivendhar, Chancellor and Founder of SRM University set the context of the lecture by emphasizing on youth’s fascination with speed.  

Andy addressed a wide range of thoughts as he stressed upon the basic subjects and eventually took the audience to reflect on the importance of STEM education. The lecture ranged from the inception of technology right up to the future possibilities and outcomes. The budding engineers were enthralled to be a part of the discussion. The audience was invigorated to know, to watch and to reflect on the World’s Fastest Supersonic Car – stimulating and inviting the discoveries for the future.

When asked what’s the biggest hurdle to attaining the speed 1000 mph?   Andyreplied -“Aerodynamics. Keeping the car on the ground. It took us five years to find the right shape that does not generate any sort of lift.”

Andy claims - Bloodhound SSC can cover the span of an entire football field within the blink of an eye.  The lecture was definitely a ray of enlightenment and trigger to new discoveries through the use of technology.