A PRUDHOE student has sped ahead of the competition to design a futuristic rocket propelled car capable of speeds of up to 400mph.
Sean Macfaden has come up with the Valkyrie – a cutting edge cross between a dragster and a hypercar with a hybrid rocket system.
Originally from Prudhoe, Sean is now studying automotive design at Coventry University and was inspired by Virgin Galactic’s goal of bringing sub-orbital space flight to paying customers.
The vehicle seats passengers behind and to either side of a driver within a carbon-fibre monocoque, or shell, which would act as a resilient safety cell in the unlikely event of an accident.
A parachute would deploy to slow the car after the 60-second high speed run was over.
The “high speed experience” was devised by the 22-year-old for his final year project and he hopes his concept may one day become a reality.
Sean has already created detailed digital models and a scale-sized clay sculpture of his Valkyrie vehicle for the university’s degree show.
He said: “There’s an increasingly popular market for adrenaline junkies who are willing to part with cash for a new and different kind of adventure, so for the final year of my course I focused on developing and designing a concept that could realistically be the next big thing in the extreme thrills industry.
“Sir Richard Branson has beaten the world to sub-orbital space flight, but bringing things back down to earth wouldn’t be any less exciting. Imagine joining Wing Commander Andy Green for a 400mph ride just inches off the ground.
“It would be a stunning and memorable experience and you’d have travelled as fast as it’s possible for a member of the public to go on earth.
“Plus it would be a little more affordable than going into space!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here