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!”