By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: JCB Hydromax has set a United States land speed record of 368.347mph at Bonneville Speed Week, a Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record. The hydrogen-powered streamliner was developed by JCB with engineering support from Ricardo and Prodrive, and an FIA world record attempt follows next week.
Key engineering takeaway: Ricardo uprated JCB’s production hydrogen engines for JCB Hydromax from 75 to 800 horsepower while reducing their weight by 100kg, and worked closely with Prodrive so the engines could run lying on their sides to improve vehicle aerodynamics and cope with the high altitude and temperatures of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Why it matters: Matt Beasley, Director, Global Engineering and Operations, says the success at Bonneville Speed Week makes JCB Hydromax the first hydrogen engine car to ever go for a record in the US.
JCB Hydromax has set a US Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record Bonneville Speed Week. having achieved 368.347mph.
JCB Hydromax was developed by JCB with support from Ricardo and Prodrive, with Ricardo responsible for uprating JCB’s production hydrogen engines from 75 to 800 horsepower, while also reducing their weight by 100kg. And working closely with Prodrive, to ensure the engines could run laying on their sides to improve vehicle aerodynamics, and cope with the high altitude and temperatures of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Hydrogen Engines Uprated From 75 To 800 Horsepower
The Ricardo team have been on site in Utah throughout speed week to support with the preparation and running of the 32 foot streamliner car.
Matt Beasley, Director, Global Engineering and Operations, said “We’re over the moon with the success at Bonneville speed week, making the JCB Hydromax the first hydrogen engine car to ever go for a record in the US. This is an enormous achievement, and full credit goes to the teams at JCB, Ricardo, Prodrive and other suppliers for this success”.
Next week the Hydromax team will attempt the break the FIA world record for fastest hydrogen engine.
For more hydrogen news, click here.
JCB Hydromax FAQs
What is JCB Hydromax?
JCB Hydromax is a 32 foot streamliner developed by JCB with support from Ricardo and Prodrive and powered by JCB’s production hydrogen engines, which Ricardo uprated.
How fast did JCB Hydromax go at Bonneville?
JCB Hydromax recorded 368.347mph at Bonneville Speed Week, setting a Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record. Matt Beasley, Director, Global Engineering and Operations, says this makes it the first hydrogen engine car to ever go for a record in the US.
How powerful are the JCB Hydromax hydrogen engines?
Ricardo uprated JCB’s production hydrogen engines from 75 to 800 horsepower while also reducing their weight by 100kg.
Who helped JCB develop JCB Hydromax?
JCB developed JCB Hydromax with support from Ricardo and Prodrive. Ricardo worked closely with Prodrive so the engines could run lying on their sides to improve vehicle aerodynamics and cope with the high altitude and temperatures of the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Ricardo team was on site in Utah throughout Speed Week to support the preparation and running of the 32 foot streamliner.
What record will JCB Hydromax attempt next?
The team will attempt to break the FIA world record for the fastest hydrogen engine next week, following the SCTA record set at Speed Week.
