This Isn’t Just Any Digger, It’s a Rocket on Wheels!
A JCB has obliterated the previous world land speed record by zooming past 406 mph (653 kph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. But don’t get all worked up – this is no ordinary digger or dumper. It’s a hydrogen-powered powerhouse called the JCB Hydromax, driven by retired Royal Air Force ace Wing Commander Andy Green.
Record-Breaking and Stereotype-Smashing
This beast has achieved the fastest speed ever recorded by a hydrogen-powered internal combustion vehicle, averaging 406.320 mph (653.909 kph) over two runs at the Flats this week. JCB states that the Hydromax is upgraded with two production-based engines taken from its commercial machinery lineup. These engines are produced in JCB’s factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and generate an incredible combined 1,600 bhp.
Hydrogen Fuel: The Future or Just Hype?
Engineered for Speed, Not for the Easily Frightened
Of note, JCB acknowledges that the Hydromax’s engines were “thoroughly overhauled to meet the challenges of setting a speed record,” outfitted with spark plugs designed for a Le Mans 24 Hour engine, merely a slight adjustment, right? While hydrogen burns clean without emitting carbon dioxide, it can still produce nitrogen oxides. JCB estimates that a complete record attempt consumed just over 2 kg (4.4 pounds) of hydrogen and emitted 18 liters (about 5 gallons) of water.
Under the Hood: It’s Not All Power and Glory
Beneath all that gleaming exterior lies a steel-frame chassis that resembles a standard race car, built with ample high-strength tubing to add excitement. Our pal Green is comfortably positioned in a composite monocoque sub-chassis, protected by a drag racing-style steel roll cage. One engine is located behind him, powering the rear wheels, while its counterpart at the front drives the front wheels through a front-facing gearbox.
An Experienced Pilot
Wing Commander Green is no stranger to the land speed record scene. He was at the controls of the ThrustSSC during its record-breaking sound barrier flight on land and also participated in driving JCB’s Dieselmax when it achieved the world diesel land speed record. According to JCB’s chairman, Anthony Bamford, who spearheaded the hydrogen engine initiative, the concept for the hydrogen speed record attempt originated from him. “Twenty years ago, we arrived at Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showcased what British engineering could accomplish with diesel power. Today we’ve repeated that success, but with hydrogen engines,” Bamford stated. “It demonstrates that hydrogen is viable, operating today at the highest level with zero emissions.”
FIA Gives Its Endorsement
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the authoritative body in motorsport, supervised the effort and has validated the 653.909 kph (406.320 mph) record.
