...The Need For Speed!

The folks supporting the Blue Thunder replica Mustang speed record attempts tell ANN that with the EAA Golden West Regional Fly-In and Air Show at Yuba County Airport (MYV) in Marysville, (CA) just a month away, that their goal to set new world speed records in the C-1.c class over the 3 kilometer and the 15/25 kilometer distances remains unchanged. 

Their current plans are to to make a practice run over the recognized distance on Friday, June 3, followed by a record attempt on Saturday, June 4th. Sunday, June 5th is the backup day for a second record attempt, should there be any problems on Saturday (or their need for speed not quite satisfied yet...).

They have 72 hours after the flight is complete to claim the record. If all goes well and they make the flights on both Saturday and Sunday, they expect to claim the record from the faster of the two attempts.

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) will not approve timing of this attempt from the ground due to speed and timing accuracy requirements. They do have flight data recording equipment that they will approve, but can't guarantee that it will be available by June 1st. Led by Art Greenfield, Director of Contests and Records, the NAA is working to get everything in order. Keep your fingers crossed.

The Blue Thunder team notes that the organizers of the Golden West Fly-In have been very helpful. Flight testing continues, unabated, for Blue Thunder. The flight telemetry system is still being tested but they report that things are going well. Team members Fred Roscher and Bill Grant are working hard to make sure all parameters will be recorded without fail, while a nitrous oxide system has been installed to squeeze a few extra HP out of the engine. The nitrous system has been provided by Ryan Falconer Industries (RFI) and Sierra Welding Supply.

Ryan Falconer, of RFI, has also been instrumental in aiding with the nitrous set-up. Fuel for the record attempt has been supplied and delivered to the site by Rick Gold of ERC Racing Fuels.

FMI: www.bluethunderairracing.com