Aerohub @ Newquay Cornwall Airport will play host to The BLOODHOUND Project for the UK testing phase of their World Land Speed Record car.
BLOODHOUND SSC is a unique rocket and jet powered vehicle capable of achieving 1,000mph. The Project has been designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
After the successful test of Bloodhound’s specially developed hybrid rocket at Aerohub in October 2012, The BLOODHOUND Project has chosen the venue, one of the largest development sites in the South West, to be the UK test location for the car over the next two years. “This will involve additional rocket development trials, static ‘tie-down’ tests of the car’s EJ200 jet, shakedown runs up to speeds approaching 200mph and a full ‘dress rehearsal’ before the BLOODHOUND team flies to South Africa to start its first Land Speed Record campaign in late 2013.” said BLOODHOUND Project Director Richard Noble. He continued; “The Project is well into the build phase with 197 of the UK's leading engineering companies in the manufacturing supply chain. We will continue to share every part of this engineering adventure with the 5,300 schools that have signed up to our Education Programme as we enter the exciting testing phase in Newquay.”
As England’s only aerospace focused Enterprise Zone, which is led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, Aerohub already has a number of high profile clients within the 280-acre site, and has huge development potential. Bloodhound will provide Aerohub @ Newquay Cornwall Airport with extensive exposure as well as complementing the STEM skills development that is currently underway in the county.
Chris Pomfret, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership said “Aerohub will create high value jobs for Cornwall, which aligns perfectly with Bloodhound’s focus on encouraging the development of science and engineering skills. This pioneering project is pushing the boundaries in terms of technologies and reflects a key element of our Enterprise Zone and the wider business community of Cornwall.
In the short –term Bloodhound will provide our EZ with some very high profile exposure which can only help build momentum.”
Al Titterington, Managing Director of Newquay Cornwall Airport said: “The rocket testing in October last year showcased the global draw that the Bloodhound Project has. Being associated with the project, will not only give the airport’s operational capabilities extensive exposure, but also provide an excellent opportunity to be involved in skills development in the local community. We are thrilled to have the Bloodhound team back on site.”
Aerohub is based on the Newquay Cornwall Airport site and is scheduled to include hangars, aircraft hardstanding, and office buildings as well as a Business Park.
The Cornwall Development Company in association with Bloodhound SCC will be hosting a schools STEM event at Newquay Cornwall Airport on the 15th of March.
Notes to Editors
Enterprise Zones
Enterprise zones have the opportunity to attract investment, developments and jobs through a combination of business rate discounts worth up to £275,000 over five years for each business in the zone, simplified planning procedures and superfast broadband links.
Aerohub @ Newquay Cornwall Airport is being led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and Cornwall Council, as the owners of the airport and surrounding land. They have co-commissioned Cornwall Development Company, the Council’s arms length development company, to deliver the enterprise Zone project alongside Cornwall Airport Limited as the operator of the Airport.
www.newquaycornwallairport.com/aerohub
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was launched in May 2011. Private sector-led, it is a partnership between the private and public sectors and is driving the economic strategy for the area, determining local priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and the creation of local jobs.
www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com
Contact:
Trisha Hewitt
01872 322186
phewitt@cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall Development Company
Cornwall Development Company is the arms length economic development company of Cornwall Council.
www.cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk
Contact:
Kirsty Miles
01872 322924
kirsty.miles@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk
Cornwall Airport Limited (CAL)
CAL is a 100% owned company of Cornwall Council and is the operator of Newquay Cornwall Airport.
Contact:
Sarah Burke
01637 861364
sburke@newquaycornwallairport.com
The BLOODHOUND Project
www.bloodhoundssc.com
For images, video and interviews please contact:
Jules Tipler
jules.tipler@mettlepr.com
