I recall the original plan for the rocket oxidizer pump drive was a 3.5L Cosworth F1 motor.
Then Jaguar came on board as a sponsor and the plan was changed to use a Jaguar motor, with some form of forced induction.
Last I knew they were planning to use an electric drive.
Yep you're right - problem with option 1 was Cosworth sadly withdrew from F1 (after very successful testing using their stunning engine) and so understandably lost their enthusiasm for promoting a defunct engine.
Option 2 - Jaguar engine was lovely (it's supercharged by the way) and plenty powerful enough with a custom designed (by bloodhound engineers) and remarkably efficient pump attached but...
Option 3 - with battery/electric motors technology being improved all the time (and of course they are 'green') it was felt this was a simpler solution for the future and making use of the latest tech.
The Bloodhound project has been running in anger for well over 10 years and it has just 2 main goals:
- to promote engineering to young people
- to break the landspeed record
In THAT order of importance.
Being a Bloodhound Ambassador I think I can say goal #1 has been smashed...but #2...well they are close but may be sadly it will finish now