Breaking the 1,000 km/h Barrier: Gary Gabelich's Historic Feat
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Chapter 1: The Historic Achievement
Fifty-three years ago, Gary Gabelich accomplished a remarkable feat by breaking the 1,000 km/h speed barrier in his specially designed vehicle. Known for his love of perilous challenges, he had previously dodged death in both car and boating accidents. On October 23, 1970, he etched his name in history by being the first individual to surpass 1,000 km/h on his car's speedometer.
The precise average speed achieved during this attempt was 1,001.011968 km/h, determined by traveling a mile twice, once in each direction. To conserve fuel, the powerful "Blue Flame" was initially propelled by a service vehicle, allowing it to reach a speed of 60 km/h before the actual run.
Section 1.1: Mechanics of the Blue Flame
Gabelich's first run clocked in at 993.722 km/h, but he pushed the limits further on the return, achieving a staggering 1,009.305 km/h. Prior to Gabelich's achievement, jet-powered vehicles held the speed records. The rocket engine of the "Blue Flame" operated on a combination of hydrogen peroxide and liquefied natural gas, cooled to -161 degrees Celsius, generating an impressive 58,000 horsepower. The engine was designed for a maximum thrust duration of 20 seconds, and although it resembled a rocket, it featured additional components for wheel attachments. The Goodyear tires were specifically crafted with a smooth surface to minimize heat build-up.
Section 1.2: Overcoming Challenges
The "Blue Flame" measured 11.4 meters in length and 2.3 meters in width, weighing 1,814 kg without fuel and 2,994 kg with it. One of the significant challenges faced before the record attempt was the potential for the braking parachute's rocket to burn the parachute lines. Relying solely on the disc brakes would require an enormous 19-kilometer stretch to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Chapter 2: The Record Setting Run
Designed and constructed by Reaction Dynamics, the "Blue Flame" benefitted from the expertise of faculty and students from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. T. Paul Torda and Dr. Sarunas C. Uzgiris contributed to the vehicle's aerodynamic design, while other IIT students and faculty handled its construction, engine, steering, and braking systems.
The record-setting attempt took place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a location known for its flat, expansive surface, which was once a vast lake 32,000 years ago. This geological history made it an ideal venue for high-speed trials.
Standing before the "Blue Flame," Gary Gabelich shared with reporters that as a child, he had envisioned a car that resembled a rocket on wheels. After achieving the record, he proudly proclaimed himself the fastest man alive.
Section 2.1: The Life of Gary Gabelich
In his 43 years, Gabelich was not only a speed record holder on land and water but also a racer and a parachutist who tested astronaut gear for future missions. He trained for endurance in a centrifuge, preparing himself for the high G-forces experienced during his record attempts.
Tragically, Gabelich lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Long Beach in January 1984, while he was working on a new project aimed at achieving supersonic speeds of 1,225 km/h. This ambitious concept, named the "American Way," was sadly abandoned following his untimely death.
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