Supercar set to power its way to 1000mph

British engineers have started building what they hope will be the world's fastest car - capable of reaching 1,000mph.

Wing Commander Andy Green poses today in front of a three-quarter scale model of the front section of the Bloodhound SSC. Wg Cdr Green will  be the one at the helm of the 1,000mph vehicle

The Bloodhound SSC (Supersonic car) will be powered by a jet engine from Eurofighter Typhoon being positioned above a hybrid rocket. This combination should produce 135,000 horsepower — equivalent to the power of 180 Formula One cars.

Attempts to smash the land speed record by more than 200mph will begin with runs on a flat, dried-up lake bed at Hakskeen Pan in South Africa's Northern Cape Province in 2011.

The Bloodhound project, led by Richard Noble OBE, who held the land speed record between 1983 and 1997, is based in Bristol.

It is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by highlighting the feats Britons can achieve.

About 25,000 schools are taking part in the programme. The project also has an internet following and during the time trial a live video will be streamed from the cockpit.

Wing Commander Green, 46, will lie feet-first in the car and as it accelerates to 1,050mph in 40 seconds he will experience a force of 2.5G, or about twice his body weight.