Record Breaker uses ACG's fast and flexible prepregs to lose weight

The record breaking JCB DIESELMAX established the new 350.092mph (563.418kmh) milestone for diesel cars on its first attempt at Bonneville in late August 2006.

The relatively short Bonneville track requires fast acceleration as well as record top speeds, so it was important to keep the car as light as possible. The core requirements for a successful land speed record attempt are an incredible engine, aerodynamic stability, chassis control and very low vehicle mass. Visioneering, a complete one-stop design, development and engineering company based in Coventry in the UK, designed the complete vehicle structure and exterior body on the basis that carbon fibre would be used in the manufacturing process.

Because of their fast lay-up times, flexible cure cycles and excellent mechanical properties, ACG's BPS240 ZPREG® carbon fibre composite body panel material was used for the exterior skin while its VTM® range of materials were used for the vehicle tub and other structural applications. Close teamwork from the technical partners was the critical factor to develop such a successful car in such a short time.

Externally, JCB significantly increased its public profile from the project, having been able to demonstrate that the new JCB444 engine is capable of incredible performance and that they also make their own engines. Internally, JCB's employees have taken great pride in the achievement and have found the DIESELMAX project motivating for their own projects. There has also been considerable engineering learning on the engine, which they expect to influence their future product strategy.

This project has proved ACG's materials in a harsh structural environment, allowing the engineers and moulders to produce such a record breaking vehicle in record breaking time.

For more information visit www.visioneering.ltd.uk