Team Steam USA's campaign to break the land speed record for steam-powered vehicles has received a shot in the arm, having been granted the use of construction molds from the 450-mph (724-km/h)-busting twin-turbo V8 engine-powered Speed Demon streamliner. George Poteet and Ronald Main of team Speed Demon will also collaborate with Team Steam USA in its record attempt.
It's hoped that the adoption of the aerodynamically-proven Speed Demon shell will help the Cyclone Engine-powered alternative break the current record of 148 mph (238 km/h), set in 2009 by the British Inspiration team.
The Cyclone Engine at the heart of the vehicle super-heats steam using heat generated from almost any fuel source, which is then piped into the engine's cylinders. We discussed the principle back in 2009 when Cyclone installed its first Waste Heat Engine, and also in 2001 when the US Land Steam Record Team (now rebranded Team Steam USA) first applied the technology in its ongoing endeavors to break the steam land speed record.
Team Steam USA hopes this latest development will allow it to smash the British team's record by reaching a speed of more than 200 mph (322 km/h).
Source: Team Steam USA
