The latest incarnation of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s student-designed Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster made its world debut at Sun ‘n Fun yesterday.
Combining new aerodynamics and a General Electric J-85 fighter jet engine with an ultra-light tube chassis, the exhibition car is built to satisfy fans’ need for speed and demonstrate Embry-Riddle’s green technology initiatives, according to university officials.
A fan favorite at aviation and drag racing venues since 2004, Embry-Riddle’s original Jet Dragster is being retired and will be refurbished by the Embry-Riddle Jet Racing Team of Larsen Motorsports. Elaine Larsen, Embry-Riddle’s jet car driver, is a veteran drag-racing driver and one of only three women driving jet-powered race vehicles in the United States. She will be at this week’s show to introduce the new jet dragster to Sun ‘n Fun crowds.
Powered by a General Electric J-85 jet engine with 6,000 horsepower and 6,500 pounds of thrust, the new dragster is 200 pounds lighter than the original, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second, and is expected to exceed speeds of 300 mph in a quarter of a mile or less.
The jet racing team will put the new jet dragster through its paces at major drag racing venues coming up in Bowling Green, Ky., the Cavalcade of Stars in Norwalk, Ohio, and EAA AirVenture this summer.
For more information: ERAU.edu.
2800 lbs max is about right, without an afterburner. A single stage afterburner will approximately double the thrust if properly set up.
And being green is not just a fuel efficient quality, if it pours out harmful emissions??
They must have really tweeked the jet. The GE J-85 or CJ610 we are using in the Viper Jet is rated at 2800 lbs of thrust max. I’d hardly consider the engine to be green. At cruise in flight, the burn rate is about 85 gal/hr. On the ground it would be much worse.
Cool looking concept though.