Air Force Reserve Jet Car - Just Plane Insane

Filed in archive Airshows on September 3, 2006

If you think your airplane or private jet beats driving any day, you obviously haven't strapped yourself into the seat of the Air Force Reserve Jet Car.

Willing to take on challengers from the air, the Jet Car can "idle" on a ground position while waiting for the aircraft to circle and coming up to the starting line with an already flying start. Next thing the pilot knows, the Jet Car goes from zero to 400 mph in roughly 8 seconds, and he or she is eating road dust.

The Car's Westinghouse J-34 jet churns about 10,000 horsepower and 6,000 pounds of thrust to move the 26-foot long car, appropriately decorated to look like the inside of just such an engine. The 1800-foot run gobbles 40 gallons of diesel fuel before the 2,300-pound car is dragged to a stop by a ring slot parachute -- AirForce Reserve

If you're feeling fast or just want to see the the Jet Car in action, it will be at the McConnell Air Show in Wichita, September 9 and 10. Scott Hammack, primary driver and designer, second driver Bill Braackis, and logistics manager Linda Hammack are the Jet Car's team. They've handled the car for more than 3,300 runs, accident-free. The Jet Car is proudly supported by the AirForce Reserve.