Jet cars are jet engines strapped to dragster chassis that, when the afterburners kick in, put on a fire and smoke show that must be seen to be believed. They race as a form of exhibition, often competing against Top Fuel cars for gate revenue.
But life on the road is rough for touring professional jet car teams who negotiate a fee for each performance. Diesel fuel, truck and machine maintenance, and travel costs add up quickly.
Propulsion
The propulsion system of a jet car uses a gas turbine engine to generate thrust to move the vehicle forward. The thrust generated by the jet is transmitted to the wheels via an external propeller. This kind of propulsion system can be used to power cars with a top speed of 1000 mph.
The jet dragster community is a unique group of professional exhibitionists who earn their living by crisscrossing the continental United States, performing for crowds and making a lot of noise. The sound volume of their afterburners can rattle the tower clocks and wreak havoc on a track’s electrical systems.
However, the costs of operating a jet dragster are staggering and could drive amateurs away from the sport, just as they have done in the Top Fuel and Alcohol divisions. That is one of the reasons that the NHRA keeps the jet cars exhibition-only. They aren’t designed to withstand the punishing stress that racing puts on them, and the engine life is measured by flight hours rather than years.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a field of study that deals with the forces that affect an object as it moves through air. It includes such concepts as lift, drag and moment. Engineers apply the principles of aerodynamics when designing airplanes, cars and rockets. Aerodynamics is also important in such structures as bridges and tall buildings.
While you might casually use the term “aerodynamic” to describe any sleek car design, aerodynamics is practiced by engineers with years of training. It is the science of how to get an object to fly through the air at the highest possible speed and with the least amount of fuel.
Unlike the NHRA-sanctioned racers who pursue class domination and record runs, jet cars are exhibition vehicles that earn their living by entertaining spectators with massive smoke shows and fire shows. Known as jet gypsies, these racers crisscross the continental US and often travel in groups to put on spectacular shows. They don’t worry about NHRA safety rules or scoring points.
Fuel consumption
A jet car Dubai is a water-based vehicle that uses a powerful engine to navigate against the waves. It is very similar to jet skis and is designed and engineered for recreational purposes. This article explains the working of this unique type of car and its general specifications.
The jets in a jet car blast pulses of air at two different frequencies, low and high, to reduce drag. These air pulses reshape the wake, allowing the vehicle to travel faster with less fuel.
Unlike most racing cars, which compete for class dominance and record runs, jet cars are exhibition machines that get paid to put on a show. This lifestyle can become costly for teams, which need to pay for the truck and trailer to haul the vehicle to each event. Touring NHRA pro teams can spend up to three months of the year on the road, and this can add up to an enormous bill for diesel fuel, food, and lodging.
Disadvantages
Jet engines have fewer moving parts than propeller-based engines, so they are less susceptible to mechanical failures. However, they also require more maintenance than other engines to keep them running at optimal performance. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs for cars with jet propulsion.
These specialized machines can generate a lot of power, which allows them to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds. However, this type of propulsion can also cause environmental and safety concerns.
Summary:
For touring professional jet car teams, which can hit the road ten to two-three times a year, the expense of diesel fuel and truck and racing equipment maintenance add up quickly. And because these engines are designed to run for hours in flight, they can be prone to wear and tear from repeated use. This can cause issues such as engine damage or airborne debris. It is important to have proper maintenance and driver training to reduce the risk of an accident.