en.Wedoany.com Reported - British construction equipment manufacturer JCB has completed testing of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax vehicle, with plans to challenge the land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, this August.

The tests were conducted at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, piloted by Royal Air Force Wing Commander Andy Green OBE. During testing, the vehicle's speed increased from 285 km/h (177 mph) to 335 km/h (208 mph).

Beyond the successful speed results, the tests provided the JCB team with crucial data on the vehicle's performance under load and optimized the hydrogen refueling process, which is essential for ensuring fast and efficient operations at Bonneville.

Ryan Ballard, JCB's Engineering Director responsible for the project, stated that every refueling, run, and tire change rehearsed by the team in the UK will not be a first on the salt flats, ensuring both the vehicle and the team are fully prepared.

The 32-foot-long Hydromax vehicle features an internally developed powertrain consisting of two engines with a total power output of 1,600 brake horsepower. These engines are "very similar" to those found in JCB's production hydrogen excavators, but have been enhanced to meet speed requirements.

In 2006, Green set the diesel engine land speed record driving the JCB Dieselmax at 350 mph (560 km/h), a record that still stands. JCB now aims to break this record with the lighter and more powerful JCB Hydromax.

Green said that driving the JCB Hydromax to 208 mph in the UK was very encouraging, the vehicle felt strong, and the team worked well together. He is eager to get onto the salt flats and face the real challenge.

The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week in August, an event organized by the Southern California Timing Association. Following this, JCB will seek official record recognition from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

In July 2020, JCB announced the launch of its first excavator powered by hydrogen instead of diesel. The hydrogen project, led by Chairman Lord Bamford, has cost £100 million, and JCB hydrogen excavators are now rolling off the production line.

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