Bluebird speed runs hit by further struggles
TL;DR
High-speed runs for the restored Bluebird hydroplane have been hindered by adverse weather conditions and a cockpit issue. After reaching 100mph, hopes for a 150mph run were dashed due to these challenges.
Key points
- Bluebird hydroplane faced challenges during high-speed runs
- Wind, waves, and cockpit issues affected performance
- Reached 100mph after returning to Coniston Water
Mentioned in this story
Dave Warby cut short a run on Saturday with conditions unfavourable [Matthew Willis]
Further high-speed runs for Donald Campbell's restored Bluebird have been thwarted by wind, waves and an issue with its cockpit canopy.
The hydroplane, used to set seven world water speed records, returned to action on Coniston Water this week for the first time since the crash there that killed its pilot in January 1967.
As it finally reached 100mph (160km/h) on Friday, there were hopes Australian water speed record challenger Dave Warby would be able travel at 150mph (240km/h) on Saturday.
But an initial run was cut short with organisers saying the "upper wind and wave height" had been reached, and a later effort had to be abandoned on safety grounds with the canopy unable to close properly.
A week-long event is being staged close to the 70th anniversary of Campbell setting the first of four water speed records on the lake.
The chairman of Coniston's Ruskin Museum which owns Bluebird, Jeff Carroll, said Friday's run had been "what everybody has been waiting to see".
That followed two days of struggle with an Orpheus jet engine not providing sufficient thrust to enable the machine to "plane" - the point at which hydrodynamics enable it to skim across the surface of the lake.
The craft had been prevented from running at all on Tuesday because of winds, while Monday had seen two low-speed "familiarisation runs" following several hours in the workshop with engineers.
Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
- Bluebird finally runs at speed on Coniston return
- Bluebird's Coniston Water struggles 'frustrating'
- Campbell's Bluebird back on Coniston Water
Related internet links
Q&A
What caused the delay in Bluebird's high-speed runs?
The delay was caused by unfavorable wind and wave conditions, as well as a problem with the cockpit canopy.
What speed did the Bluebird hydroplane reach during its recent runs?
The Bluebird hydroplane reached a speed of 100mph (160km/h) during its recent runs.
Who is attempting to break the water speed record with Bluebird?
Australian water speed record challenger Dave Warby is attempting to break the record with the restored Bluebird hydroplane.
