Top Fuel

[MadMaz]

Hi Eric & All

(Strictly only one post from me on this subject as mustn't stay off
topic...!!)

Did a bit of research, as wasn't sure about a Harrier jet fighter
out-accelerating a modern Top Fuel dragster from a standing start to around
300mph.

The fastest accelerating jet fighter aircraft in current world service is the
F-22 Raptor (power to weight 1.13 to 1 - other info can be found on this
incredible fighting machine at http://www.f22fighter.com/ ).

Followed by a clutch of other jet fighters with a power to weight just below
that, which includes (but not only) the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and Su-30 and
Su-33 Flanker, the Harrier FA2 and still right up there after 30 years,
improved versions of the F-15.

An Su-27 Flanker is known to accelerate at a maximum of 2.5G - the same G
Force with which a US Navy Carrier catapult slings F-15's and F-18's off the
deck. Exact acceleration figures for the F-22 Raptor are classified, but it's
rumoured to be around 2.8G. (These are straight line acceleration figures,
not G forces in a tight turn, which can exceed 9G).

The power to weight ratio of a typical top fuel dragster is approx 4.2 to 1.
(7,000 shaft hp is equivalent to 10,500 lbs jet thrust and the cars weigh an
average of 2,500lbs). A power to weight ratio well above that of any jet
fighter.

This shows up graphically in the 8G launch and 4G average for the run to 300 +
mph. The quickest elapsed time in the world so far for the 1/4 mile run is
4.437 seconds, and the best top speed is 336 mph [541kmh].

Finally, jet powered dragsters have proved slower than piston powered ones.

Read this link for more interesting top fuel dragster info:

http://www.wsid.com.au/MajorEvent.asp?E ... cle&Id=155

Cheers
Mark