Project 300 - alterations expected

Datec 1975

Object numberANMS1163[255]

NameDrawing

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Graeme Andrews

Collections

Graeme Andrews

Terms

DescriptionThese pen drawings of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA are titled 'Project 300 - alterations expected' and very simply outline the proposed changes to the vessel for Ken Warby's world speed record attempt. The changes illustrated and mentioned include moving the engine forward by four feet, air scoops to extend right to transom, parallel and down to three feet, vampire type wind 'brakes' (hydraulic), boat to plane on two feet aft of sponsons, possible exhaust steering and thrust plate angled down to left of stern etc. These revisions were to be tested in the wind tunnel at 300 mph with Warby in the cockpit where it would also be decided if a cockpit plastic windscreen would be needed. HistoryThe term 'Project 300' was devised by Warby's small team of supporters in 1976. It refers his attempts to not only break American Lee Taylor’s world speed record but to become the first person to officially beat the 300 mph barrier. In order to achieve this SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA needed to undergo improvements to make the vessel more stable and achieve optimum speed. To assist Warby in this he approached the Dean of Engineering Professor Tom Fink of the University of New South Wales. Professor Fink would help Warby to analyse the aerodynamic problems of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA and facilitate the wind tunnel testing that was carried out by Dr Lawrence Doctors. The biggest outcome of these tunnel tests was the addition of the tail plane and side air scoops. Warby first claimed the world record in 1977, taking his home-made hydroplane to a speed of 464.44 km/h and breaking American Lee Taylor's ten-year-old record of 458.98 km/h. But where Lee Taylor's record had cost close to $1 million in 1967, Warby built his boat in a suburban backyard with a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65. In 1978 he returned to Blowering Dam in the southern highlands of New South Wales and pushed his record to 511.11 km/h (317.68 m/h), where it still stands. Warby was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in recognition of his achievement. More information about SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's construction, configuration and condition can be found on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels www.anmm.gov.au/arhv.SignificanceKen Warby, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's designer, builder and driver, achieved his world water-speed records on a shoestring budget. The boat was built over two years in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home, using stringers, brackets, stock bits of timber, plywood, screws and epoxy, and launched in 1974.