Hydrogen-Powered JCB Hydromax Got A 300-Meter Push From Defender OCTA To Set 406-Mph World Land Speed Record

Hydrogen-Powered JCB Hydromax got a 300-meter Push from Defender OCTA to set 406-Mph World Land Speed record. 

During the record runs, the Defender OCTA, fitted with a push plate, accelerated the JCB Hydromax from a standstill to 60 mph within 300 metres.

The Defender OCTA has demonstrated its performance and off-road capability after helping the hydrogen-powered JCB Hydromax, driven by Andy Green, set a new land speed record of 406.320 mph (653.909 km/h) on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.

Dubbed “the fastest and most powerful Defender ever,” the Defender OCTA served as the push vehicle, with event regulations allowing the 2,550-kg JCB Hydromax to receive a push start of up to 300 metres at the beginning of each of its two runs to help it build speed.

• See Also : Tractor Maker’s JCB Hydromax Sets New 406-mph World Land Speed Record For A Hydrogen-powered Vehicle

During the record runs, the Defender OCTA, fitted with a bespoke push plate, accelerated the JCB Hydromax from a standstill to 60 mph within 300 metres. This demanding task proved no challenge for the Defender OCTA’s twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain, aided by its 48V mild-hybrid system, which enhances its sprint performance.

Additionally, the Defender OCTA’s all-wheel-drive system and all-terrain capability allowed it to quickly reach the JCB Hydromax ahead of the second return run, often miles away from the original push position and across an incredibly loose surface.

During the two runs required under FIA rules—one in each direction within an hour—the twin-engined, 32-foot-long car recorded an average speed of 400.623 mph on its first run and 412.135 mph on its second, producing a combined average speed of 406.320 mph.

“Defender OCTA was the natural choice as a push vehicle. In traditional circuit racing, you’re racing against time but when setting land speed records we’re racing against distance—and the quicker we can get up to speed, the safer it is and the better performance we can have,” Lee Harper, Chief Engineer, JCB Hydromax.

• See Also : 7:32 Minutes: All-New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Sets Nürburgring Record As Fastest In Its Class