Former Dunedin fast-jet pilot Steve Hunt has been confirmed as the driver for the New Zealand-led Jetblack world land speed record attempt.
Wing Commander Hunt is one of 15 men in a team put together by Wellington entrepreneur Richard Nowland to make the attempt by 2016, with possible locations including India, the Arabian Gulf, the United States and Australia.
Mr Nowland yesterday unveiled a 13m full-scale model of the Jetblack car at Queens Wharf in Auckland as part of the REAL New Zealand showcase of innovation during the Rugby World Cup.
Details of the attempt were under wraps until yesterday, but the specifics of the car and team have now been released.
"It's a massively, exciting project. It is eye-watering in its immensity," W Cmdr Hunt said.
Jetblack would be powered by a turbofan engine and two "hybrid" rockets. The rockets were being produced by American company Space Propulsion Group.
It would have the first all-composite chassis, being designed by New Zealander Dr Mark Battley, of Applied Engineering Research Ltd, Mr Nowland said.
During the Jetblack project, W Cmdr Hunt would contribute to all aspects of operation, including cockpit design and human factors.
He became involved in the project through a friend, originally to give advice on the operation of jet engines and aircraft systems.
"Really, just to pick my brains, as I've been flying fighters for 16 years and one thing led to another."
W Cmdr Hunt has flown in combat around the world with the Royal New Zealand Air Force and, upon his retirement in 2003, flew Lear jets on contract to the Australian Defence Force.
In 2005, he rejoined the air force, working on operational flight testing, and has commanded the pilot training squadron and led the formation aerobatic team.
Now the New Zealand Defence Force deputy director of strategic commitment, he believes his background in operational risk management will ensure an inherently risky endeavour can be done safely.
"I'm an ultraconservative person, which is why I'm still here after all I've done."
He was developing a training system alongside the project, bringing together his skills as a pilot with the skills needed to drive the car.
It was not a "petrol head" project but one soundly based in scientific and technological advances, he said.
"Promoting New Zealand's ability to be at the cutting edge of technology is what it's about."
