[FUN] une New Beetle VW propulsée par une turbine d'hélico

What can you do with a GE Model T58-8F helicopter turboshaft engine, converted to jet? With Ron Patrick’s custom VW Beetle you can have lots and lots of dangerous fun exploiting all 1350 horsepower. This monster is powered by two engines (original up front, jet in back) and is perfectly street legal since you’re only using the gasoline powered engine in normal driving conditions. But if you’re feeling adventurous, fire up the jet engine - which spins up to 26,000 rpm/13,000 rpm idle - and watch the afterburner come to life. More after the jump.

“The car was built because I wanted the wildest street-legal ride possible. With this project, I was able to use my engineering skills (I have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University) to design the car without the distraction of how other people have done it in the past - because no one has.”

One of Burt's most interesting experiences was his involvement with the construction of a turbine powered race car that was eventually run at Indianapolis during qualifying.

In 1967, engineer and STP team owner Andy Granatelli brough a revolutionary new turbine-powered car to Indianapolis. Driver Parnelli Jones dominated the entire field for the majority of the race on race day. During the last few laps, a small $6 bearing failed, and the turbine died. With four laps to go, A.J. Foyt passed Jones for the lead and eventual victory . However, the turbine had demonstrated its potential.

Jack Adams, like Granatelli, also saw the potential of the turbine, and had begun construction of his own turbine-powered Indy car. Adams had been a pilot for Delta, and decided to retire when the company transitioned from prop-driven aircraft to jets. He then created his own business in Memphis, Tennessee, dealing in aircraft sales.

Adams had approached RFRL engineer Glenn Bryant about building the turbine-powered race car, and Bryant agreed to participate. Stan Burt would be involved in the entire process as well, and construction of the car took plave in Bryant's basement.

The car was designed around a GM Allison 250 Turbo-Shaft turbine engine, capable of revving to 33,000RPM's. The engine had originally been designed for use in helicopters, but the Adams design team turned the motor sideways and re-plumbed the oil lines to get it to work in the front engine-mounted, 4-wheel drive car. The chassis was an all monocoque construction, and the suspension and wheels were originally faired in. Unforunately, this would hinder any attempts at repairing broken components during a race. The cockpit had an aircraft-like appearance, and the driver was virtually laying down. The cockpit tub was supported by balsa, and the exhaust from the front-mounted turbine ran beside the cockpit, although it was well insulated. The car was extremely aerodynamic, featuring boundary recovery on the tail. The Indy officials would ban the use of the rear wheel fairings, and the car ran without them.

The Adams team was originally sponsored by Wynn's and was dubbed the "Wynn's Storm Special," but after Wynn's pulled its sponsorship, the car ran as "The Jack Adams Airplane Special."

Al Miller drove the car during qualifying for the 1969 event. Although the car was capable of reaching 200MPH speeds, the solid axle suspension caused it to bounce in the corners, and the car failed to qualify, finishing 35th for a 33-car event. Granatelli's car, driven by Mario Andretti, would win the 1969 Indianapolis 500. After the 1969 race season, turbine-powered cars were banned.
- La source

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