1-194-355 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

1980 Project Thrust II. By late 1980 Thrust II was running, and set six British records on the runway of RAF Greenham Common, reaching speeds of over 260 mph. On 10th October 1981, Richard Noble became the fastest British driver ever with a two-way average of 418.118 mph, lighting the afterburner for the first time on his return run of 447.029 mph. On 4th November 1982 Noble achieved a two-way average of 590.551 mph. On 4th October 1983, Noble achieved 624.241 mph on the outward run, then 642.971 mph on the return run for an average of 633.468 mph over the measured mile. After nine years' work, Noble's dream was fulfilled - Project Thrust had returned the Land Speed Record to Britain.