landspeed

Landspeed refers to the speed achieved by a vehicle traveling on land, typically measured in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). The term is often used in the context of land speed records, which are the highest speeds attained by various types of vehicles over a set distance, usually a measured mile (1.609 kilometers).

Land speed records have been pursued since the late 19th century, with early attempts involving steam-powered vehicles and later transitioning to internal combustion engines. The first officially recognized land speed record was set in 1899 by Frenchman Émile Levassor, driving a Panhard et Levassor steam car at approximately 63 mph (101 km/h). Over time, records have been broken by increasingly advanced vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and rocket-powered land speed record holders.

The current land speed record for a wheeled vehicle is held by the ThrustSSC, a British jet-powered car that reached 763 mph (1,228 km/h) in 1997. The record for a non-wheeled vehicle is held by the Spirit of America, a rocket-powered sled that achieved 632 mph (1,017 km/h) in 1970. Land speed records are governed by organizations such as the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC), which establish guidelines for measurement and validation.

Pursuing land speed records involves significant engineering challenges, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and vehicle stability. Many record attempts have been made using specialized vehicles designed for high-speed travel, often incorporating advanced materials and cutting-edge technology. While land speed records are primarily a measure of engineering achievement, they also serve as a testament to human innovation and the relentless pursuit of speed.