Created as the first manned application for propulsive engines, the ‘Boost Palouste’ motorcycle was originally built as a research and development bike by Richard Brown and Team Maximum Impulse who attempted to break the land speed record with it. The bike started out by trying to combine the use of a turbine as a sustaining jet motor with rocket boosters.
The team converted a Rolls Royce Palouste turbine turbo compressor into a unique turbojet by feeding the compressor bleed into a separate “super burner” which could be run at 35PSIG & 1400 C. Initially the team used solid fuel rockets to boost thrust and progressed on to using hydrogen peroxide hybrid rockets for better speed results. After several trials and changes, the bike went on to achieve a 200MPH peek with an official ACU record at 184MPH for the flying 1/4 mile average in1996.
The bike went on to secure approval from the ACU/FIM for thrust powered two wheelers which was a first in its class. Knowledge and stats gained from the ‘Booste Palouste’ project were implemented on the following ‘Maximum Impulse’ project.
Source: Jet Pack
