There is a high level of integration between Bloodhound’s three main control systems: the rocket engine and associated functions, such as the MCT V12 engine which powers the rocket’s fuel pump; the jet engine and associated functions; and the vehicle’s other functions, such as the winglets, steering and brakes.
 Each controller collects the sensor information required for its function and controls the actuators to make things happen.
A cross-checking procedure ensures a high level of safety. As well as its own area of the car, each of the three processors can override one of the other areas. So processor one (rocket) has override responsibility for processor three (vehicle), processor two (jet) override responsibility for one (rocket), and three (vehicle) override responsibility for two (jet). This means that at least two processors are responsible for ensuring that functions are carried out correctly.
Also, when a sensor sends important information such as the vertical load on each wheel, it is collected by both the control and override processors via independent electronic circuits, and the results are checked by information being passed around a data ring main that links all the processors in a circular fashion. The circular data ring main also ensures that all sections of the system are working correctly. Each processor receives information from the other two, and receives its own data back. |
