A South Yorkshire software company is helping to build the 'fastest car in the world' which will be attempt to smash the world land speed record later this year.

SolidCAM UK from Barnsley has devised essential computer technology to help make precision parts for the Bloodhound SSC supersonic car which could ultimately reach a top speed of 1,000 mph.

The unique rocket and jet powered vehicle (seen in this picture by Stefan Marjoram with project mastermind Richard Noble) is being developed in the UK. It is due to make an attempt on the world land speed record of 763mph in South Africa later this year, then be pushed to its limit in a bid to reach 1,000mph in next year.

The team behind the Bloodhound Project turned to South Yorkshire's 'Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre' led by the University of Sheffield, for expert support when developing the super car.  SolidCAM, one of the many UK companies associated with the research centre, has contributed its advanced computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software and expertise to the project.

Managing Director of SolidCAM UK Gordon Drysdale says: ""We've been delighted to contribute our unique software to the Bloodhound project and are pleased to have helped construct key components for the car's framework.

"Our role in the project draws on our experience supplying software to high-end manufacturing industries such as motorsport, aerospace and medical instruments. Many of our customers use premium - and expensive - materials and demand absolute accuracy in production. The Bloodhound supersonic car needs nothing less - every specification must be 100 per cent perfect to pursue speeds up to 1,000 mph. We now follow its progress with enormous interest."

This is not the first time SolidCAM, based at Dodworth's Fall Bank Industrial Estate, has been involved in a high-profile project. It also provided software to construct NASA's Mars rover, Curiosity, which is currently drilling the surface of Mars to extract scientific samples.

SolidCAM UK is part of a world-wide parent company, SolidCAM, and the Barnsley-based team supply software and support services to companies all over the UK, including the Royal Mint. Its software helps drive machine tools in a wide range of manufacturing processes.

SolidCAM UK is currently being supported by the Enterprising Barnsley business support organisation to manage a period of growth. Last year, the firm launched a new 'add-on' product for its software packages called 'iMachining'. This innovation gives its software a 'turbo-boost' which enables machines to operate more quickly and have much less wear and tear on tools. iMachining enables customers to realise savings of up to 70 per cent on production costs. The new product has led to a massive increase in sales and an anticipated 20% rise in turnover in this financial year.