The School Time Jet-Powered Bus, as it is called, was in town as part of the Winston-Salem Air Show. The ride took place at Smith Reynolds Airport.
A group based in Indianapolis called Indy Boys Inc. retrofitted an engine from a Phantom fighter jet onto a school bus. Capable of speeds of 370 mph, it is more like an aircraft. The bus is complete with a 42,000 horsepower engine (regular school bus has 210 horsepower) and burns 150 gallons of fuel in a quarter mile.
It was quite an adventure.
“The bus reached a speed of 270 mph and I was terrified,” Fleming said. “I had to wear a fire-retardant suit that was very hot, shoes, helmet and gloves. I had a 5-point harness strapping me into a metal seat. It is simply against everything in my inner being for a bus to travel that fast. I am not entirely certain what I expected but I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of G-force. Most roller coasters have a G-force of 4.5-5G. Most roller coaster travel 82-100 mph. This is more like a top fuel-dragster and I now have a deeper appreciation for that sport.
“Once is enough but if it helps to remind the public to watch out for our school buses - it was worth it.”
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