World’s first electric flying race car revealed

Australian aviation firm Alauda has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first flying electric race car that’ll compete in a new racing series billed as the aeronautical equivalent of Formula 1.

Dubbed the Airspeeder Mk3 and carrying F1 styling cues, the full-size electric aircraft is classed as a vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) and, for now at least, is operated via remote control while development continues on a manned Mk4 version due in 2022.

The ultra-light (100kg) Airspeeder Mk3 has a carbon-fibre frame and fuselage and is powered by a 96kW electric powertrain, which the manufacturer claims can send it to a top speed of 120km/h – with an “expert remote operator” controlling it from the ground.

The Mk3 will compete in the Airspeeder racing series developed by Alauda, which is currently building more than 10 identical flying race cars for the competition at its technical headquarters in Adelaide.

Alauda, which has attracted engineering and design talent from the likes of McLaren, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Brabham Automotive, says final pre-season testing will take place on Aussie soil before the start of an international racing season.

The Airspeeder Mk3 is said to employ never-before-seen features on an eVTOL craft, including LiDAR and radar collision avoidance systems that “create a ‘virtual forcefield’ around the craft to ensure close but ultimately safe racing”.

An “octocopter X formation” platform is said to increase manoeuvrability and stability for the pilot, enabling him or her “to make the same sharp hairpin-style turns as a Formula 1 car” while being airborne.

As with a Formula 1 Grand Prix, Airspeeder GPs will also require rapid pit stops, but instead of fuel and tyres the Mk3 will need its batteries recharged.

According to Alauda, the initial Mk3 races will provide vital information on vehicle dynamics, performance, safety and powertrain technology to aid in the final development of the Mk4.

A technical test bed and feeder series to the manned racing series that’s tipped to arrive in 2022, Airspeeder and Alauda Aeronautics founder Matt Pearson says it’s a landmark moment in the dawn of a new mobility revolution.

“It is competition that drives progress and our racing series is hastening the arrival of technology that will transform clean-air passenger transport, logistics and even advanced air mobility for medical applications,” he said.

“The world’s first electric flying car races will take place this year and will be the most exciting and progressive motorsport on the planet.”

In the past 12 months, the eVTOL maker says it has received significant backing from Saltwater Capital and Jelix Ventures, as well as cyber-protection firm Acronis.

Major motor vehicle manufacturers are busy developing flying cars as they prepare for an increasingly high-tech world with new forms of mobility, including Toyota which could begin commercial operations as early as 2023.

Hyundai also revealed a flying car last year that will be used as part of a partnership with Uber.

So it stands to reason that a racing series showcasing the most advanced technology in this evolving area will attract a global audience – and potentially interest from major car manufacturers.