Alauda Aeronautics has announced the world’s first flying race car – Airspeeder MK3. The flying race car will be out on a test later this year and will feature in a racing series next year. Let’s take a closer look at the Airspeeder MK3.
Airspeeder Mk3
Alauda’s Airspeeder Mk3 looks like a giant cross between a drone and a high-speed boat. Technically, it is a full-sized electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle. The frame and fuselage are made from carbon fiber. The material ensures strength, maneuverability, and efficiency. As of now, the company is planning to control it remotely from the ground. Airspeeder Mk3 can reach a top speed of up to 120km per hour. However, when it passes through the test, the company will organize a “crewed” racing series in 2022.
The developers are looking to produce more than 10 Mk3 racing cars for the preparation of the test. These test vehicles are being produced at Airspeeder and Aluada’s technical headquarter in Adelaide, South Australia. Mk3 has been in development for more than three years and is finally looking to be test-ready.
For safety reasons, pilots will be operating the unmanned aircraft remotely from the ground. This will allow them to assess the safety features of the Airspeeder. The Airspeeder’s collision avoidance system makes use of technologies like LiDAR and Radar. The craft features a 96kW electric powertrain that provides thrust to the Speeder to keep in the air. It can result in a thrust-to-weight ratio of above two for a craft that weighs 100kg. Pilots can carry out different three-dimensional maneuver in the sky. The aircraft also features a new slide-and-lock mechanism that will allow the users to replace batteries rapidly. It will facilitate rapid pit stops.
Key Features:
- Category: Racing eVTOL
- Layout: October X Formation
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 100kg (unmanned)
- Powertrain: 96kW
- Top Speeds: 120km per hour
- Safety System: LiDAR and Radar
Airspeeder Mk3 Availability
Developers are readying the Airspeeder Mk3 for a manned racing series that will take place in 2022. For now, the aircraft will be tested with the pilots controlling it remotely from the ground.
| Racing eVTOL | Test | Main Racing Event |
| Airspeeder Mk3 | 2021 | 2022 |
- Check out our review of the POCO M3.
