After more than 350 test flights and two demonstration races of the remotely piloted Airspeeder Mk3 eVTOL, Alauda Aeronautics has unveiled the first manned racer design with a top speed of 360 km/h and a range of 300 km.
In 2017, Australian Matt Pearson launched a Kickstarter proposing to build a manned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) racing machine and create a new aerial sport around it. The Alauda Aeronautics team canceled the campaign after amassing only 49 backers, but vowed to continue development.
The Airspeeder made its international public debut in 2019 and launched a full-scale working prototype in early 2021. After much testing and tweaking, 2022 saw a remote-controlled drag race later that year, followed by his EAX series head-to-head, unmanned. – Near Adelaide he runs a one kilometer circuit.
Now renderings of the first manned eVTOL racer, the Mk4, have landed, revealing a complete redesign. Details have yet to be announced, but the new racing eVTOL measures 5.73 m (18.79 ft) long, 3.62 m (11.87 ft) wide, 1.44 m (4.72 ft) high and weighs 950 kg (2,094 ft). feet). lb).
Alauda Aeronautics
While the Mk3’s remotely piloted flyer was 100% battery powered, Alauda incorporated a 1,000 kW (1,340 hp) hydrogen turbogenerator into the Mk4’s manned racer to power the batteries and motors. This Thunderstrike engine features a unique combustor made using 3D printing technology developed in the space industry for rocket engines. It will stay low and nitrous oxide emissions will be significantly reduced.” The intention is to source green hydrogen for fuel in order to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible.
The Airspeeder Mk4 is reported to be able to accelerate from a standing start to a top speed of 360 km/h (223.6 mph) in 30 seconds. Four sets of shielded rotors are mounted on a 3D-printed gimbal, and AI-powered Flight He controller adjusts the tilt angle for takeoff and flight. “This allows the Mk4 not only to be fast in a straight line, but also to be maneuvered with incredible precision, which is essential in close-quarters racing,” the press wrote in his release. “In fact, it operates more like a jet fighter or a Formula 1 racing car than a multicopter.”
Alauda Aeronautics
As you can see from the images provided, the Mk4 also rocks the looks of an F1 race car, with large air intakes and front and rear wings in a carbon fiber monocoque sporting short mid-body box wings. Cameras, sensors and communication equipment are also scattered around the frame, but details of such have not been shared at this stage.
The Airspeeder Mk4 will be unveiled to the public at the South Start Innovation Festival in South Australia on March 9th. Arawda said flight tests are already underway and his entry into the manned racing series is now open for entry, with the first races expected to take place sometime in his 2018. 2024. More content in the video below.
“We, and the world, are ready for manned flying car racing,” Pearson said. “We have built vehicles, developed the sport, secured venues, attracted sponsors and technology partners. It’s time for sports teams to become part of a truly revolutionary team.The new Motorsport Manned Airspeeder Mk4 launches vehicles that compete in blade-to-blade races with the most highly skilled pilots in their field. I’d like to introduce.”
Airspeeder Crude MK4 | Elevation of motor sports
Source: Alauda Aeronautics
