Alauda Aeronautics has released the Airspeeder Mk4 and announced that it is on the hunt for OEM partners to support the Airspeeder Racing Series.
Based on the Airspeeder Mk3, the piloted Mk4 was designed and built in Adelaide, Australia and is claimed to be the world’s fastest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, capable of a top speed of 360km/h in just 30 seconds from a standstill.
The flying car features an advanced electric propulsion system, state-of-the-art aerodynamics and a take-off weight of 950kg. Furthermore, the Airspeeder Mk4 is extremely efficient, benefitting from an estimated range of 300km while producing nearly no emissions.
Intended for use within the race series, the Mk4 is powered by a 1,000kW turbogenerator that feeds power to the Airspeeder’s batteries and motors. Specifically designed for use in eVTOLs, the technology enables the use of green hydrogen as a fuel. This delivers safe, reliable and sustainable power. The Thunderstrike demonstrator engine from Alauda Aeronautics features a combustor made using 3D printing techniques developed in the space sector for rocket engines. Due to the combustor’s design, the hydrogen flame temperature is kept relatively low, significantly reducing nitrous oxide emissions.
Unlike previous and conventional eVTOLs, which maneuver using tilt-rotors, the Mk4 steers using a gimballed thrust system consisting of an artificial intelligence flight controller that individually adjusts four rotor pairs mounted on lightweight 3D printed gimbals. This results in extremely fast and precise maneuvers for close racing.
Alauda Aerospace will begin flight testing the Mk4 chassis and powertrain in Q1 2023. This will include the first manned flights of the latest airframe. The company predicts that the aircraft will be ready to compete in the Airspeeder Racing Championship in 2024.
“We, and the world, are ready for crewed flying car racing. We have built the vehicles, developed the sport, secured the venues, attracted the sponsors and technical partners,” said Matt Pearson, CEO of Alauda Aeronautics. “Now is the time for the world’s most progressive, innovative and ambitious automotive brands, OEM manufacturers and motorsport teams to be part of a truly revolutionary new motorsport. In unveiling the crewed Airspeeder Mk4 we show the vehicles that will battle it out in blade-to-blade racing crewed by the most highly skilled pilots in their fields.”
