The flying car racing competition will soon be broadcast worldwide, with plans for the sport to debut at the 2032 Olympics.
Airspeeder Mk3 flying car from Alauda Aeronautics.
Alauda Aeronautics is an aerospace company based in Adelaide, specializing in the production of electric vehicles. In 2021, the company promised the world that it would invent the first flying racing car capable of accelerating on an aerial racetrack at speeds comparable to a Formula 1 car. Alauda Aeronautics has succeeded with the design of the Airspeeder MK3.
The Airspeeder Mk3 weighs 130 kg, with an outer shell made of carbon fiber and eight propellers that help prevent accidents even if the engine malfunctions. The vehicle’s battery can be easily replaced, and its power distribution configuration can be flexibly adjusted depending on the race requirements.
The Mk3 can fly at speeds of 150-250 km/h.
According to information provided by Aeronautics, the Mk3 can fly at speeds ranging from 150 to 250 km/h, depending on the terrain. The vehicle can deliver a maximum power output of 320 kW, equivalent to an Audi SQ7 SUV. Notably, the Mk3 can accelerate from 0 to 90 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.
The Mk3 was designed and built by former engineers who worked for McLaren, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, and Brabham. Its design combines elements from helicopters, Formula 1 cars, and fighter jets. It also operates quite similarly to a multi-rotor eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, capable of flying up to 400 km on a single charge.
eVTOL vehicle.
On June 17, 2021, the company tested its flying car Mk3 in the skies over the South Australian desert, monitored by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The vehicle was remotely controlled via a simulation device.
According to the inventors, this flying racing car can reach an altitude of 500 meters and has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 3.5. This figure is nearly three times higher than that of the F-15E Strike Eagle, a fighter jet still in use by the United States.
Stephen Sidlo, head of communications at Alauda Aeronautics, told ABC Australia that: “After we manufacture and test all these flying cars, the company will transition to a live broadcasting model for the test races. This will allow the world to witness the amazing things we are doing. We want to be part of the Olympics.”
Alauda Aeronautics aspires for a “spot” for flying car racing at the 2032 Olympics. The company has developed detailed ideas, including how to construct the racetrack, accompanying rules, filming organization, and safety guidelines. The company truly hopes that this sport can debut at the Summer Olympics to be held in Brisbane, Australia in 2032.
John Persico, director of the Australian Sports Technologies Network, noted that hosting sports that utilize new technologies at the Brisbane Olympics could bring several benefits, such as alleviating traffic problems and improving security.
“Flying car racing could be one of the most exciting fields at the 2032 Olympics. It could create many opportunities for new industries, especially providing exciting experiences in advanced technology sports,” Persico stated.
The 2032 Summer Olympics is scheduled to take place in Brisbane from July 23 to August 8. Currently, there has been no information or meetings from the Olympic Committee regarding the decision on the events for the Olympic Games nine years from now. However, similar to flying car racing, several sports like Softball, Netball, and Cricket also aspire to be included in this Olympic edition.
