Alauda Aeronautics The Airspeeder Mk4 is the first manned version of the flying racing car.
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Powered by the Thunderstrike Hydrogen Turbogenerator, the Airspeeder Mk4 is the world’s fastest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with a top speed of 360 kph (225 mph) and a range of 300 km (188 miles). The aircraft will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the SouthStart Innovation Festival on March 9, 2023. Flight tests have already begun in South Australia, with the first manned Airspeeder race scheduled for 2024.
“We, and the world, are ready for manned flying car racing. It’s time for the most progressive, innovative and ambitious car brands, OEMs and motorsport teams to join a truly revolutionary new motorsport.The launch of the Manned Airspeeder Mk4 welcomes the most skilled pilots in their respective fields. will be on board to showcase the vehicles that will compete in the blade-to-blade race,” said Matt Pearson, CEO of Alauda Aeronautics.
Although designed as a race car, the Airspeeder also demonstrates the capabilities of human-carrying eVTOL for commercial purposes. The “Thunderstrike” engine uses hydrogen fuel.
Hydrogen is the ideal fuel for future aviation, especially for personal air travel in urban areas. Its high energy density, light weight and compact storage make it suitable for small aircraft. It is also non-toxic and produces no emissions except pure water, so it does not cause air pollution. Additionally, hydrogen gas is lighter than air, so in the unlikely event of a leak, it will rise and diffuse into the atmosphere, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
This technology not only ushers the existing eVTOL industry into the next generation H2eVTOL era, but also has the potential to significantly reduce emissions and create a sustainable future for personal air travel.
“Capable of reaching a top speed of 360 km/h (225 mph) in just 30 seconds from a standing start, it is designed to set performance and technology standards in the radical new sport of airspeeder racing.” said the company. “With a sophisticated electric propulsion system, advanced aerodynamics and a takeoff weight (MTOW) of just 950 kg, the Airspeeder Mk4 is highly efficient, producing near-zero emissions while producing 300 km (188 miles).”
This new model takes the remotely controlled Mk3 and puts the racer in the driver’s seat.
“Alauda Aeronautics already sees beyond racing to a world where private flying cars become an everyday reality and a viable urban transportation option. Our team of engineers and designers believes the technology can make air travel faster, more efficient, greener and more accessible than ever before.”
Alauda Aeronautics CEO Matt Pearson said: But eVTOL is already a trillion-dollar industry, and he sees a very large market for private flying vehicles emerging in the near future. In conventional aerospace, there are about as many private he jets as there are commercial jets in operation. I believe flying cars will one day be the same, but initially there will be roughly equal numbers of commercial taxis and private cars. Once you can sell a flying car for the same price as a Tesla, you’ll quickly see a shift in balance. Today, private cars outnumber taxis by about 1/300, making it very likely that people will own and drive their own flying cars in the future. It’s a very exciting time. ”
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