We’ve been telling you about the crazy flying car racing series coming together in Australia. A milestone in air racing has been achieved. These three air speeders flew in a virtual race track in the air. This follows 250 successful test flights and concurrently the assembly of everything else necessary to conduct a racing series. A racing series of flying race cars.

Why were these three Airspeeders only testing?

This test took place in South Australia where three air speeders flew in close proximity. The purpose is to access how well these flying race cars function within tight separations between them. You know, like what it will be like in actual racing. 

These tests aren’t for commercial consideration, but instead for the purpose of fielding a racing series in the air. The initial races will happen in Australia. But California’s Mojave desert will host racing soon after. 

Testing the air speeder’s abilities and communications with the teams were tested. The communications network needs to be able to keep the speeders separate. Data in real-time is processed through technology developed by Telstra Purple and Amazon Web Services. 

How do teams communicate with the air speeders?

Telstra Purple’s contribution is a virtual race control system. Ground crews receive flying data from each of the air speeders. Combined with Amazon, it is using 5G technology for both safe racing but also for the ability to broadcast racing globally. 

Each air speeder weighs about 287 lbs, with the ability to reach speeds of 62 mph. Australia’s Alauda Aeronautics is behind the racing series. It completed its 250th test this August. Alauda expects its racing series to hold events globally. 

The Air Speeder exhibits slick styling that matches its flying abilities. Its canopy lifts up to expose the cabin. But the Mk 4 version holds two cabins and retracting canopies. At each corner, a 50-megawatt motor powers a vertical propeller. Its battery packs allow for 10 minutes of racing with a top speed of 150 mph. 

Progress towards starting the racing series has sped up

Progress has been slower than anticipated, with the expectation racing would commence in 2020. But COVID blah, blah, blah. But, the development of the air speeders and the progression of the racing series has moved forward quite a bit. So 2023 looks to be when everything comes together, and we’ll see a real flying car race. 

Electric NASCAR race cars seem so much of a bore. But elevating them into the air to race adds a certain drama and compelling scenario. We’ll keep you up to date on any new developments as we trek into 2023 and a possible flying car racing series.