First electric racing car to fly

For the first time, an electric racing car has flown in the Australian desert, and later this year it will be used in Formula 1-based races. The machines can fly at speeds of up to 150-250 kilometres per hour, depending on the terrain, the Guardian reported.

The four-metre-long multicopter, called the Alauda Airspeeder Mk3, has made its first unmanned test flight in the desert of South Australia. Weighing 130 kilograms, Alauda Aeronautics, the company that created the vehicle, hopes to use it mainly for Formula 1 racing. The company’s founder, Matthew Pearson, says the race series will allow up to 10 flying race cars to take part. He added that three races are planned for 2021, but the locations are not yet known.

Matthew Pearson also reported that the flying vehicles are capable of speeds of up to 150-250 kilometres per hour and can be controlled remotely. If the races can be held safely, it is likely that in the future pilots will be able to physically control the vehicles.

THE VEHICLE IS POWERED BY A LITHIUM-POLYMER BATTERY, WHICH WILL ALLOW IT TO FLY FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES.

Since a race will last 45 minutes, two battery changes will be necessary during the race. The company says the replacement process will take about 20 seconds. The exact date of the race is not yet known.