Home US Formula One of the skies! World’s first ‘vertiport’ for FLYING car racing features a 360° Skydeck where spectators can watch the action, and retractable landing pads where the vehicles can refuel

Formula One of the skies! World’s first ‘vertiport’ for FLYING car racing features a 360° Skydeck where spectators can watch the action, and retractable landing pads where the vehicles can refuel

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At first glance, you'd be forgiven for mistaking them for stills from the latest film in the Dune franchise. But the images could soon become reality, according to Airspeeder

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for stills from the latest film in the Dune franchise.

But the structure of the images could soon become reality, according to Airspeeder.

The company has unveiled its vision for the world’s first ‘vertiport’ for flying car racing.

The futuristic design features a 360° Skydeck where spectators can watch the aerial action, as well as retractable landing pads where flying race cars can stop to refuel.

“This innovative concept aims to revolutionize both the sport and the spectator experience, combining cutting-edge design with sustainability,” explained Airspeeder.

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for stills from the latest film in the Dune franchise. But the images could soon become reality, according to Airspeeder

Airspeeder is an electric flying car racing series based in London. He has unveiled his vision of the world's first 'vertiport' for flying car racing

Airspeeder is an electric flying car racing series based in London. He has unveiled his vision of the world’s first ‘vertiport’ for flying car racing

Airspeeder is an electric flying car racing series based in London, United Kingdom.

The company has already pitted remotely piloted flying cars against each other.

However, its ultimate goal is to host races in which fully crewed flying cars compete against each other, in what Airspeeder describes as a “Formula One of the Skies.”

Now, the startup has collaborated with global architecture firm HOK to imagine what the event space, or ‘vertiport’, for these races could look like.

“We believe flying car racing will usher in a new mobility revolution, driving E-VTOL and EV technology to the benefit of the entire industry,” said Stephen Sidlo, global media and marketing director at Airspeeder.

The vertiport has a

The vertiport has an “operations zone” with retractable landing platforms. This would allow teams to make mid-race pit stops to change batteries, ensuring “fairness and efficiency in the competition.”

Airspeeder says the design marks a

Airspeeder says the design marks an “exciting step in the development of Airspeeder as a sport and as a vision for the future of mobility.”

“This collaboration with HOK represents not only a new sport but the future of sustainable, high-speed mobility.”

At the heart of the vertiport is the Skydeck.

This multi-functional center is located directly below the aerial race track and provides fans with an “unrivaled experience” of the race.

“The vertical nature of the setup offers a 360-degree experience, where spectators can see everything from the racing grid to mid-race pit stops and the finish line, all from one place,” Airspeeder said.

Skydeck is modular, meaning it can be completely disassembled or expanded.

“The design allows for easy expansion, ensuring the facility can grow alongside the Airspeeder series,” the company explained.

“Initially configured to accommodate up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders, the structure can be expanded to meet the changing needs of the sport, keeping pace with its rapid development.”

The vertiport also features an “operations zone” with retractable landing platforms.

The vertiport is just a concept, and it is not yet clear when or where it could become a reality, or how much it would cost to build.

The vertiport is just a concept, and it is not yet clear when or where it could become a reality, or how much it would cost to build.

This would allow teams to make mid-race pit stops to change batteries, ensuring “fairness and efficiency in the competition.”

The vertiport is simply a concept and it is not yet clear when or where it could become a reality, or how much it would cost to build.

However, the design has already sparked great interest on social media.

In response to Airspeeder’s tweet about the vertiport, one user wrote: ‘Looks amazing!’

Another added: ‘Cutting edge design meets futuristic racing! Exciting times lie ahead for aerial motorsport.’

And one joked: ‘Let’s fly baby!’

Airspeeder says the design marks an “exciting step in the development of Airspeeder as a sport and as a vision for the future of mobility.”

He added: “The modular vertiport is more than just infrastructure planning – it is a statement about the potential of eVTOL racing and the future of urban mobility at scale.”

THE AIRSPEEDER MK3: ‘A BIG TECHNICAL LEAP FORWARD’

According to Alauda Aeronautics, the Airspeeder Mk3 is a “major technical leap” in the development of the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars.

This remotely piloted vehicle is the final version of an electric flying race car before the introduction of the manned racing craft, the Airspeeder Mk4, which will debut in 2024.

  • Maximum speed: 75mph
  • Weight: 100 kg gutted
  • Powertrain: 96 kilowatts
  • Technology: LiDAR and Radar to create a ‘virtual force field’
  • Provision: Octocopter X Formation

The craft, which will be operated by an expert remote operator from the ground, features a suite of technologies and engineering elements never before seen on an eVTOL craft.

These innovations will be validated in this key phase of unmanned vehicle testing and will include LiDAR and radar collision avoidance systems that create a “virtual force field” around the craft to ensure a close but ultimately safe race.

The Mk3 features a carbon fiber frame and fuselage chosen for its strength, rigidity and lightweight properties, ensuring maneuverability, performance and efficiency.

The carbon fiber frame and fuselage add a vital mechanical layer of safety, which will be further enhanced by an all-carbon fiber monocoque body that will be introduced on the Mk4 vehicle.

POWER TRAIN:

The MK3 powertrain represents a significant improvement over the Mk2 concept test vehicle, with power increased by 95% with only a 50% weight increase.

A 96kW electric powertrain makes the Mk3 operate with a thrust-to-weight ratio of over two, in a ship that weighs just 100kg unmanned. The Mk3 gliders will fly at speeds in excess of 75 mh.

MANEUVERABILITY AND STABILITY:

The Mk3 gliders are arranged in an “Octocopter X formation”. This provides important advantages to pilots in terms of maneuverability and stability.

When competing, the driver will be able to make the same tight turns as a Formula 1 car, but with the added third dimension of being able to move vertically.

The octocopter configuration also adds an important measure of vehicle redundancy and will ensure the craft can land safely and maintain control in the event of a rotor or battery system failure.

QUICK PIT STOPS:

Airspeeder GPs will include quick pit stops.

To facilitate this, Alauda engineers have developed an innovative “slide and lock” system for rapid removal and replacement of batteries when on the ground; This technology debuts in the Mk3.

This approach adds a strategic layer to the sport, as teams will be able to adapt the battery strategy based on the dynamic requirements of that particular section of the race.

For example, for courses that require more maneuverability but less straight-line speed, a lighter battery can easily be selected to provide more maneuverability at the cost of raw power or endurance.

SOURCE: Hovercraft

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