In February 2023, one of the most exciting electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs was revealed: the Alauda Airspeeder MK4. With its sleek Formula 1–inspired design and hydrogen-powered engine, the MK4 represents not only a leap forward in eVTOL technology but also the dawn of a new motorsport—flying car racing.
But how did we arrive at this design? And what makes it so unique?
The Push for Speed in eVTOL Development
If you’ve followed eVTOL news, you know the competition is fierce. Companies like Joby Aviation, AutoFlight, and Lilium are pushing the limits of speed and performance in test flights:
- AutoFlight and Lilium both reached 155 mph in early 2023.
- Joby Aviation surpassed that with 205 mph back in 2022.
Innovation in aviation often requires bold steps—and competition drives those steps forward.
Racing as a Catalyst for Innovation
History shows us that motorsport has always been more than just entertainment. Formula 1, for example, has given us technologies that later became standard in consumer cars, including:
- Active suspension
- Carbon fiber construction
- Ceramic brakes
- Hybrid powertrains
The same thinking applies to eVTOLs. Racing offers a testbed for future technology, allowing engineers to push machines to their limits, solve critical design challenges, and accelerate innovation.
The Rise of eVTOL Racing
eVTOL racing, much like traditional motorsports, will involve closed circuits—but with a three-dimensional twist. Pilots will race at low altitudes, navigating shorter courses filled with obstacles and challenges designed to test both skill and machine.
The first major initiative is the Airspeeder World Championship, spearheaded by Alauda Aeronautics. While full-scale races have been delayed, 2022 brought the EXA Series, the world’s first electric flying car races. These remotely piloted quadcopter-style aircraft hit speeds over 100 km/h, offering critical lessons in control during high-speed turns—an essential step toward crewed races.
Alauda Aeronautics and the Vision
The company behind this revolution is Alauda Aeronautics, founded by Matt Pearson in South Australia in 2016. Starting with multicopter designs for their simplicity and practicality, the company has steadily evolved its racers: MK1 through MK3 were fully battery-powered, but the new MK4 takes a bold leap forward with hydrogen power.
Inside the Airspeeder MK4
The Airspeeder MK4 looks more like a Formula 1 car with wings than a conventional aircraft. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Aerodynamic Design
- Front and rear wings with double vertical stabilizers.
- Box wings, maximizing lift for minimal span.
- Compact frame for agility—critical in tight racing conditions.
Dimensions & Structure
- Length: 5.73 m
- Width: 3.62 m
- Height: 1.44 m
- Frame: Carbon fiber composite
- Rotor diameter: 0.875 m
Performance
- Top speed: 360 km/h (225 mph), achieved in 30 seconds.
- Range: 300 km (188 miles).
- Takeoff weight: 950 kg (2,094 lbs).
- Powerplant: 1,000 kW (1,340 hp) Thunderstrike hydrogen-electric turbogenerator.
The hydrogen turbine drives an alternator to generate electricity, powering eight ducted propellers (two per housing, with 360° gimbal capability). Air intakes near the cockpit provide cooling for the hydrogen-electric system.
Hydrogen Power
- Requires about 198 kWh of energy for full range.
- Needs 6 kg of hydrogen stored at 700 bar, equivalent to 228 liters of onboard storage.
- Low flame-temperature combustor reduces harmful NOx emissions.
Why Hydrogen?
Battery technology has not progressed quickly enough to meet the extreme demands of high-performance racing. Hydrogen offers a higher energy density, making it more practical for longer range and higher speeds.
Though expensive, cost is not the primary concern for racing—performance is. This makes hydrogen the perfect fit for the MK4’s mission.
Looking Ahead
The Airspeeder MK4 is set to be the first crewed racer from Alauda Aeronautics, with manned races scheduled for 2024. If successful, eVTOL racing could become:
- A thrilling new motorsport.
- A platform for developing next-generation aviation technologies.
- An inspiration for future engineers, designers, and pilots.
In just four iterations, Alauda has evolved from simple multicopters to a hydrogen-powered flying race car—a testament to how fast this industry is moving.
The future of flight may not just be about transport—it might also be about racing through the skies.
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