The anatomy of the world's first electric flying racing car - the Airspeeder Mk3

At Goodwood Speed Week, Airspeeder unveiled their Mk3 racing prototype. This remotely-piloted craft is the world's first full-scale and functional electric flying racing car, with the first production version undergoing construction at the company's technical headquarters in Adelaine, South Australia. 

Airspeeder's mission is to create a zero-emissions, advanced air mobility revolution through motorsports competition. This approach echoes the work of pioneers such as C.S Rolls, W.O Bentley and Karl Benz, who developed their companies through motorsport. 

The eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) sector, which is predicted by Morgan Stanley to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040, is already transforming the logistics industry. Airspeeder's efforts will complement existing development of 'electric flying taxis', which promises to transform urban environments by eliminating congestion and pollution. 

To this end, Airspeeder will pioneer a suite of technologies that will improve upon safety requirements, build acceptance for eVTOL, and demonstrate its viability and sustainability. 

The Mk3 Speeder delivers 429bhp at full throttle, equalling an Audi SQ7 performance SUV. Because the racing craft weighs just 130kg excluding the pilot, acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes an astounding 2.8 seconds. 

The Mk3 vehicle has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 3.5, which exceeds the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet's 1.2. These mind-boggling numbers were verified as part of the exhaustive testing that preceded the start of full production. Through tight bends, it has the potential to generate more than a Formula One car's five Gs of lateral force.

The Airspeeder engineering team is drawn from leading companies in racing vehicle engineering, including McLaren and Brabham. Members of the team have also led major projects in both civil and military aviation, including the Boeing 747-8 programme.

The engineers have developed an advanced carbon fibre structure, presenting strength and weight-saving benefits. An Airspeeder vehicle consists of a chassis and carbon fibre moulded 'tub'-style skin, ensuring overall strength and structural integrity racing conditions.

In the early stages of the Mk3's development, integration testing techniques were employed to fully map out possible failures. This gave engineers confidence that in the event of a systems failure, the Speeder could remain in the air, albeit at reduced performance levels. This allows the pilot to safely return to the ground.