Airspeeder, the world’s first electric flying car racing series, has entered a landmark technical and strategic partnership with Acronis, the world’s leading cyber protection company. Created by performance electric flying car manufacturer, Alauda, the racing series will receive technical and commercial support from Acronis. The first Airspeeder GPs are expected to take place in 2021.
The Acronis, which already provides services in Formula 1 and Formula E, will provide solutions that ensure the data security for the revolutionary LiDAR and Machine Vision technology, which will deliver close but safe racing through the creation of virtual force-fields around each racing craft, named ‘Speeders.’
Teknov8, also a leading company in the field, will operate in support of Acronis and contribute to the shielding of the racing series from cyber-attack threats. The development of this particular racing series will benefit the wider eVTOL (electrical vertical take-off and landing) sector, an industry-backed by giants including Uber, Daimler, Toyota, Hyundai, and Airbus.
Teams and pilots will benefit from Acronis services as they will have real-time information on battery status and key system performance. At the same time, engineers will be able, based on the information they receive, to determine their strategy or, if necessary, change it at any time.
The model of the Airspeeder’s race is MK4 racing craft, which is made of carbon fiber and weighs only 120 kg (without the pilot). It is a manned electric racing quadcopter powered by an interchangeable 500kw battery and has been designed from the ground up by Alauda for racing and performance flying. It is a closed single-seat cockpit craft and is a carbon fiber monocoque design. An MK4 Speeder can fly at speeds up to 200km/h.
“At Airspeeder, we are creating aerial motorsport driven by innovation. Backing from Acronis, a business with an extraordinary culture of technological success in Formula One and Formula E represents a significant affirmation of our vision to accelerate the next great mobility revolution through sporting competition,” said Matt Pearson, Founder, Alauda & Airspeeder
