What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Alauda Aeronautics, a startup focused on advanced air mobility, has been granted experimental certification by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority for its Airspeeder Mk4 crewed racing eVTOL aircraft. This certification allows Alauda to conduct both crewed and uncrewed flight tests. The Mk4 is an evolution of the Mk3, featuring a higher-performance powertrain and a single-seat monocoque cockpit. The company has already completed over 400 test flights with the uncrewed Mk3, including races with remotely piloted aircraft. The first crewed race is scheduled for the latter half of 2026. Alauda is also developing the AI Forcefield, a sensor-based shared-control system designed to ensure safety among multiple vehicles flying at high speeds.
Why It's Important?
The certification marks a significant milestone in the development of eVTOL technology, particularly in the realm of air racing. It highlights the growing interest and investment in advanced air mobility solutions, which could revolutionize transportation and logistics. The development of safety technologies like the AI Forcefield is crucial for the future of competitive crewed racing, potentially setting new standards for safety in the industry. This advancement could lead to increased innovation and competition in the aerospace sector, benefiting companies involved in the development of eVTOL technologies.
What's Next?
Alauda plans to continue uncrewed races with the Mk3 to further develop its safety technology suite. Extensive testing and remote racing with technology partners are expected before the AI Forcefield is used in crewed racing. The company aims to push the performance boundaries in the unmanned format, which will underpin future competitive crewed racing and flight systems.
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