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

At first glance at these images, you'd be forgiven for mistaking them as stills from the latest movie in the Dune franchise. 

But the structure in the images could soon become a 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 could watch the airborne action, as well as retractable landing pads where the flying race cars could stop to refuel. 

'This innovative concept aims to revolutionise both the sport and spectator experience, blending cutting-edge design with sustainability,' Airspeeder explained. 

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

The company has already pitted remotely piloted flying cars against one another. 

However, its ultimate goal is to host races where fully crewed flying cars go up against one another, in what Airspeeder describes as a 'Formula One of the Skies'. 

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

'We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing E-VTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry,' said Stephen Sidlo, Global Media and Marketing Director at Airspeeder.

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

At the heart of the vertiport is the Skydeck. 

 This multi-functional hub sits directly beneath the airborn racetrack and provides fans with an 'unmatched experience' of the race. 

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

Skydeck is modular, which means it could be fully disassembled or expanded. 

'The design allows for easy expansion, ensuring that the facility can grow alongside the Airspeeder series,' the firm explained. 

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

 'Initially set to accommodate up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders, the structure can scale to meet the evolving needs of the sport, keeping pace with its rapid development.' 

The vertiport also features an 'airside zone' with retractable landing pads. 

The vertiport is merely a concept, and it remains unclear when or where it could become a reality, or how much it would cost to build. 

However, the design has already garnered huge interest on social media. 

The Airspeeder MK3s: 'A giant technical leap foward' 

According to Alauda Aeronautics the Airspeeder Mk3 is a 'giant technical leap' in the development of the world's first racing series for electric flying cars. 

This remotely-piloted vehicle is the final iteration of an electric flying racing car before the introduction of manned racing craft, the Airspeeder Mk4, due to debut in 2024.

• Top Speed: 75mph
• Weight: 100kg uncrewed
• Powertrain: 96 kW 
• Tech: LiDAR and Radar to create a 'virtual forcefield' 
• Layout: 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 unmanned proving phase and include LiDAR and Radar collision avoidance systems that create a ‘virtual forcefield’ around the craft to ensure close but ultimately safe racing. 

The Mk3 features a carbon fibre frame and fuselage chosen for its strength, stiffness and lightweight properties, which ensures manoeuvrability, performance and efficiency. 

The carbon fibre frame and fuselage adds a vital mechanical layer of safety, which will be further enhanced by a full carbon fibre monocoque body to be introduced on the Mk4 vehicle.

POWERTRAIN: The MK3 powertrain represents a significant upgrade on the Mk2 proof of concept vehicle, with power increased by 95% with only a 50% increase in weight. 

A 96 kW electric powertrain already sees the Mk3 operating with a thrust to weight ratio above two, on a craft that weighs just 100KG unmanned. The Mk3 speeders will fly at speeds in excess of 75m\h.

MANEUVERABILITY AND STABILITY: The Mk3 speeders are laid-out in an ‘octocopter X formation’. This provides significant advantages to pilots in terms of maneuverability and stability.

When racing the pilot will be able to make the same sharp hairpin style 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 safely land and remain in control should a rotor or battery system fail.

RAPID PIT STOPS: Airspeeder GPs will include rapid pit stops. 

To facilitate this, Alauda’s engineers have developed an innovative ‘slide and lock’ system for the rapid removal and replacement of batteries when on the ground, this technology debuts on the Mk3. 

A strategic layer is added to the sport with this approach as teams will be able to adapt battery strategy depending on the dynamic requirements of that particular section of the race. 

For example, for courses requiring more manoeuvrability but less straight line speed, a lighter battery pack can be easily selected to deliver more manoeuvrability at the cost of raw power or endurance. SOURCE: Airspeeder