Nowadays, speed sports such as Formula 1 or Drone racing are the order of the day, but, what could happen if we mix both sports in one? The high risk of the manned vehicles at high speed and the added complexity of an aircraft. Each team trying to be the first to finish an arduous circuit.

Speed racing is no longer a fantasy. Alauda Racing from Australia was the first to demonstrate a manned racing drone with their prototype Airspeeder, whilst Drone Champions League from Germany recently demonstrated aerobatic flips and rolls with their prototype.

Manned class racing drone prototypes 

There are many companies that see great opportunities in this market:

• Carcopter by MACA: First Hydrogen-Powered Flying F1 Race Car, MACA aims at creating a Formula 1-type competition for flying cars to accelerate innovation in the zero-emission VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) market while generating revenues from the racing business.
• Airspeeder X Acronis: Is the racing series conceived by performance electric flying car brand, Alauda. Elite pilots drawn from aviation, motorsport and even eSports will navigate electrically governed courses above some of the most visually arresting locations in the world. Electric racing multicopters created by Alauda will fly at speeds of up to 130km/h. Airspeeder GP seasons will be contested by teams who will purchase the original craft and equipment from Alauda, the Airspeeder series’ exclusive manufacturer but will be given freedom to set race strategy and recruit pilots from a pool of elite pilot academy graduates. 
• Big Drone by Drone Champions League: The maximum speed of the eVTOL aircraft is 140 km/h (87 mph), it has 12 motors and 12 propellers. The aircraft can also roll over 180 degrees and make full 180 degree loops. It is expected to be used and flown by people who play in the Drone Champions League. The first aerobatic drone for human flight.

Veronte Systems for eVTOL Air Racers

Although it may appear that manned eVTOL systems do not need an autopilot system, the flight controller is a critical component in the eVTOL vehicle. The autopilot system includes a suite of sensors (IMU, accelerometers…) for the stabilization and control of the flight, even if the commands come from an onboard joystick. Reliability of the autopilot is essential for a safe operation, even more considering the accelerations and speeds reached in the Air Racers.

Veronte Autopilot is developed according to the DO178C and DO254 and has been intensively tested according to the DO160 standards for ensuring a high grade of reliability and high MTBF numbers.

Embention, as an expert in avionics, UAV components and navigation systems for drones, has developed the Veronte Motor Controller Series. MC25K & MC280 has been specifically designed for eVTOL aircrafts, seeking for the highest levels of safety and reliability.

The DO178C and DO254 compliance provides all the reliability evidence needed for certification. The short response time in electric motors and its efficiency makes it the best choice for eVTOL power systems. 

Both the Veronte Autopilot and Veronte Motor Controller series can be highly configurable for adapting the flight envelope, control laws, gains, etc. to the specific needs of each pilot and each race. This amazing flexibility given by the Veronte Autopilot 4x will allow the best performance for the racing.