10.12.2020

Air racing

History

Air racing dates back almost as far as the "heavier-than-air" exist. In 1909, they were already competing in the Prix de Lagatinerie, France. Since then, aircraft have evolved, they go faster, they are lighter and flight techniques are more precise.

Now, some races still take place across the world and vary between navigation, endurance or even pylon racing.

The latter discipline, particularly popular in the United States, made a name for itself in 1964 in Reno, Nevada. Planes fly at low altitude around pylons at speeds of up to more than 800 km/h for certain categories.

In 2014, a new organizer arrived under the name of Air Race 1. Regulated by the Formula Air Racing Association, the concept of pylon racing remains basically the same. However, the priority is on racing and the development, sometimes artisanal, of small planes.

It was in 2018 that the idea of a 100 % electric championship arrived: the Air Race E. In February 2019, Airbus signs on and becomes the official founding partner of the event. The objective of this international championship is to promote the construction and development of new technologies. Attracting teams from all over the world, this spectacular competition will begin in 2022.

Pie Aeronefs SA, is proud to take part with its UR-1 Swiss all-electric aircraft as an official team but also as the only Swiss team.

Rules

Air Race E racing circuit diagram

Air Race E is a pylon race. Basically, a squadron of 8 planes take off at the same time then make 5 turns around a 5 km circuit at a speed of about 450 km/h and this, between 9 and 75 m off the ground.

Depending on the wind conditions, the width of the circuit can be adapted. Depending on the speed in the turns, it is calculated that the pilot will experience between 3 and 5 G.

The winner of the event will be the one who crosses the line first. However, the race is a first for electric powertrains. We believe that finishing the race itself will already be the greatest reward.

Technical regulations

As for the airplane, it must be 100 % electric with one or more fixed-pitch propeller rotors. The engine will develop a maximum of 150 kW (203 HP) and the batteries must allow the device to race (25 km) then to have, once on the ground, at least 15 minutes of reserve.

Batteries are still a dangerous component today and will need to be equipped with an effective fire protection system.

For more general aspects, the plane will be a few hundred kilos and the landing gear must be fixed. The pilot must wear a protective helmet, a parachute and the canopy of the aircraft must be able to eject easily in the event of a problem.

Although safety is at the center of everyone's interests and the aircraft must obtain a permit to fly issued by civil aviation regulators, the fact remains that motorsports, in general, remain sports at high risk which makes them so attractive and spectacular.

Two racing planes in flight during an air racing event.