Nottingham University lands development work on electric air race aircraft engine

Aircraft racing, perhaps more associated with the 1920s and 1930s, is still a major spectator sport, and it is moving with the times. A recently-announced all-electric air racing series has taken a step forward with the formation of a partnership between Nottingham University and the race series, Air Race E.

Planned to launch its inaugural race in 2020, Air Race E is envisaged as being similar to Formula One pylon air racing, a competition where eight aircraft race directly against each other around a tight circuit around 1.5 km end-to-end. Promoter Jeff Zaltman, who runs the Air Race 1 World Cup, plans a race with electric aircraft flying some 10m above the ground around a tight 5km circuit.

Nottingham is already involved in electric motorsport, running an electric superbike in race series including the TT Zero on the Isle of Man. The motor from this bike will form the basis for the motor of the electric race aircraft, according to project director Richard Glassock.