Will Kick Off In Shenzhen, China November 1

There is just one month to go before the first FAI World Drone Racing Championships kicks-off in Shenzhen, China. Some 115 of the world's best drone-racing pilots from 32 nations will converge on the tech city of Shenzhen in southern China for four days of high-calibre racing, November 1-4. The venue is the futuristic-looking Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center.

Qualification and Elimination rounds will play out over the long weekend before the high-tension Finals.

In FAI Drone Racing up to six radio-controlled, multi-rotor model aircraft fight it out to be the fastest around a closed circuit. Pilots must navigate a series of gates and obstacles – whoever is fastest, wins. Races typically take three minutes.

Drones, which weigh less than 500g and are battery-powered, are equipped with an onboard video camera that transmits real-time video images to the headset worn by the pilots. The pilot sees what the drone sees.

Preparations are well underway in Shenzhen for the competition, which is the highest profile competition in the emerging world of drone racing. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded for first, second and third places in four classifications:

• General Individual
• Women
• Juniors
• National Teams

The unique race track is set to wow pilots and spectators alike – lit up with LED lights at night it has been specially designed to test the skills of the very best drone pilots in the world.

It is not only honor and pride that is at stake either. A total prize pot of $220,000 is up for grabs, with the winner set to walk away with $24,000. Alongside the competition, an aviation carnival will showcase drone-racing products, gaming activities and aviation.

The event is hosted by the Bureau of Sports, Culture and Tourism of Municipality of Shenzhen and KAISA Culture Sports & Tourism Group. The Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC) is the National Airsport Control in China.

(Source: FAI news release. Image provided)

FMI: www.fai.org