National Aeronautic Association Starts Race Series for Zero-Emission Aircraft

Racing is the truest manifestation of "racing improves the breed", and today's burgeoning field of  electric aeronautics are ripe for improvement.

From the lengthy charging requirement to their short-legged range electric aircraft have yet to become true contenders to outsell traditional aircraft - but a good race series could sharpen them up in no time. The upcoming Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race will continue the legacy of the longstanding Pulitzer air races first held in the 1920s, and is open to "piloted aerodynes of all types using zero-emission electric propulsion (e.g., fixed wing aeroplanes, helicopters, or multi-rotor eVTOL Advanced Air Mobility [AAM] vehicles)". 

Given the current state of electric aircraft, the race will be held as a 4-day, VFR, day-only event, consisting of 1,000 nm of cross country flight, on a course that will push teams to develop electric aircraft with speed, reliability, and realistic operating requirements. The event will require careful logistical planning to provide adequate charging, battery changes, or solar power assistance to make the distance. The race winner will be the pilot or crew with the fastest cumulative flight time, not including time on the ground for maintenance, charging, or overnight stays.

The NAA Pulitzer Race Committee has released the rules, which will no doubt give birth to many unorthodox developments to make the most of whatever they permit. The NAA appears to intend for the races to be a shot in the arm to the electric aviation industry, to get more amateur or GA builders into a game that is all too often associated with stodgy AAM projects with billions in capital backing.

Coinciding with the races will be an NAA-partnered STEM educational program to provide 5th and 6th grade classes with materials for classroom lessons surrounding electrical power systems and their applications in the semester leading up to the race. Pre-made activities will let students follow their favorite competitors throughout their race journey.

FMI: www.naa.aero