2: About the Rebel Electric Racer

2: About the Rebel Electric Racer
Friday 19th August 2011

The time is ripe and the technology is available now to establish an electric aircraft race series around the UK as part of the air show calendar. There are almost eighty air shows throughout the summer months in the UK alone. They are extremely popular, well attended and watched by huge audiences both at the venue and through TV coverage. The International Red Bull Air Race series has seen spectacular growth in popularity since its launch with venues regularly sold out and widespread international prime time TV coverage.

There is clearly a huge and growing appetite both in the UK and internationally for fast exciting and spectacular technology driven racing such as Formula 1 and Red Bull Air Racing. Rebel Racing is a new, inclusive and simple electric aircraft and circuit racing development designed to tap into this market and combine the best elements with its own unique appeal.

The all new aircraft will be unique as a light weight, fast, highly aerobatic machine powered by a 60 kW electric motor driving an electric variable propeller. The development and use of green technology in an exciting and spectacular event will be a key part of the appeal, attraction for sponsors and marketing of the concept. The aircraft will be light weight, easy to operate, maintain and transport by road. The design will incorporate the latest safety features including energy absorbing cockpit structure and ballistic recovery system. It will be supplied in kit form for easy assembly.

The aircraft and the race series give maximum opportunity marketing and sponsorship by both traditional and new entrants from the emerging green technologies sector. The aircraft are easy to cover in sponsors colour schemes or graphics. The level of aircraft noise will be significantly reduced compared to conventional piston engine powered aircraft. On board speakers will give the opportunity for broadcasting various simulated engine noises from other air show favourites such as the Spitfire etc or broadcasting sponsors messages or Jingles whilst on the ground. Large inflatable course marker pylons also give maximum opportunity to carry advertising material.

It is envisaged that the Rebel Racing paddock and race preparation area will showcase green technologies with aircraft battery packs being charged by solar panels and wind turbines and bio fuel generators.

The aircraft will be a tough, light weight carbon honeycell structure using the latest resin prepreg manufacturing technology. It will be powered by a 60kw (81hp) electric motor with easily chargeable battery packs with approximately 20 minutes race endurance.

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