Ok a depart from the normal supercar rant but hats off to Red Bull who have organised this world series where the best pilots battle in a gladiator style motor sport arena based on speed, precision and skill.
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Using fast, agile lightweight racing planes, the pilots navigate a low-level aerial race track made up of air filled pylons, these aeroplanes can reach speeds of 370 km/h whilst withstanding up to 12gs on the tight corners (makes F1 drivers pencil necks).
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The Red Bull series is held over 12 cities world wide with at least 8 pilots attending each race meeting. The object is to navigate an aerial race through pylons in the fastest possible time incurring the least penalty points.
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The three main planes used are the Edge 540 built by Zivko Aeronautics; power 350 hp, weight 530 kg, top speed 426 km/h, the Extra 300SR from Extra Aircraft; power 340 hp, weight 550 kg, top speed 407 km/h, and the MXS built by MXR technologies: power 350 hp, weight 590 kg top speed 426 km/h.
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Where all three differ is wing and fuselage design giving either excellent straight line speeds or turning agility so the skill is down to the pilot’s abilities or large balls.
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So if you get a chance and the Red Bull circus somes to your town go and watch and marvel at these sky drivers.
