The arrival of a flying car is finally upon us! While it’s technically a tank-like electric vehicle designed to store a personal aircraft that can take off vertically, it’s a significant step beyond mere concepts. Orders for this innovative vehicle pairing will open by the end of the year.
Xpeng AeroHT, a subsidiary focused on flying cars under Xpeng, a prominent EV manufacturer in the region, revealed its “Land Aircraft Carrier” in October 2023. This was followed by a production update in January at CES in Las Vegas. However, neither announcement included a physical vehicle or model demonstration.
Fast forward eight months, and AeroHT has introduced this two-in-one vehicle, complete with a demonstration of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company announced that a public manned flight performance is scheduled for an airshow in November in a press release.
Despite its straightforward name, the Land Aircraft Carrier, comprising both a ground module and an air module, showcases remarkable creativity and innovation. The ground module, dubbed the “mothership,” sports what AeroHT describes as a “minimalist, cyber-mech design.” Essentially, it resembles a hybrid between a Tesla Cybertruck and a Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
This cyber-van can accommodate up to five passengers and is constructed with a six-wheel, three-axle setup that features all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. It will also boast the world’s first 800V silicon carbide extended-range powertrain, promising over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of travel. Additionally, the ground module can serve as a mobile power station.
The air module, or eVTOL, also features the same 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform. It incorporates a six-axis, six-propeller design with dual ducted fans, allowing for easy folding of its arms and propellers for flight and storage. The small aircraft can operate manually or autonomously, and its two-person cockpit provides a 270-degree view.
AeroHT has created a unique single-level control system intended to simplify operation and enhance pilot capability. By eliminating the requirement for dual-hand and dual-foot controls seen in conventional aircraft, the company claims that novice pilots can master the eVTOL’s operation in just five minutes and achieve full proficiency within three hours. Nevertheless, I’d prefer some extra cushioning, just in case.
The air module can charge while on the mothership, enabling it to undertake up to six low-altitude flights on a single battery charge and full tank of fuel. However, AeroHT has not disclosed the required low altitude for the aircraft or the range of a fully charged and fueled flight.
As reported by Electrek, the Land Aircraft Carrier will retail for 2 million Chinese yuan, roughly $282,000 at the current exchange rate. This price includes both the flying vehicle and the land module, which resembles something you’d see in a post-apocalyptic scenario. Pre-sales are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024, with prototype production expected to begin in mid-2025 at a new factory currently under construction. If everything goes as planned, mass production and customer deliveries should happen in 2026.
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