Andy Nurman
November 26, 2023
XPENG AEROHT, an affiliate of Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG Motors, unveiled a modular flying car concept on Thursday dubbed the “Land Aircraft Carrier” that can switch between ground and aerial modes.
The vehicle consists of an air module for vertical takeoff and landing flights, and a ground module that can envelope the air module to transport it on roads. This allows users to transition between driving and flying modes.
The ground module fits four to five passengers and features an extended-range hybrid power system to recharge the air module. It has a three-axle, six-wheel configuration intended to enhance load capacity and off-road handling.
The air module is a two-person electric aircraft with a 270-degree panoramic cockpit and distributed electric propulsion. It offers both manual and autonomous flight modes.
XPENG said the aircraft has a 6-rotor, 6-axis configuration with two reversible ducts to maintain control if a rotor fails. It also has a thrust-to-weight ratio above 2, enabling continued safe flight after the loss of two rotors.
The company developed a 1-ton capacity multi-parachute rescue system that can deploy from as low as 50 meters to improve safety.
XPENG AEROHT said the flying car remains in development but demonstrates its ambitions to produce innovative new transportation products. Company officials believe flying cars could transform mobility by enabling more convenient travel.
Our Thoughts
With innovative concepts like XPENG’s modular flying car on the horizon, the future of transportation looks both exciting and promising as companies strive to create more convenient and efficient mobility solutions.
