XPENG AEROHT, an affiliate of XPENG Motors unveiled its “Land Aircraft Carrier” modular flying car at the XPENG Tech Day 2023. This is an integrated two-vehicle design, seamlessly switching between a terrestrial and aerial mode.
“The air module facilitates vertical takeoff for low-altitude flights, while the ground module ingeniously envelops the air module, allowing for ground transportation. XPENG AEROHT also showcased the latest eVTOL flying car design and highlighted a range of safety advancements.
“The ground module of the modular flying car accommodates 4-5 passengers and features an extended-range hybrid power system that can provide multiple recharges for the air module. The vehicle is designed with a three-axle, six-wheel configuration, enabling 6×6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, offering impressive carrying capacity and off-road capabilities. Though the final design is still in development, it already boasts a futuristic, cyber-mechanical aesthetic, characterized by sharp lines and sleek surfaces, reminiscent of a “lunar exploration vehicle.”
“The air module is a fully electric piloted aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and low-altitude flight. The product employs a distributed electric propulsion system to meet single-point failure safety requirements. It supports both manual and automatic driving modes, providing an accessible flying experience. The 270° panoramic two-person cockpit offers a vast field of view.
Beyond personal use, the modular flying car holds potential for public services like emergency rescue, effectively catering to both public and private demands.
At the same event the company also unveiled its latest eVTOL flying car design.
“This product continues to build upon the previous two years of innovation, with further refinements. Components such as manipulator arms, rotor systems, and other flight features can be effortlessly folded and stored within the vehicle. The design exudes a supercar style, featuring an intelligent cockpit that seamlessly switches between land and flight modes, adapting components like the steering wheel and dashboard according to the selected mode,” said the company.
“Considering policy, regulation, and application factors, the production and delivery of the modular flying car will precede the eVTOL flying car, aligning with industry trends. Safety remains paramount in aviation. In addition to unveiling the latest flying car products, XPENG AEROHT showcased significant advancements in safety technology. The latest modular flying car’s air module features a 6-axis, 6-rotor configuration and incorporates two innovative reversible ducts. In case of rotor failure, the flight control system can make millisecond-level algorithm adjustments, ensuring the aircraft’s continued safe operation. This impressive capability, coupled with a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 2, enables the aircraft to maintain safe flight even after losing two of its six rotors, meeting the stringent safety standards required for civil aviation.
“To enhance flying car safety, XPENG AEROHT developed the multi-parachute rescue system. Successfully tested at just 50 meters altitude in October, this breakthrough fills a global safety gap in ultra-low altitude rescues. The system’s maximum capacity is 1 ton and includes pioneering features like ultra-low altitude parachute opening and an embedded safety rescue control panel. It breaks industry standards by deploying parachutes at 50 meters instead of the usual 200+ meters, ensuring a safer touchdown at approximately 5 m/s, protecting passengers and the aircraft.”
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https://www.aeroht.com/article/article?id=146