At the XPENG AI Day held at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG Motors, and Chairman of XPENG AEROHT, reported that XPENG AEROHT’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” Modular Flying Car has achieved manned flight and showcased a design video of the tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft, internal codenamed X5.
XPENG AEROHT’s strategy is being implemented in three steps, said He Xiaopeng:
- Step One: The launch of the “Land Aircraft Carrier” Modular Flying Car for limited-use flying experiences and public service applications. Large-scale production and sales will help build and optimize the low-altitude flight industry and ecosystem while validating the business model for flying cars.
- Step Two: The introduction of a high-speed, long-range eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft designed to address urban air transportation challenges, facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration for the development of city-wide 3D transport networks.
- Step Three: The development of a fully integrated land-air flying car, realizing seamless, door-to-door urban 3D transportation.
The “Land Aircraft Carrier” consists of two modules: the ground module and the air module, said the company in a press release.
“The ground module, known as the “Mothership”, uses a tri-axle, six-wheel design, offering 6×6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering to enhance off-road capability. The Mothership uniquely accommodates the air module in its trunk and features the world’s first onboard automatic detachment and reattachment system, allowing the modules to be separated and rejoined with a single click of a button. The air module features a six-rotor, dual-duct configuration, with a carbon fiber structure for lightweight strength. The 270° panoramic cockpit offers expansive flight visibility for users.
“The aircraft supports both manual and autonomous flight modes. XPENG AEROHT has pioneered the single-stick control system, allowing for single-handed control, simplifying traditional two-handed, two-foot operations. In autonomous mode, the aircraft supports one-click takeoff, automatic flight path planning, and autonomous flight, complemented by intelligent airborne situational awareness, collision warning, and landing visibility assistance. This air-driving system enables users, even with no prior experience, to “master the basics in five minutes and become an expert in three hours”, making flight more accessible for everyone.
“The “Land Aircraft Carrier” is designed with full-redundancy safety in mind, with backup systems for critical components like propulsion, flight control, electrical, communications, and control systems. Should the primary system fail, the secondary system ensures seamless operation, providing maximum safety for the user.
“XPENG AEROHT’s second product, the X5 eVTOL (internal codename), is designed with high-speed and long-range capabilities to address air transportation needs in typical urban corridors, such as intercity and airport-to-city traffic.
“The X5 will feature a full tilt-rotor design that balances vertical takeoff and landing with high-speed cruising. In vertical takeoff mode, the rotors are positioned vertically, allowing the vehicle to take off and hover like a helicopter. In high-speed cruising mode, the rotors tilt horizontally, enabling the vehicle to cruise like a fixed-wing aircraft.
“All six rotors of the X5 are capable of tilting from vertical to horizontal positions, a breakthrough technology to achieve high-speed, long-range eVTOL flight. The X5 is expected to go into production within the next five years, with a six-seat intelligent cockpit designed for a premium user experience. With a maximum speed of 360 km/h and a range of over 500 kilometers, the X5 will easily meet the demand for intercity travel.
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https://www.aeroht.com/article/article?id=179