On September 3, XPENG AEROHT hosted a preview event showcasing its modular flying car, the "Land Aircraft Carrier", marking the first public appearance of the physical vehicle in Guangzhou.
The physical "Land Aircraft Carrier" flying car debuts. (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
The first flight of the "Land Aircraft Carrier" air module. (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
Zhao Deli, XPENG AEROHT's founder, highlighted that to date, XPENG AEROHT has finalized agreements with over 70 flying camps, with plans to extend this network to more than 200 camps by year's end. The goal is to ensure that users in key cities can reach the nearest flying camp within a 30-minute drive, with a maximum travel time of two hours in some locations.
It is learned that the "Land Aircraft Carrier" will make its first public manned flight at the China Airshow in Guangdong's Zhuhai this November. It will also appear at the Guangzhou International Auto Show in November, with pre-sales expected to start by the end of the year.
Zhao Deli, Xpeng Aeroht's founder, introduces the flying car experience network layout. (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
The "Land Aircraft Carrier" measures approximately 5.5 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 2 meters in height, which can fit into a standard parking spot and be driven with a Class C license. It consists of two parts: the ground module, known as the "mothership", and the air module. The ground module features a six-wheel, three-axle design with 6x6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. It also features a uniquely large trunk capable of storing an aircraft, while still offering a spacious four-seat interior.
The extra-large trunk, the only one globally capable of storing an aircraft. (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
The air module of the "Land Aircraft Carrier". (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
XPENG AEROHT also developed the world's first onboard automatic separation and reconnection mechanism, allowing the ground and air modules to separate and rejoin with a single command. After separation, the six arms and propellers of the air module unfold, enabling low-altitude flight. When the air module lands, the arms and propellers fold back in, and the ground module, using its autonomous driving capabilities and the automatic reconnection mechanism, reunites with the air module.
Auto-separation and reconnection of the "Land Aircraft Carrier". (Photo: XPENG AEROHT)
The ground module, known as the "mothership," is equipped with the world's first 800V silicon carbide extended-range powertrain, providing a combined range of over 1000km. Additionally, it serves as a "mobile supercharging station," able to provide high-power energy replenishment to the air module while driving or parked, allowing for up to six flights on a full tank of fuel and a full battery charge.
The flight module also features a fully integrated 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, with its flight battery, electric drive, ducted fans, and compressors all operating on 800V, ensuring lower energy consumption and faster charging speeds.
Additionally, the air module of the "Land Aircraft Carrier" supports both manual and autonomous driving modes. With the world's first single-lever control system, users can pilot the aircraft with just one hand. It is introduced that even users with no prior experience can master it in 5 minutes and become proficient in 3 hours.
Reporter | Abby
Editor | Nan, James
