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China’s XPENG AEROHT is working hard to prepare its novel six-wheeler Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) for a 2025 debut.
The concept was originally unveiled in October 2023, but it announced its plans to bring it to production at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
To this end, the company plans to receive pre-orders towards the end of the year. This follows the recent certification for the LAC’s flying module at the end of March.
Tentatively called the X3-F, the Civil Aviation Administration of Central and Southern China (CAAC) awarded it a Type Certificate (TC), giving it an airworthiness green light.
The LAC consists of separate ground and air modules that can autonomously combine and separate.
The ground “mothership” module can carry the air module within the vehicle and travel on the ground. The X3-F air module is the first Chinese-developed electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed for individual users.
LAC is closer to production
The vehicle seamlessly switches between terrestrial and aerial modes, with the air module facilitating vertical takeoff and the ground module enveloping the air module for ground transportation.
“The ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ aims to extend the user’s travel experience from the ground to the sky. Beyond personal use, the modular flying car holds potential for public services like emergency rescue, effectively catering to both public and private demands,” Xpeng AeroHT announced.
According to XPENG AEROHT, the vehicle can carry four to five passengers. Its extended range is thanks to its electric powertrain, which can also charge the eVTOL module. The three-axle, six-wheel setup allows for 6?6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering.
The air module eVTOL is a fully electric-piloted aircraft with manual and automatic flying modes. The company claims its 270° panoramic two-person cockpit also offers a vast field of view.
AeroHT claims that the X3-F can safely continue flying even after losing two of its six rotors due to its high thrust-to-weight ratio, which satisfies civil aviation’s safety criteria. What’s more, the tiny eVTOL has a maximum capacity of 1 ton and features an ultra-low altitude parachute opening and an inbuilt safety rescue control panel.
Looking to 2025 for release
According to a company statement, the model serves personal purposes and can be utilized in public services like emergency rescue, successfully catering to both public and private demands.
“XPENG MOTORS is at the heart of a revolution in mobility,” said Dr. Brian Hongdi GU, Vice Chairman and President of XPENG MOTORS. “The future of mobility goes beyond cars. Whether people want to travel by car, air, or other means, we aspire to change what’s possible,” he added.
“In 2013, we started AEROHT, dreaming of flying cars,” said Tan WANG, co-founder of XPENG AEROHT. “Fast forward to 2024, and that dream has become a reality. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil our two latest innovations, which will take everyday folks from driving on roads to soaring through the sky. The future is here today, and the whole world is ready to fly!” he added.
