Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 7 (Pacific Time), XPENG AEROHT, the eVOLT (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft company affiliated to XPENG, showcased its latest modular flying car, the "Land Aircraft Carrier," at the CES 2025.
At the CES press conference, Mr. Wang Tan, Co-founder and Vice President of XPENG AEROHT, introduced the flying car, saying, "This exhibition is the overseas debut of the 'Land Aircraft Carrier.' We've designed a new body color specifically for this occasion, and we hope global tech enthusiasts will appreciate it. Currently, the 'Land Aircraft Carrier' has garnered over 3,000-unit pre-orders, with deliveries planned to commence in 2026."
XPENG AEROHT said it had made progress on the "Land Aircraft Carrier" over the past year. In early 2024, XPENG AEROHT applied for the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Type Certification for the air module, a critical step toward regulatory approval. In July 2024, the company raised $150 million in a Series B1 funding round, followed by the launch of the world's first assembly line for mass production of flying cars in October. In early November, XPENG AEROHT unveiled its "Three-Stage Product Strategy for Urban Low-Altitude Mobility" and debuted the high-speed and long-range tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft. In mid-November, the company completed the first public flight and the manned flight of its modular flying car at both the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (China Airshow) and the Auto Guangzhou 2024, securing significant orders.
Mr. Wang Tan revealed that two color options for the aforesaid flying car have been unveiled, with a total of four color schemes planned for the mass-produced model.
The "Land Aircraft Carrier" consists of two modules: the ground module and the air module. The ground vehicle features a tri-axle, six-wheel design with 6x6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, offering robust off-road capabilities. 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 ground module measures approximately 5.5 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 2 meters in height. It fits standard parking spaces and underground garages. The flying car integrates a world-first automated separation and docking mechanism, enabling the air module to be stored in the rear cabin. It also functions as a mobile ultra-fast charging station, capable of recharging the air module up to six times with a full tank and battery, whether it's in motion or stationary.
The air module adopts a six-rotor, dual-duct design with foldable arms and blades. Its carbon fiber structure ensures strength and lightweight performance, while the 270° panoramic cockpit provides a wide flight view. Users can choose between manual and autonomous flight modes. According to XPENG AEROHT's introduction, the company has pioneered the single-stick control system, allowing for single-handed control and simplifying traditional two-handed and 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 the 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.
