At CES 2025, Xpeng Aero HT unveiled the Land Aircraft Carrier, a groundbreaking modular flying car featuring a four-seater electric "Mothership" and a detachable eVTOL aircraft. This innovative design integrates advanced safety features, dual functionality, and seamless ground-to-air mobility, promising to transform urban transportation, emergency services, and air travel with its versatile applications.
The Land Aircraft Carrier showcases a revolutionary modular design, consisting of two primary components: a ground-based "Mothership" and a detachable eVTOL aircraft12. The Mothership, a spacious four-seater electric vehicle, serves as both transportation and a mobile charging station for the aircraft3. The eVTOL module features an innovative six-rotor dual-duct design with foldable propellers and arms, allowing for seamless integration with the ground vehicle14. This modular approach enables users to navigate congested urban areas on the ground and take to the skies when needed, offering unprecedented flexibility in personal transportation2.
The ground module measures approximately 5.5 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high, fitting standard parking spaces2
It boasts a 6x6 all-wheel drive system with rear steering for enhanced off-road capabilities53
The eVTOL aircraft features a 270° panoramic cockpit made of lightweight carbon fiber14
A single-button command allows for automatic separation and reconnection of the modules within 5 minutes3
The eVTOL component of the Land Aircraft Carrier seamlessly integrates with the ground vehicle, offering a unique blend of terrestrial and aerial mobility. When not in use, the aircraft is stored in the rear of the Mothership, which acts as a mobile supercharging station, ensuring the eVTOL is always ready for takeoff12. The aircraft features a lightweight carbon fiber construction with a dual-duct six-rotor design and foldable propellers, allowing for compact storage and easy deployment34.
The eVTOL supports both manual and autonomous flight modes, including one-touch takeoff and automated route planning12
Safety features include redundant designs for critical systems and automatic rotor failure response13
The aircraft can maintain safe flight even after losing two of its six rotors, meeting civil aviation safety standards3
Xpeng Aero HT claims the eVTOL has received type certification and has completed its first public crewed flight demonstration15
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) applications extend beyond personal transportation, offering innovative solutions for various sectors. Emergency services stand to benefit significantly, with the Land Aircraft Carrier being explored for medical rescues and obstacle crossings in challenging terrains1. The versatility of eVTOL technology also shows promise for search and rescue operations, potentially revolutionizing response times in critical situations2.
UAM could alleviate traffic congestion in megacities, with studies showing that eVTOLs produce 35% less emissions than petrol cars for journeys under 100km3
The technology has potential applications in VIP air shuttle services, with plans to expand to public air taxi operations in the future3
Urban air mobility is projected to become a key market for innovation, addressing the growing challenges of urban population density and resource availability4