'2-in-1' truck can fly in the air and run on the ground

China The truck model consists of two modules that can be separated or combined to provide a flexible travel experience for users.

The two airborne and ground modules of the Land Aircraft Carrier flying truck. Photo: Xpeng AeroHT — The two airborne and ground modules of the Land Aircraft Carrier flying truck. Photo: *Xpeng AeroHT*

Chinese company Xpeng AeroHT unveiled a modular flying truck concept called the "Land Aircraft Carrier" at the Xpeng Technology Day 2023, Interesting Engineering reported on October 31. The vehicle is a two-part design that can seamlessly switch between ground and air modes.

The airborne module allows the vehicle to take off vertically to fly at low altitudes, while the ground module helps the vehicle move on land. Xpeng AeroHT said that in addition to personal use, the vehicle has the potential to serve public services such as emergency rescue, meeting diverse needs. In addition to the flying truck, Xpeng AeroHT also displayed a design for a vertical take-off and landing electric flying supercar with its frame completely hidden.

The ground module of the flying truck has an innovative design with sharp lines and a smooth surface similar to a lunar exploration vehicle. Xpeng AeroHT shares that the final design can be fine-tuned according to different requirements and limitations. The ground module of the flying truck can carry 4-5 passengers, equipped with a hybrid electric system with a wide operating range. The vehicle has a 3-axle, 6-wheel structure that allows all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering.

The airborne module is an electric aircraft equipped with a distributed electric propulsion system, with both manual and autonomous modes. The two-person cockpit has a 270-degree panoramic view. The company says the system automatically coordinates the separation and combination of the two modules, extending the user's travel experience from the ground to the air.

According to Xpeng AeroHT, the flight control system can adjust its algorithms within milliseconds if a rotor fails, ensuring the vehicle continues to operate safely. Combining this ability with a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than 2, the vehicle can continue to fly safely even if 2 out of 6 rotors fail, meeting civil aviation standards. In addition, the company's new multi-parachute rescue system was successfully tested at an altitude of 50 meters in October. The device has a maximum load capacity of one ton, opening its parachute at an altitude of 50 meters, thereby landing more safely at a speed of 5 meters/s.

An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )

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