The “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a groundbreaking flying car developed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG, completed its first public flight on Tuesday during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China.
The futuristic vehicle demonstrated a series of maneuvers, including low-altitude linear acceleration, spiral ascent, uniform-speed descent, and a precision landing. Impressively, the entire process was conducted on autopilot, showcasing the advanced technology underpinning the flying car.
Zhao Deli, founder of XPENG’s flying car subsidiary Huitian, explained that the vehicle operates as a modular system. Its ground module, essentially an electric vehicle, doubles as a charging base for the air module. Transitioning between the two modules is seamless, requiring just five minutes for the air module to attach or detach, all without the need for manual input.
To meet anticipated demand, XPENG has begun construction on a state-of-the-art factory dedicated to manufacturing the flying cars. Mass production is slated to start in the third quarter of 2025, with the facility expected to produce up to 10,000 units annually. Deliveries to customers are set to begin in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization of flying cars.
