The Ultimate Flying Car: Land Aircraft Carrier Launches in 2025
A futuristic mega car comes complete with its own foldout aircraft that pops out of the boot. The mind-blowing vehicle might appear to be something James Bond’s Q had dreamed up for the fictional spy, but this six-wheeled electric car is very much real. The Chinese company AeroHT is likely to launch its Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC) in 2025. The off-road van-like vehicle is capable of stopping and deploying a two-seat, multi-rotor eVTOL aircraft.
The Inception of the Land Aircraft Carrier
At a tech day held by AeroHT’s parent company Xpeng last October, the car seemed more like pie-in-the-sky dreaming than a concrete reality. However, AeroHT made a production announcement at this year’s CES, signaling that the project is indeed moving forward. The company is currently calling the vehicle a modular flying car, which may seem like a fantasy sci-fi concept at first but is well on its way to becoming a reality.
The Path to Production and Certification
AeroHT is preparing the Land Aircraft Carrier for preorder by the last quarter of this year, with plans for deliveries to commence by the end of 2025. In late March, the company had its application for type certification accepted by the Civil Aviation Administration of Central and Southern China (CAAC). This milestone allows AeroHT to move forward and request an airworthiness certificate to begin flight tests. The process for certification of the vehicle for sale is still unclear, along with the licensing requirements for potential buyers.
The Design and Features of the LAC
The LAC design features a ground vehicle similar to a van-like people carrier with an extended-range electric 6WD. With six driven wheels and a rear-wheel steering system, the vehicle boasts improved all-terrain maneuverability. The compact two-seater eVTOL fits behind the second row of the five-person cabin. The aircraft itself is all-electric and capable of vertical takeoffs and landings. It docks and charges on the ground-based hybridized “mothership” before takeoff.
Advancements and Challenges in Certification
AeroHT still needs to navigate the separate automotive certification process for the six-wheeler. The company has demonstrated the efficacy of its ballistic failsafe parachute on a full-sized prototype. This progress comes as eHang’s two-seater air taxis are already fully type certified and in commercial service in China. Meanwhile, the FAA and EASA are projected to be at least a year away from certifying any eVTOL aircraft in the US or Europe.
The Future of Urban Air Mobility
The advancements in flying car technology are reshaping urban air mobility on a global scale. Recent milestones, such as the world’s first inter-city test flight of an electric air taxi in China, highlight the rapid evolution of travel. As flying taxis become a tangible reality in various cities worldwide, the era of futuristic transportation is upon us.
Conclusion
The integration of flying cars into urban transportation systems is propelling us into a new era of mobility and connectivity. With innovative designs like the Land Aircraft Carrier on the horizon, the possibilities for futuristic transportation are limitless. Embracing these technological advancements will revolutionize the way we travel and navigate our increasingly interconnected world.