Designed to bring ground and air transportation together, this modular vehicle allows the aircraft to separate from the vehicle’s rear compartment and reconnect automatically. The system is designed to make transporting and preparing the aircraft more convenient.

A Six-Wheel Vehicle With a Detachable Aircraft

The Land Aircraft Carrier consists of two modules: a six-wheel ground vehicle and a two-seat electric aircraft.

The ground vehicle, also known as the mothership, can accommodate four people. It features a 6×6 all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering, combining passenger transport with the ability to carry the aircraft.

The aircraft is stored inside the vehicle’s rear compartment. With a single click, the aircraft can automatically separate from the vehicle, allowing the two modules to operate independently.

When the flight is finished, the aircraft can reconnect with the ground vehicle. XPENG AEROHT says the separation and reconnection process can be completed automatically within five minutes.

An Electric Aircraft With Six Rotors

The aircraft is designed for two occupants and uses an electric vertical take-off and landing system. This allows it to take off and land vertically without requiring a conventional runway.

It features six rotors with foldable arms and blades. The folding design allows the aircraft to fit inside the ground vehicle when it is not in use.

According to the stated specifications, the aircraft can fly for up to 30 minutes and cover a distance of up to 30 kilometres. Its maximum stated speed is 76 km/h.

These capabilities are intended for relatively short flights rather than long-distance air travel.

Autonomous and Manual Flight Modes

The aircraft offers two operating modes: autonomous and manual control.

In manual mode, the pilot operates the aircraft using a single control lever in the cockpit. A display screen provides information such as flight speed and altitude, helping the pilot monitor the aircraft during operation.

In autonomous mode, the aircraft supports automated flight functions, including path planning. This approach is designed to simplify aspects of flight operation.

The combination of manual controls and autonomous functions provides two different ways to operate the aircraft.

The Ground Vehicle Also Charges the Aircraft

One of the Land Aircraft Carrier’s key features is its mobile charging capability. The ground vehicle acts as a charging station for the aircraft, providing high-power recharging while the vehicle is driving or parked.

This integrated charging system is designed to reduce the need for a separate charging setup.

XPENG AEROHT states that a fully charged ground vehicle system can support up to six flights. The actual number of flights may depend on operating conditions and energy consumption.

Dual Battery Packs and Energy Density

The system uses a dual-battery-pack configuration, with a stated energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg.

Battery technology is important for both components of the Land Aircraft Carrier. The ground vehicle needs energy to transport passengers and carry the aircraft, while the aircraft requires sufficient stored energy for vertical take-off, flight, and landing.

Combining ground transportation, aircraft storage, and charging in one system is central to the Land Aircraft Carrier’s design.

Bringing Ground and Air Transportation Together

XPENG AEROHT’s Land Aircraft Carrier combines a six-wheel electric vehicle with a detachable two-seat eVTOL aircraft. The ground vehicle carries four people, transports the aircraft, and provides charging support, while the aircraft offers short-distance electric flight.

With automatic separation and reconnection, autonomous and manual flight modes, six rotors, and a stated flight range of up to 30 kilometres, the system presents a different approach to personal transportation.

Instead of driving a car to every destination, users could potentially drive to a suitable take-off location and continue part of their journey by air, subject to applicable regulations and operating requirements.

The Land Aircraft Carrier brings these two modes of transport together in one modular system, combining the practicality of a road vehicle with the additional mobility offered by an electric aircraft.

Source: Xpeng AeroHT, Aridge

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No Airports or Vertiports Required

Unlike traditional aircraft, the Alef flying car doesn’t need airports or vertiports for takeoff. It is the first car with vertical takeoff capabilities to receive FAA permission to fly in the United States through an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate. This allows the vehicle to drive on city roads and vertically take off when needed, offering unparalleled mobility and convenience.

Energy-Efficient and 100% Electric

The Alef flying car is 100% electric. According to the company, it uses less energy per trip than Tesla or other electric vehicles, as well as less energy than eVTOL air taxis. This energy efficiency makes it a sustainable choice for both driving and flying, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

From Model Zero to Model A

The current model, “Model Zero,” is designed solely for research and development. Incremental improvements aim to evolve this prototype into Alef’s first consumer product, the “Model A.” The Model A features a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. Its gimbaled cabin design and elevon system ensure a smooth and stable ride, both on the road and in the air.

Safety and Advanced Features

The Model A has no exposed propellers, enhancing safety, reducing noise, and saving space. The vehicle also includes Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), triple to octuple redundancy of all key components, real-time thousand-point diagnostics, pre-flight reject start diagnostics, obstacle detection and avoidance, glide landing, and a full-vehicle ballistic parachute.

Consumer Availability and Future Plans

The Alef Model A is available for pre-sale to consumers at a price of $299,999. Looking ahead, Alef plans to introduce the Model Z in 2035, priced at $35,000. The Model Z is projected to have a flight range of 200 miles and a driving range of 400 miles, along with autonomous flight capabilities, offering an accessible and innovative transportation solution for the future.

Source: Alef Aeronautics

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Seamless Transition Between Road and Sky

The Pegasus E stands out for its ability to transition effortlessly between driving and flying. Unlike other flying vehicles that require a runway for takeoff, the Pegasus E can lift off from grass, gravel, and pavement, making it incredibly versatile. This dual functionality is achieved through a combination of conventional unleaded gasoline for flight and electric power for road travel. This innovative power system delivers a flight range of three hours and a top airspeed of 160 km/h (100 mph), while maintaining a ground top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

Lightweight and Durable Construction

Constructed with advanced materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, Chromoly steel tubes, and prepreg carbon fiber, the Pegasus E is both lightweight and durable. Its semi-monocoque chassis and automatic folding rotor blades ensure aerodynamic efficiency and safety. These materials not only contribute to the vehicle’s performance but also enhance its durability, making it suitable for a variety of environments and conditions.

Practical and Convenient

One of the most practical aspects of the Pegasus E is its ease of refueling. You can simply stop at any gas station to refuel, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure. With its ability to take off and land from various surfaces, the Pegasus E is perfect for everyday driving and quick deployment in emergencies. It supports a useful payload of 101 kg (222 lbs), making it ideal for emergency services, logistics, and reducing urban traffic congestion.

Safety and Efficiency

The Pegasus E features automatic folding rotor blades that ensure aerodynamic efficiency and safety during flight. In case of power loss, the vehicle can auto-rotate to safety, providing an additional layer of security. This feature is especially important for urban environments where safety cannot be compromised.

Ideal for Urban Mobility

The Pegasus E is designed to address the challenges of urban mobility. By providing a quick and efficient way to bypass traffic congestion, it offers a practical solution for city dwellers and emergency services alike. Its ability to take off and land from almost any surface means it can be deployed rapidly in various scenarios, making it a versatile addition to urban transportation systems.

Source: Pegasus

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