XPENG AEROHT, a subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG, has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its modular flying car. The Civil Aviation Administration of Central and Southern China (CAAC) has formally accepted the Type Certificate (TC) application for the air module of the company's innovative vehicle, marking the commencement of the airworthiness certification phase.
This development underscores the CAAC's active engagement in reviewing the design and safety standards of XPENG AEROHT's flying car, particularly the air module known as X3-F. The acceptance of the TC application is a testament to the authority's acknowledgment of XPENG AEROHT's capabilities and the project's viability.
Type Certification is crucial in the aviation industry as it validates the design of civil aviation products, including aircraft, engines, or propellers. This certification, governed by the "Regulations on the Qualification Approval of Civil Aviation Products and Parts" (CCAR-21) in China, is a prerequisite for the commercial deployment of any civil aviation product.
XPENG AEROHT's flying car concept is notably innovative, consisting of detachable ground and air modules. The ground module serves as an intelligent cabin with seating for 4-5 passengers and incorporates a range-extending electric drive system. This module acts as a "mothership" on the land, capable of 6X6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, ensuring robust load-bearing and off-road capabilities.
The air module, which has now moved a step closer to certification, is designed for vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). It is intended for individual users and boasts a distributed electric propulsion system, adherence to single-point failure safety norms, dual manual/autonomous driving modes, and a 270° panoramic two-seat cabin.
The progression towards certification of the air module by the CAAC is a significant leap forward for XPENG AEROHT and the broader ambition of integrating flying cars into daily transportation. This venture not only highlights the technological advances being made in the field of personal aerial vehicles but also reflects the increasing regulatory support for such innovations within China.
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