Xpeng's Flying Car Completes Public Test Flight in Dubai
Chinese automaker Xpeng is another step closer to launching its flying car internationally, with it completing its first public test flight in the United Arab Emirates.
The 90-minute flight of the X2, a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, was hosted by the Dubai International Chamber and supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. It took place at Skydive Dubai and was witnessed by over 150 spectators and guests.
"We are making step-by-step (moves) to the international market," said Minguan Qiu, General Manager of Xpeng Aeroht. "First we selected Dubai city because Dubai is the most innovative city in the world."
The X2 features a teardrop-shaped structure that’s made completely of carbon fibre to maximise its aerodynamic efficiency. It’s lifted by a total of eight propellers, two on each corner, and doesn’t produce carbon dioxide during flight. The aircraft also includes two driving modes: manual and autonomous. The former lets riders pilot the flying car themselves, while the latter lets the onboard software do all the heavy work.
Xpeng claims the X2 is suitable for low-altitude, short-distance flights across the city, including sightseeing tours or emergency medical transportation.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority worked closely with Xpeng Aeroht’s team, collecting technical information, formulating the operation concept and assessing risks, among others, to ensure the flight complied with international standards and was carried out safely.
The test flight marks the first time China’s manned autonomous flying car has completed its operational risk assessment overseas. Xpeng Aeroht is also the first company to pass the assessment in Dubai in this specific weight class.
Xpeng plans to unveil technical details of another model of its flying car, including the configuration, exterior design and air driving method, during the company’s Tech Day event on 24 October.
Chinese automaker Xpeng's flying car completes its first public test flight in the United Arab Emirates.
The 90-minute test flight of the X2 took place at Skydive Dubai and was witnessed by over 150 spectators and guests.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority worked closely with Xpeng Aeroht’s team to ensure the flight complied with international standards and was carried out safely.
The flight marks the first time China’s manned autonomous flying car has completed its operational risk assessment overseas.