On October 18, Chery unveiled its prototype flying car, dubbed the "Land and Air Vehicle," during the 2024 Chery Global Innovation Conference held in Anhui, China. The company revealed that this prototype is still in the developmental stage and has successfully completed a test flight covering approximately 80 km.
This flying car features a unique three-body hybrid-wing configuration and is designed without traditional controls like a steering wheel or gas pedal. Its structure includes three key components: an aircraft, an intelligent cockpit, and an intelligent chassis. Chery claims the vehicle can autonomously switch between flying and driving modes, making it suitable for short urban commutes aimed at reducing traffic congestion. In flying mode, it is capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
Constructed on Chery's S2ma-scalable intelligent Mars architecture, the flying car can accommodate two passengers. It is engineered to operate at altitudes under 1,000 meters, with a maximum flight speed of 120 km/h and a flight time of around 40 minutes.
Flying cars are primarily electric and can take off and land without requiring a runway. They are mostly designed to operate autonomously, with human control available for emergencies. As technology advances and consumer interest in convenient travel options grows, flying cars are becoming an integral part of the evolving transportation landscape.
Various companies, including Xpeng, GAC, SAIC, and Geely, have also made strides in flying car development. In March, Xpeng's rotor-equipped flying car successfully flew over Guangzhou, China. Later, on June 20, Chengdu's low-altitude traffic management service platform conducted its inaugural test flight, verifying manned travel at lower altitudes. This test was executed by a Geely subsidiary, with the flying car capable of a maximum take-off weight of 2,500 kg, cruising at 248 km/h, reaching a maximum speed of 320 km/h, and accommodating up to six passengers.
Given the current advancements in flying car technology, experts predict that their commercialization could happen sooner than many expect, similar to the introduction of self-driving vehicles, despite lingering public safety concerns.
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