XPeng-backed flying car firm HT Aero to have European test flights in H1 2022

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- HT Aero, an UAM (urban air mobility) company and an affiliate of XPeng Inc., plans to start trial flights for the “Voyager X2”, the company's fifth-generation “flying car” in Europe in the first half of 2022, Zhao Deli, founder and president of HT Aero, said on Nov. 16 at the 2021 European Rotors.

On the opening day, through a virtual exhibit, HT Aero for the first time presented its industry-defining range of innovative technologies for UAM, including the Voyager X2 and the concept of the 6th-generation “flying car”, in the heart of European rotorcraft community.

“We are dedicated to building private intelligent electric flying cars. We believe that in the medium term everyone will be able to realize the dream of taking to the air with HT Aero,” said Zhao Deli.

Voyager X2; photo credit: HT Aero

The Voyager X2 is HT Aero's first aircraft to feature a closed cockpit, essentially designed for high-altitude flights. The company said the X2 shares design genes with the XPeng P7. The fuselage is comprised of carbon fiber and weighs about 560 kilograms with the battery. The model is able to accommodate two passengers under its maximum load of 200 kilograms.

As a full-electric “flying car”, the X2 will not emit carbon dioxide when flying. It can operate for up to 35 minutes on a charge and is able to fly at altitude of under 1,000 meters. Besides, it can fly at a top speed of 130 km/h. The model will not only satisfy the demands of urban short-haul trips, but also serve in such scenarios as air patrol, field rescue, as well as medical transportation.

Concept of HT Aero's 6-generation flying car

Building on HT Aero's many years of experience in developing eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), the 6th-generation flying car is available for both land and air travels. With sizes comparable to that of a car, it has an easy-to-use cockpit equipped with autonomous assistance flight system and is designed to feature seamless transition between the road and air running modes, said the company. This product is expected to be unveiled in 2024.