Aridge, an aerial transport division of the Chinese automaker Xpeng, has posted the first images of a VTOL called the A868. Like the company’s first creation currently being prepared for production, it’s a hexacopter for passenger transportation, and it’s already running its first aerial tests.
Unlike the Aridge LAC unveiled before, the A868 is not modular and cannot be driven on land. As such, it might not merit being called a “flying car”, but that’s the moniker the manufacturer itself uses when referring to it. It consists of an oblong passenger capsule, wings, an aerodynamic tail and multiple rotors that allow it to take off and land in a perfectly vertical manner, not needing any kind of runway to get going.
The cabin seats six people. All technical parameters remain to be announced, but Aridge says the A868 features a hybrid powertrain capable of keeping aerial speeds up to 360 km/h (223 miles) and covering more than 500 km (310 miles) on a full tank and battery.
Everything hints that this particular project is envisioned as a flying taxi, but it’s still unknown when it may reach the market.
