AeroHT, the aviation subsidiary of automaker Xpeng, presented a concept van at CES in Las Vegas to showcase a vehicle designed to transport an airplane. The concept, named the Land Aircraft Carrier, features a six-wheeled minivan housing a two-seat unmanned aerial vehicle that launches from the cargo bay.
The maker notes that learning to fly the drone can be completed in about three hours, thanks to a sophisticated flight software suite. The aircraft runs on electricity, and the van used to haul it is equipped with an extended-range power unit. This setup combines an internal combustion engine with the battery to extend overall range while keeping the drone ready for deployment.
The vehicle is described as having a range of roughly 1,000 kilometers, with the drone recharging from its own battery while stored in the back during transit.
Earlier industry coverage indicated Tesla led global EV sales, topping Audi in the overall market.
Beyond the numbers, the announcement frames a vision for integrated ground and air mobility, where a single platform can move heavy payloads by road and reach distant locations with a drone capability.
At CES, the concept sparked discussion about how such a system could apply in North American markets, including Canada and the United States, where charging infrastructure and regulatory considerations shape both road and aerial mobility.
From a technical standpoint, the Land Aircraft Carrier adopts a modular architecture aligned with the trend of hybridized powertrains and drone-ready modules that can be integrated or swapped as needed.
While the concept remains a prototype, it highlights growing interest in using drones for inspection, delivery, and rapid-response tasks, alongside traditional ground transportation.
Industry observers will watch for updates on performance, safety, and certification processes as automakers and aerospace firms explore mixed-use platforms that blend car travel with aerial capability.