Aerospace

Chinese ‘flying car’ makes first public flight in Dubai

Chinese ‘flying car’ makes first public flight in Dubai #Flyingcar

A teardrop-shaped eVTOL being developed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng to act as a flying taxi of the future just made its public debut. The brief flight represents a significant advancement for the visionary and well-funded company, which has even bolder flying cars in the works for the future.

The X2 is a two-seat, all-electric flying vehicle with eight rotors and a carbon fiber body. It can speed at up to 130 km/h (81 mph), soar to heights of up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft), and fly for up to 35 minutes on a single charge.

The manufacturer of the unmanned, 90-minute test flight in Dubai on Monday (Oct. 10) called it “a crucial base for the next generation of flying cars.” The public demonstration of the XPeng X2 in Dubai marks a critical turning point for XPeng AeroHT and the development of flying cars globally, according to Brian Gu, vice chairman and president of XPeng. We chose to have the X2 inaugural public flight event in Dubai because it is known as a “City of Innovation.” The flight today is a significant step in XPeng’s exploration into the future.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.