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’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.