Chinese automotive companies are accelerating their layout in the low-altitude economy. According to Tianyancha's intellectual property information, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd. publicly disclosed a patent titled "A Multi-Modal Flying Car" on January 2nd, proposing an innovative solution that integrates biomimetic design with an efficient power system, aiming to address core challenges of current flying cars in terms of noise, energy consumption, and range.
Biomimetic Foldable Wings + Intelligent Duct Fan, Achieving Seamless Land-Air Mode Switching
According to the patent abstract, this flying car has two core technologies:
- Biomimetic Flying Wings: Integrating foldable and extendable wings on both sides of the body, which provide lift in flight mode and are fully retracted into the body during ground driving, ensuring compliance and safety for road travel;
- Multiple Vertical Duct Fans: Multiple vertical downward duct fans are arranged in the front and rear compartments of the vehicle body, used for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL);
- Intelligent Grille Control System: The duct outlet is equipped with a controllable grille —
- Ground Mode: The grille is fully closed, reducing wind resistance and air flow interference;
- Flight Mode: The grille adjusts its angle according to instructions, precisely controlling airflow direction to achieve stable posture and efficient propulsion.
Focusing on Practicality: Three Goals - Noise Reduction, Energy Saving, and Range Extension
Jianghuai Automobile clearly states in the patent that the core advantage of this design lies in:
- Significantly reducing flight noise: The duct structure effectively encloses the fan, suppressing high-frequency noise;
- Reducing energy loss: The intelligent grille prevents ineffective air flow from escaping, improving propulsion efficiency;
- Extending range: By optimizing aerodynamic layout and energy management, the overall energy efficiency is improved.
This approach differs from some conceptual flying vehicles that pursue extreme performance, emphasizing practicality, safety, and user acceptance in urban environments.
AIbase Observation: Chinese Automakers Accelerate "Land-Air Integration" Layout
With the low-altitude economy included in national policy and eVTOL airworthiness certification gradually advancing, traditional automakers are becoming key forces in the implementation of flying cars. Jianghuai Automobile's latest patent continues its technical accumulation in new energy and intelligent connected vehicle fields, showing its strategic intention to expand from "ground transportation" to "three-dimensional transportation."
Notably, automakers such as Xpeng, Geely, and Guangqi have already announced plans for flying cars or eVTOL products. Jianghuai's focus on "multi-mode" and "low-noise, low-consumption" may aim for differentiated competition, trying to capture the mid-market in urban air mobility (UAM).