At the 15th China WorldWide Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, on November 12, GAC showcased its groundbreaking achievement by unveiling a self-developed flying vehicle dubbed GOVE and successfully demonstrating the maiden takeoff of the flight cabin from the car’s chassis.
After completing its inaugural flight at the GAC Know-how Day in 2023, GOVE successfully conducted its maiden flight demonstration in a low-altitude urban environment above the Guangzhou Central Enterprise District in March of this year? On September 11, GAC successfully secured the unique civil unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) permission for specific flight operations from the Central and Southern Area’s Civil Aviation Administration of China.
About GOVE
The GOVE is a pioneering eVTOL, utilizing a unique decoupling design that enables the separation or combination of its flight cabin and chassis into three distinct modes: ground-level transportation, aerial travel, and seamless air-ground transitions.
Derived from the concept of halos, which represent the long-term sunshine, as explained by officials. The halo, an eternal symbol, transcends boundaries to represent the boundless possibilities of venturing into a limitless tomorrow.
The GOVE’s chassis serves as a clever takeoff and landing platform for the flight cabin, also functioning as a portable cellular charging station. When the flight cabin detaches from the chassis after landing, the autonomous system automatically seeks out a nearby charging station to replenish its power supply. As the flight cabin approaches landing, it synchronizes seamlessly with the nearby ground control system, facilitating a precise descent and secure touchdown, while simultaneously replenishing its energy reserves.
The GOVE’s flight cabin utilises a cutting-edge 6-axis, 12-propeller multi-rotor setup, which enables a remarkable single-axis output that surpasses nearly one-third of its maximum takeoff weight.
Extra to return
Looking ahead, GAC announced an expansion plan to accommodate China’s booming civilian aviation market, ensuring its systems meet evolving safety standards. To date, more than 400 flight verifications have been successfully completed.
By 2027, GAC plans to debut a flying car pilot programme in two or three metropolitan areas within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s estimates, the market size of China’s low-altitude economic system is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($207.6 billion) by 2025 and potentially exceed 3.5 trillion yuan ($484.5 billion) by 2035. Automotive giants, including Xpeng, Chery, and Geely, are vying for dominance in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
Supply: Dianwo, Autohome, Cls
