TYB
Finally, An Electric Minivan With Six Wheels That Launches A Drone
Dec 29, at 10:00am ET
These days, buyers all over the world have more and better choices for going electric.
But one thing has been sorely missing until now: a six-wheeled EV minivan that can also launch its own people-carrying electric drone aircraft.
Finally, Xpeng AeroHT, an affiliate of Chinese electric car maker Xpeng, is giving the people what they want.
Xpeng AeroHT will bring its modular flying car concept to the United States.
Dubbed the Land Aircraft Carrier, it’s essentially a six-wheeled minivan that houses a separate foldable drone in the back.
The modular vehicle will appear at the CES tech trade show in Las Vegas in January.
It’s a pretty big deal, and it shows that the Chinese company is serious about its flying vehicle efforts.
Will it ever be sold stateside? We don’t know, but it’s a strong indication that Xpeng AeroHT, which claims it’s the largest flying car company in Asia, is thinking about it. But what is this Land Aircraft Carrier thing, anyway?
For starters, it’s not exactly what futurists envisioned flying cars would look like–as in, a car that you can also use as a flying vehicle. Instead, it’s two separate vehicles bundled together.
The base, called the Mothership, is a six-wheeled extended-range minivan. It has a combustion engine at the front which sends power to the car’s battery and electric motors.
It can also recharge the batteries of the people-carrying drone that sits in the back.
The flying part of Xpeng’s modular concept seats two and can be deployed at the push of a button.
The rotor arms need to be extended after it has been taken out of the van, but after that, the pilot can fly the thing either from inside or outside, using a remote control.
Xpeng AeroHT claims the six-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can be flown with a single hand thanks to its innovative single-lever control system, and that it takes just five minutes to learn how to fly–and three hours to master it.
The battery of the aircraft can supposedly be charged from 30% to 80% in 18 minutes. With a full battery, it supports five to six flights, but the company didn’t say how long these flights would last.
The first unmanned public flight of the six-rotor electric drone happened in China last month. Xpeng AeroHT said production and deliveries will start sometime in 2026, with a planned output of 10,000 units per year.
The Land Aircraft Carrier will cost up to $280,000 (2 million yuan) in China, and the company claims it has already received over 2,000 pre-orders.
https://insideevs.com/news/745604/xpeng-flying-car-ces-2025/
https://www.xpeng.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YblfnQRsuA
17 people allegedly killed in drone strike near Syria's Damascus
DECEMBER 29, 2024 16:28
17 people were allegedly killed, along with several others wounded, during a drone strike in the Adra area, located in the countryside of Syria's Damascus, according to a Sunday afternoon Sky News Arabia report.
The report added that the strike was believed to be attributed to Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-835284
Drones attacked Rostov region: Locomotive depot damaged
Sun, December 29, 2024 - 14:27
Russia reports a drone attack in the Rostov region, damaging a locomotive depot in Salsk, according to Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar and the ASTRA Telegram channel.
According to the Russian governor, the attack by the UAV in Salsk caused "minor damage to the structure at the locomotive depot."
"There was no fire at the crash site. Preliminary reports indicate that no one was injured. Emergency services have arrived at the scene," Slyusar reported.
Later, he clarified that another UAV was reportedly shot down near Salsk. Footage of the drone flying over Salsk has already been shared online.
As reported, recently the Ukrainian Air Forces targeted a facility in the Rostov region. The plant is involved in the production of fuel for ballistic missiles.
Additionally, on the night of December 19, several cities in the Rostov region were subjected to a massive drone and missile attack.
Allegedly, the occupiers' air defense forces shot down the strike drones and missiles.
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/drones-attacked-rostov-region-locomotive-1735475170.html
Amazon, UPS race for drone delivery is on, Barron’s says
Dec 29, 2024, 03:35 AM
It’s been 11 years since Amazon’s (AMZN) then-CEO Jeff Bezos revealed for the first time a pair of Amazon Prime Air drones, but still Prime Air and its competitors aren’t much further along with drones than Tesla (TSLA) and Alphabet’s (GOOG) (GOOGL) Waymo are with driverless cars, which is to say still mostly in the testing phase, Andy Serwer writes in this week’s edition of Barron’s.
And yet writing off drone delivery would be shortsighted, the author adds. “There’s going to be a huge transformation toward automated, zero-emission logistics,” says Keller Cliffton, CEO of Zipline, founded in 2014 and now the leading drone-delivery company by miles flown.
“It’s very obvious that whoever succeeds will be one of the largest companies on Earth-bigger than UPS (UPS) (UPS) and FedEx (FDX) (FDX) combined.”
Drone delivery is evolving into a multibillion-dollar game of 3-D chess with players like Amazon, Alphabet’s Google, and Walmart.
Start-ups like Zipline, DroneUp, and Matternet, delivery services like DHL (DHLGY) and DoorDash (DASH), plus restaurant chains such as Wendy’s (WEN) and Panera Bread are also moving pieces around the board, the publication says.
https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/amazon-ups-race-for-drone-delivery-is-on-barrons-says
Russia Deploys New Anti-Drone Buggies on the Battlefield
Dec 29, 2024
In response to the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian forces have introduced a new counter-drone system designed to neutralize aerial threats.
The system, which features a 24-barrel shotgun-like weapon mounted on a modified 4×4 Lada Niva chassis, reflects a shift in tactical thinking to counter the rising use of drones for both reconnaissance and attacks.
The vehicle’s key feature is a remotely operated turret with 24 shotgun barrels, configured to fire buckshot-like ammunition.
This unique setup is designed to create a wide impact area, making it effective against low-flying drones.
The system’s large spread maximizes the chances of hitting a drone, especially in close-range combat.
To further bolster its defensive capabilities, the vehicle is equipped with six AK-12 rifles, which provide an additional layer of protection from aerial threats.
These anti-drone buggies are primarily used to patrol high-risk areas, such as frontlines and strategic installations.
Their mobility allows them to respond quickly to incoming drone strikes, whether in urban settings or rural battlefields. However, the system’s effectiveness is not without limitations.
The shotgun setup’s range is limited, and its performance against high-altitude or fast-moving drones is reduced.
Additionally, reloading the 24-barrel weapon can be a slow process, potentially hindering its use in prolonged engagements or against large swarms of drones.
In addition to kinetic countermeasures, Russian forces, like their Ukrainian counterparts, have been exploring electronic warfare tools to disrupt drone communications and navigation.
This multi-layered approach reflects the rapidly evolving nature of drone warfare, as both sides adapt their strategies in response to each other’s technological advancements.
Looking ahead, the development of anti-drone systems is expected to continue, with a focus on improving range, accuracy, and speed of response.
As drone and counter-drone technology advances, military forces worldwide will likely invest in more versatile, deployable systems to stay ahead in this high-tech arms race.
https://i-hls.com/archives/127194
https://defence-blog.com/russia-develops-combat-buggy-to-hunt-ukrainian-drones/
Drones Armed with Shotguns Take Down russian UAVs
December 29, 2024
Ukrainian forces have adopted a new tactic in combating hostile unmanned aerial vehicles.
Russian sources shared footage on social media showing Ukrainian Defense Forces using FPV drones equipped with shotguns to neutralize enemy UAVs.
This is how russian drones were destroyed using this weapon combination:
In the first two short but compelling clips, the footage shows a precise shot as the Ukrainian FPV drone approaches the enemy UAV, successfully shooting it down.
The emergence of several successful episodes of using FPV drones with shotguns suggests that Ukrainian forces may have moved past the testing phase and are now collaborating with developers to scale up this technology.
While the extent of deployment and actual efficiency rate of FPV drones with shotguns remain unclear, this approach has already demonstrated its potential by ensuring accurate shooting against aerial targets.
The operator's skill also plays a critical role in this success. This isn’t the first time Ukrainian forces have successfully modified FPV drones with unconventional weapons.
Previously, they used FPV drones equipped with grenade launchers on the battlefield. Currently, anti-aircraft FPV drones are considered a significant innovation in the fight against UAVs.
As of late November, a single project involving such drones has accounted for the destruction of over 400 russian UAVs, including Orlan, Zala, and Lancet loitering munitions.
If the shotgun-equipped FPV drones are successfully scaled, they could dramatically increase the number of enemy drones shot down, offering a highly effective countermeasure against hostile UAVs.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_forces_innovate_fpv_drones_armed_with_shotguns_take_down_russian_uavs-13013.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8s7z-hHHC0
Hundreds gather for Hong Kong’s 1st pyrotechnics drone show
December 28, 2024 2:18 pm
The 10-minute drone show featured 1,000 drones, some of which were equipped with fireworks, flying over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and forming images of the city’s giant pandas.
During certain parts of the spectacle, some drones displayed fireworks, while hundreds of others formed a three-dimensional panda that slowly rotated in the sky.
Some eager spectators arrived hours before the show to ensure that they would get a good viewing spot.
Eddie Chow, a father who brought his two kids to the drone show, said such shows could attract more tourists to Hong Kong.
“I think the rundown was great, combining fireworks and drones is a very special theme, Hong Kong should have more of these activities,” said Chow, adding that Saturday’s spectacle was his first experience in watching a drone show.
Other spectators, such as Jodi Hung, a Hong Kong resident in her 20s, also praised the drone show as “great.”
“I think people who designed the drone show had very good technique, very amazing, they combined art and techniques together,” Hung said.
Hong Kong has launched a series of activities across the city in recent weeks — including exhibitions and a panda-themed carnival — after Beijing gifted Hong Kong with a pair of giant pandas, named An An and Ke Ke.
The arrival of the pair takes the total number of giant pandas in Hong Kong to six, all of whom reside at the city’s Ocean Park, a theme park comprising amusement park rides and animal exhibits.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10935384/hong-kong-pyrotechnics-drone-show/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zaCTOUWoWQ
Ukraine's Magura V5 Naval Kamikaze Drone Makes History as First to Sink a Warship in Combat
28 Dec, 2024 - 18:34
Ukraine’s Magura V5 maritime kamikaze drone has cemented its place in military history as the first naval drone to sink a warship in active combat.
According to a report published on December 28, 2024, by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, the Magura V5, operated by the elite Group 13 special unit, has successfully destroyed or damaged 15 Russian naval vessels.
This landmark achievement marks a significant turning point in naval warfare, demonstrating the transformative potential of unmanned systems in reshaping military dynamics.
A Ukrainian-made Magura V5 maritime kamikaze drone, showcasing its compact design and advanced navigation systems, prepares for deployment.
The drone has gained global attention for its historic role in naval combat, becoming the first to sink a warship in active operations. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
The Magura V5 represents a leap forward in unmanned maritime technology. Compact yet highly capable, the drone measures 5.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, enabling stealthy and agile operations in contested waters.
It boasts a top speed of 78 km/h (42 knots) and an operational range of up to 800 kilometers, making it effective for long-range missions.
Its 200-kg explosive payload allows it to deliver devastating strikes on high-value naval assets, including warships and landing vessels.
Advanced navigation systems, including GNSS, inertial, and visual technologies, support the drone’s ability to operate autonomously or under manual control.
Real-time video streaming enhances tactical decision-making, while its low profile and rapid maneuverability make it difficult for traditional naval defenses to intercept.
The advent of kamikaze drones, especially maritime variants like the Magura V5, has redefined naval warfare in the 21st century.
These unmanned platforms offer a combination of stealth, precision, and expendability, making them ideal for asymmetric warfare.
Unlike traditional naval assets, kamikaze drones can be deployed rapidly at a fraction of the cost, enabling smaller or technologically adaptive nations to challenge superior naval forces.
In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the use of these drones has exemplified how innovative technology can offset the disparity in resources.
Ukraine has effectively integrated unmanned systems into its broader defense strategy, particularly in the Black Sea theater. The Magura V5 has proven itself as a cornerstone of this approach.
In February 2024, the drone sank the Russian Tarantul-III class missile corvette Ivanovets in Donuzlav Bay, delivering a critical blow to Russia’s naval capabilities.
Two weeks later, it struck again, destroying the Ropucha-class landing ship Tsezar Kunikov off the coast of Alupka.
These operations have significantly weakened Russia’s ability to sustain its logistics and maintain naval dominance in the region.
By targeting large, heavily armed vessels, Ukraine has forced the Russian Navy to reconsider its strategies and relocate assets farther from contested zones.
The success of the Magura V5 is part of a broader trend in the evolution of naval warfare.
While unmanned systems were initially used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, advances in explosives, navigation, and automation have enabled their transformation into offensive platforms.
The concept of kamikaze drones has gained traction over the last decade, with notable examples illustrating their potential.
In 2016, during the Yemeni Civil War, Houthi rebels used explosive-laden remote-controlled boats to strike Saudi-led coalition ships, including the HSV-2 Swift.
From 2018 to 2020, Iran and its proxies employed similar tactics in the Strait of Hormuz, using explosive drones and boats to disrupt shipping and harass military vessels.
These incidents foreshadowed the growing significance of unmanned systems in naval operations.
Ukraine began experimenting with maritime drones in 2023, targeting Russian infrastructure such as the Crimean Bridge and Sevastopol Naval Base.
These early operations paved the way for the Magura V5’s deployment, culminating in its groundbreaking achievements.
The rise of kamikaze drones like the Magura V5 highlights a paradigm shift in military strategy.
These platforms offer a combination of stealth, precision, and expendability, making them an attractive option for nations seeking to counter more powerful adversaries.
Their cost-effectiveness and ability to minimize human risk make them particularly valuable in asymmetric conflicts.
https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/ukraines-magura-v5-naval-kamikaze-drone-makes-history-as-first-to-sink-a-warship-in-combat
Mysterious Drones Hover Over Local Towns
Dec 28, 2024
The Dallas Express observed unusual aerial activity above northeast Tarrant County and southeastern Denton County.
On the evening of December 27, 10 to 12 drones appeared to hover above parts of North Keller, Roanoke, and Trophy Club.
These flying objects were observed in fixed positions for approximately 20 minutes at a time. Each drone had at least one light on and appeared larger than a typical recreational drone.
DX first observed the flying objects around 7:33 p.m. near the Keller-Roanoke border. After approximately 20 minutes, they continued northeastward and eventually crossed into Trophy Club.
From a vantage point at Trophy Club Country Club, DX saw the flying objects repeatedly break off into pairs or groups of four and head in various directions before regrouping.
This action was repeated several times. While pursuing the drones in the Trophy Club area, DX experienced intermittent disturbances in internet services.
DX called the FAA station at Dallas-Love Field Airport three times, and each time, the call failed while DX tried to reach the tower after initially making it through to the answering service.
DX also called the FAA stations in Irving and Dallas. However, each call was met with an “off-hook tone.”
DX last saw the drones at 8:39 p.m., when their lights shut off and became invisible to the naked eye.
Walmart reportedly uses delivery drones in the area; however, these aerial devices were not observed landing at houses or stores.
Previous reports indicate that unidentified drones have appeared above critical infrastructure like nuclear facilities and military bases on the East Coast and the Southwest.
There are no military bases or nuclear plants in these parts of Tarrant and Denton County. However, two airports, Alliance and Meacham, are near the area DX reported from.
Mysterious drones were reported flying over a military base near White Settlement in Fort Worth on December 19, Newsweek reported.
https://dallasexpress.com/metroplex/mysterious-drones-hover-over-local-towns/
kek
Alien life beyond our planet will be proven within two years, claims intergalactic entity
19:18, 28 Dec 2024
Proof of alien life beyond our planet will be confirmed within two years.
That is the insight of an alleged extra terrestrial living on earth and intergalactic entity Bashar, who’s predicted many world events in the past.
Bashar has revealed visitors from other planets will arrive to make “first contact” and prove that “there is no doubt we are not alone.”
Bashar’s human channel Darryl Anka insists that our universal guests will not harm humans, but try to heal the troubled planet.
Bashar, who connected to his human host through meditation, feels a duty to “service” our world with knowledge about life beyond our stars.
Bashar predicted both the 9/11 attacks and Donald Trump ’s impact on global politics before he even ran for the White House, claims Anka.
Now Bashar, through Anka, states that proof of extra-terrestrial could be just 24 months away.
Anka revealed: “Basically sometime before the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027, there will be some particular incident or event that has to do with helping humanity understand we’re not alone in the universe.
“Now, he’s not saying what that is, but it has to do with the idea that within the next five years or so, we are actually going to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we’re not alone.
“And that we might start getting introduced to the existence of certain ETs publicly.
“This is a big moment in our history where this might be about to come true, where we’re going to have open contact with extraterrestrial beings.
“It’ll affect every aspect of our society when we actually have open contact. going to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we’re not alone.”
Bashar, who hails from an alternate dimensional planet located 500 light-years away called Essassani, communicated the bombshell information through Anka.
Anka spoke on camera to promote his Calabasas Escape Room business Boggled and his breathtaking appearance on Emmy winner Serena DC’s hit documentary Interview with the Extraterrestrial which airs on sparktv.
Bashar added that human souls are caught up in “powerful time of change” where mankind could go down positive and negative paths after the arrival of our intergalactic guests.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/weird-news/alien-life-beyond-planet-proven-34383907
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNlu57gT2P8