China has officially approved the first electric and autonomous flying machine (eVTOL) intended for commercial passenger transport. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has given the green light for the EH216-S model, developed by EHang, a Guangzhou-based company. This two-seater, which can operate without a pilot, is the first of its kind to be approved for commercial use on a global scale.
A commercial launch off to a good start
Since accepting its application in January 2021, EHang has worked closely with the CAAC during this certification process which lasted almost two years. According to the information provided, the EH216-S has undergone rigorous testing, involving more than 40,000 test flights and approximately 500 specific test items, which ensures its compliance with required safety and performance standards.
With this certification in hand, EHang plans to increase production rates at its Yunfu factory and begin deliveries to Chinese operators. EHang Chairman and Managing Director Huazhi Hu is obviously delighted with the turn of events and said that “ this passenger-carrying UAV system met (the administration’s) expectations and marks an important chapter in aviation history ».
The EH216-S model, which is limited to a range of 35 km, could be available in variants intended for applications such as firefighting. Furthermore, EHang is also working on a larger model, the VT-30, which will be capable of transporting four people over longer distances.
In addition to commercial flights, EHang plans to deploy the EH216-S for air taxi and sightseeing flight operations, contributing to its goal of becoming an air urban mobility platform operator. The company has already booked several orders for the EH216-S from customers outside China, although it still needs to obtain certifications in other jurisdictions. Particularly in the United States and Europe, where players like Volocopter and Joby Aviation are also progressing towards similar approvals.
As the Paris Olympic Games approach, Volocopter, in collaboration with the Aéroports de Paris (ADP) group, is preparing to launch the Volocity into the air. This electric flying taxi with vertical takeoff and landing presents itself as an urban transportation solution during this global event.
Despite administrative difficulties and discussions with regulatory authorities, project managers plan to carry out test flights without paying passengers during the Olympics, which will lay the foundations for future operations which could include various services, such as public health interventions. ’emergency. This testing period will be crucial to assess the long-term viability of eVTOL in a dense and complex urban environment like Paris.
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