On June 14, EHang officially announced that its autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the EH216-S, successfully completed its first unmanned air taxi flight in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The EH216-S is notable for being the first eVTOL aircraft to receive an airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Resembling a helicopter with multiple rotors, the EH216-S is equipped with 16 rotors distributed across 8 axes, distinguishing it from traditional single-rotor helicopters. The aircraft measures 6.05 meters in length, 5.73 meters in width, and 1.93 meters in height, and is capable of carrying two passengers. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability eliminates the need for runways, making it ideal for low-altitude urban air mobility.
The EH216-S can cover a maximum distance of 30 kilometers per flight and reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. It is managed through a ground-based command and control system, allowing for coordinated and orderly unmanned flights involving multiple aircraft.
The aircraft’s design emphasizes safety through redundant systems for all critical flight components, including the flight control system, various sensors, power system, and battery management system. In the event of a component failure, backup systems immediately take over to ensure continued safe operation.
In February of this year, EHang announced the official price of the EH216-S autonomous passenger aircraft system in China, set at 2.39 million RMB per unit, with the pricing effective from April 1, 2024.
About EHang
EHang is a leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company. EHang provides customers in various industries with AAV products and commercial solutions, including air mobility (passenger transportation and logistics), smart city management, and aerial media solutions. The company’s mission is to make safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone.
EHang’s flagship product, the EH216, has been widely recognized for its innovative design and autonomous capabilities. With successful test flights conducted in various countries, EHang continues to lead the way in the development and commercialization of urban air mobility solutions.
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