03 November 2023

The tech world may have blown Jules Verne's mind. Again.

The futurist science-fiction writer (1828-1905) presaged a lot of innovations, but even if he were alive today, he likely would have missed how fast flying cars are coming to be real elements of everyday life.

This week, China-based Ehang became the first company on the planet to pass to receive airworthiness certification for its completely autonomous, pilotless, passenger-carrying, electric-powered aircraft.

Drop the mic. 

While the burgeoning drone-delivery market has caused some concerns due to noise levels in the sky, the electric-powered EH216-S is reportedly quiet. The taxi can be fully charged in two hours and be ready to serve its next passengers.

Safety for riders and passengers is accommodated with multiple system redundancies, emergency landing systems, and onboard parachutes.

First Certification

Ehang applied for a certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) after conducting more than 40,000 test flights in locations around the world. For its part, the CAAC checked about 500 parameters—including structural strength, software simulation, flight performance, and electromagnetic compatibility—that the EH216-S had to pass. The CAAC evaluations required 1,000 days of laboratory, ground, and flight testing.

The CAAC certified the EH216-S on October 15, which meant that Ehang's commercial air-taxi operations could start in China immediately.

"Embracing the certification as our springboard, we will launch commercial operations of the EH216-S air taxis, prioritizing safety above all," said Ehang founder and CEO, Huazhi Hu. 

However, while air taxis are a gamechanging innovation that could also add value to package deliveries and disaster assistance, the autonomous eVOLs may be challenged by safety and flight regulations in each country, technological advancements and updates, market demand, and social acceptance.

It's the last bit that may be the biggest hurdle. Will the public be comfortable stepping into a pilotless craft, calmly experience being airborne, and trust they are safe riding in an air taxi?

There will be a lot to learn from the China "air taxi" experiment. We'll keep you posted here at The Droning Company.

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