Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer EHang is trialing its autonomous aerial vehicle demonstrator in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in China.
The trial will be conducted in partnership with local charter helicopter operator Heli-Eastern
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Shenzhen Municipal Government are also with low-altitude operations trial, which will explore and further implement urban air mobility (UAM) operations for helicopters and autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs).
it is also an important milestone in implementing EHang’s 100 Air Mobility Routes Initiative in the Greater Bay Area, said the company.
The above video shows demonstation flights held at Heli-Eastern’s helicopter base in Shenzhen using a Bell 206 and a passenger-grade AAV EHang 216 flying together to demonstrate live practical UAM operations in an integrated airspace. In addition, two units of EHang 216 AAVs showcased trial flights simultaneously and safely in the shared airspace.
Qi Zhao, chairman of Heli-Eastern said, “We will jointly establish a pilot project for the urban integrated airspace of helicopters and AAVs and build a low-altitude UAM operation management system to promote the pioneering applications of passenger-grade AAVs and the low-altitude flight network in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”
Huazhi Hu, founder and chairman and CEO of EHang said, “Heli-Eastern is the first general aviation carrier to join EHang’s own AAV operation program, which is a key milestone in the urban air mobility industry.
“This is not only an important step in EHang’s 100 Air Mobility Routes Initiative, but also signifies EHang’s entry into Shenzhen with our passenger-grade EHang 216 AAVs and a new chapter in our AAV trial operations. We will leverage our strengths in both software and hardware technologies in continuing to nurture the eco-system for urban air mobility operations.”
