They're giant, people-carrying versions of the small remote-controlled drones that have become hugely popular with consumers around the world which is preferred rather than traditional gas-driven engines and large propellers or rotors for forward and vertical flight, new designs spread out the work across many small electric motors.
The drone can carry a single passenger weighing up to 220 pounds and a small suitcase for 30 minutes.
The drone can carry a single passenger weighing up to 220 pounds and a small suitcase for 30 minutes.
The traveler climbs into the drone and inputs a destination within 31 miles, then takes to the sky at a speed of 62 mph, according to the AP. The drone is monitored via a control room.
The drone takes off from and lands at predetermined points and uses a camera to ensure a safe landing, according to EHang’s website. If the drone malfunctions or disconnects from 4G mobile service, it promises to land immediately at the nearest safe location, the company says.
Chinese company Ehang offered a glimpse this week of what could lieahead,releasing its first video of passengers climbing aboard its autonomous drones and taking off with the push of a button. (...) Ehang says it first managed to carry passengers in its drones back in 2015 and has since racked up at least 40 successful journeys. It hadn't shared footage of the flights publicly until this week.
Ehang is attempting to confound the naysayers by releasing the first ever footage showing the 184 whisking actual human beings into the great blue yonder. Some 40 "passengers" were filmed enjoying their aerial excursions, including the deputy mayor of Guangzhou as well as (putting his courage where his money is) Ehang founder and CEO Huazhi Hu.
Though the footage shows the drone coping with clear and foggy conditions during flight, according to the manufacturer the 184 series is "capable of carrying a single person at up to 130km/h and in force 7 typhoon conditions".
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