Among its many potential uses, the single-passenger drone could be used to transport employees across large campuses (think Microsoft or Google) or to construction, oil and gas, mining or other types of worksites. The Ehang 184 promises to change the future of transportation, creating potential for an air taxi, if you will.
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EHang’s chief operating officer George Yan told Tech Insider that the company is still in the early process of working with different regulatory agencies to get the 184 approved for operation. Everyone from Elon Musk to Paul Elio think he has invented the next new thing, the idea that will stand everything we know about getting from here to there on its head.
Ehang hopes to sell the drone for as much as $300,000 later this year, The Guardian said.
The EHang184 is essentially a one-person helicopter that carries a passenger (up to 220 pounds) on short trips at a rate of 62 miles per hour, according to Fotune. Ehang put all kinds of failsafes on board, including multiple power backups, a program that will land the drone at the first sign of trouble, and an On-Star-like command center for fliers who need help.
“It’s been a lifetime goal of mine to make flight faster, easier, and more convenient than ever”. “I truly believe that Ehang will make a global impact across dozens of industries beyond personal travel”.
EHang says that using automated flight technology in their design eliminates safety concerns regarding human error that would naturally come with ordinary modes of transportation.
If there’s damage during a flight, for example, from a bird, the drone will automatically determine whether it will need to land to ensure its passenger’s safety. The user also has the option to momentarily pause the flight and hover in the case of an emergency. The result was the Ehang 184, in development since 2013.
The Ehang 184, a Chinese company invention, is able to reach speeds of 63mph and fly at heights of up to 11,500 feet.
As far as specs go, the Ehang 184 weighs 200 kilograms (440 pounds). On a full charge, it can be flown for about 23 minutes.
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It is capable of taking off and landing vertically, without requiring a runway.
