Photo: EHang
After becoming the first worldwide to officially certify its pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing), the Chinese AAM company EHang didn't waste any time expanding its presence globally and nationally. The recent Thailand debut marks the 18th country where the EH216-S eVTOL has demonstrated its abilities.
During the recent Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024, EHang's pilotless eVTOL conducted multiple flights three days in a row. It marked EHang's debut in Thailand, showcasing the abilities of its flagship electric aircraft. This was just the first step. EHang plans to follow up with flight tests and, eventually, commercial flight operations. If things go well, the EH216-S should enter service in several regions across Thailand, including Phuket and Koh Samui, as soon as next year.
Electric air taxis seem particularly well-suited for places like Thailand, which has not only a massive tourist flux but also high-level ground traffic congestion. EHang's aircraft don't need standard airport infrastructure, which is another major advantage for a country with multiple islands, such as Thailand. The ultra-compact, lightweight EH216-S was specifically developed for aerial tourism and short-distance travel, including island-hopping.
The Thailand debut isn't EHang's only milestone this month. On a domestic level, it has launched a second vertiport at Luogang Central Park in Hefei, Anhui Province. The first one, known as the Urban Air Mobility Operations Center, was officially opened in May. The new facility is named Ascend, and it boasts a spiral design meant to symbolize the evolution of the eVTOL AAM industry. It covers almost 2,000 square meters (21,530 square feet), and it's big enough to house 10 to 20 EH216-S units.
Hefei Heyi Aviation will operate the hub, offering multiple options that range from aerial tourism to logistics and air shuttle services. Heyi Aviation is currently waiting to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC or OC) for civilian pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOLs – it will be the first OC of this kind in the eVTOL industry, marking another pioneering step for EHang's aircraft.
The Chinese aircraft maker isn't only concerned with commercial expansion. One of its most recent partnerships focuses on the technological aspects of its aircraft, specifically the electric motors. Zhuhai Enpower Electric, a company specializing in so-called NEVs (new energy vehicles), will help "refine" the motor technology for all EHang aircraft. Together, the two will work on customized electric drive systems for the entire EHang aircraft range, claiming to offer lighter weight, increased power density, and better cooling performance compared to the current versions powering EHang's eVTOLs.
The EH216-S is a two-seat UAV designed to cover up to 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge. It operates at an altitude of 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) with 80.7 mph (130 kph), and its batteries take two hours to be fully recharged.
Electric air taxis seem particularly well-suited for places like Thailand, which has not only a massive tourist flux but also high-level ground traffic congestion. EHang's aircraft don't need standard airport infrastructure, which is another major advantage for a country with multiple islands, such as Thailand. The ultra-compact, lightweight EH216-S was specifically developed for aerial tourism and short-distance travel, including island-hopping.
The Thailand debut isn't EHang's only milestone this month. On a domestic level, it has launched a second vertiport at Luogang Central Park in Hefei, Anhui Province. The first one, known as the Urban Air Mobility Operations Center, was officially opened in May. The new facility is named Ascend, and it boasts a spiral design meant to symbolize the evolution of the eVTOL AAM industry. It covers almost 2,000 square meters (21,530 square feet), and it's big enough to house 10 to 20 EH216-S units.
Hefei Heyi Aviation will operate the hub, offering multiple options that range from aerial tourism to logistics and air shuttle services. Heyi Aviation is currently waiting to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC or OC) for civilian pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOLs – it will be the first OC of this kind in the eVTOL industry, marking another pioneering step for EHang's aircraft.
The Chinese aircraft maker isn't only concerned with commercial expansion. One of its most recent partnerships focuses on the technological aspects of its aircraft, specifically the electric motors. Zhuhai Enpower Electric, a company specializing in so-called NEVs (new energy vehicles), will help "refine" the motor technology for all EHang aircraft. Together, the two will work on customized electric drive systems for the entire EHang aircraft range, claiming to offer lighter weight, increased power density, and better cooling performance compared to the current versions powering EHang's eVTOLs.
The EH216-S is a two-seat UAV designed to cover up to 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge. It operates at an altitude of 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) with 80.7 mph (130 kph), and its batteries take two hours to be fully recharged.
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