The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Chinese drone company EHang have announced a partnership to introduce autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) into Dubai, with the aim of building the world's most intelligent transportation system.
RTA general manager Mattar Al Tayer said they had conducted test flights in conjunction with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority of the EHang 184 in a range of environments including desert and coastal.
Al Tayer said the trials were part of the RTA’s endeavours to provide self-driving transport through engaging in the technological tests of self-driving vehicles under Dubai environment.
"It replicates Dubai Self-driving Transport Strategy aimed at transforming 25% of total individual trips in Dubai into Self-driving trips using various modes of transport by 2030," he said.
"The step would also enhance the integration between public transport modes and people happiness through the provision of smooth, quick and innovative mobility.”
Standing about 1.5 m tall and weighing 240 kg, the EHang 184 has a load capacity of 100 kg, with the maximum output of 152kW powered by eight motors. It’s designed to have the capability to carry a single passenger for 25 minutes’ duration flight at sea level at average cruising speed of 60 km/h.
The passenger does not require a pilot's licence since the vehicle is fully autonomous. The 184 uses multiple independent flight control systems to automatically navigate passengers from point A to point B. These systems combine real-time data collected from sensors throughout the flight and automatically plot the fastest and safest route to carry passengers to their destinations
“It’s been a lifetime goal of mine to make flight faster, easier and more convenient than ever. The 184 provides a viable solution to the many challenges the transportation industry faces in a safe and energy efficient way,” said EHang CEO Huazhi Hu.
“I truly believe that EHang will make a global impact across dozens of industries beyond personal travel. The 184 is evocative of a future we’ve always dreamed of and is primed to alter the very fundamentals of the way we get around.”
[The EHang 184. Photo: EHang]