Civilian-owned drones have been sky-rocketing in popularity since the FAA started officially certifying them in 2013. Perhaps we should have all expected that it would one day lead to the development of a massive drone that someone could ride in. If you thought this was only a pipe-dream, you’ll be amazed to hear that EHang, a Chinese smart drone developer and manufacturer, is currently building a prototype for an autonomous, single-seat aerial vehicle.
Imagine a massive version of an otherwise recognizable quadcopter-style drone that has a human-sized cockpit. EHang claims that the EHang 184 Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) would be an extremely capable small, personal aircraft that would be able to carry a person weighing up to 220lbs for a short distance. Ostensibly, it would be able to hit speeds of 62 mph in the air, have a ceiling of 1,640-feet, and would be able to stay airborne for 23 minutes.
EHang is advertising the project as “ the safest, Eco-est and smartest low altitude autonomous aerial vehicle, aiming on providing Medium-Short Distance communication and transportation solution.”
See an EHang launch video that was produced for the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) of 2016 below.
H/T Worthly.com