Demonstration EH216 Flights in Japan Commences

China's EHang has secured its first order for its recently announced aerial vehicle, the fixed-wing, longer ranged VT-30.

The company has also made headway on its smaller, multi-rotor EH216, beginning field tests with local partners in Japan to explore use cases for both its two-seater EH216 and VT-30 in an urban air mobility network in Japan. 

EHang’s new partner, the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group (MASC) will provide some helpful academic refinement to the design process, polishing the EH216 into an industry ready competitor. Recent demonstration flights have been completed in Fukushima and Okayama following its short summer debut, lending credence to the EHang’s capability for cross-island travel, SAR operations, and critical logistics for far-flung, rural communities.

Japan was prompt to promote the Advanced Aerial Mobility concept compared to other regions, a by-product of their prior familiarity with automated service equipment. Unmanned, sustainable, eVTOL aircraft represent a critical support capability for the country facing a looming population imbalance. An automated aircraft could effectively cater to the medical and alimentary needs of rural, aging, and isolated populations would be a boon to maintain quality of life for its residents as well as go a long way in freeing up employees from other duties. 

The Fukushima Robot Test Field saw a recent EH216 test for capability in severe weather, braving winds in excess of 60 mph for a simulated emergency rescue operation. Japan's Counselor of Civil Aviation found the results promising.

"The AAVs have always been expected to be used in the scenarios of travel on outlying islands and sparsely populated areas, life rescue and material support in disasters. I also personally feel the efforts made by enterprises in various industries like EHang to achieve this goal," said Narisawa Koichi. Additional testing on the EH216 saw it's cargo test successfully carry a 132 lb load while remotely operated. The ministers viewing the test found the results heartening, like Japan House Representative Hashimoto Gaku. "In the near future, the EHang’s AAV will make a leap in the practical field of Japan. I look forward to this day coming soon.” 

FMI: www.ehang.com