Photo: EHang
Japan just welcomed its first UAM (Urban Air Mobility) hub to introduce regular eVTOL (electric takeoff and landing) flights. One of the main names behind this pioneering aviation project is EHang, a Chinese aircraft manufacturer that is currently one of the world leaders in autonomous electric aviation.
An EH216-S completed an inaugural autonomous flight in the Kanto region in Japan; more than a public demonstration, it was meant to mark the official launch of a state-of-the-art UAM facility claiming to be the first of its kind in Japan.
It's the result of a collaboration between Chinese eVTOL maker EHang and AirX, a Japanese air mobility digital platform developer. The new center was also built with the help of Tsukuba Airlines, and it includes a landing area of around 30,000 square meters (323,000 square feet). Merging the old with the new, the facility was built on the former Helicopter Control and Command Center site operated by local authorities and is designed to house both eVTOLs and conventional helicopters.
The hangar that is dedicated to air taxis will have the capacity to house up to 25 aircraft. This is where the first eVTOL flight experiences for the public will be organized and launched. EHang's EH216-S will be first in line to provide pilot-free aerial sightseeing services.
This will only be the beginning. The same fully electric and fully autonomous aircraft will demonstrate its abilities in emergency services, cargo operations, and island commuting. AirX also intends to open and operate several other similar centers in Tokyo.
The Chinese aircraft maker has a special partnership with Japan. Back in 2022, EHang completed an impressive four-city tour in the country, establishing itself as a record-setting player in the industry. The EH216-S flew over the cities of Amagasaki, Fukuyama, Sakaide, and Oita. The multiple breakthroughs along the way included the first use of a pilot-free eVTOL for aerial sightseeing over the sea, Japan's first eVTOL point-to-point demo flight, and EHang's demo flight with the largest payload to date (80 kg/176 lbs).
Last year, EHang officially became part of the Public-Private Committee for Advanced Air Mobility in Japan, and it's the only member that provides pilotless eVTOL aircraft.
In early 2023, the Chinese air mobility company also accomplished what was considered the first autonomous flight with passengers on board in Japan, marking another industry first for this country. The EH216-S transported two passengers along the coastline of Tanoura Beach with no pilot onboard.
The EH12-S aims to be an ultra-compact, lightweight alternative to existing air taxis. Configured as a two-passenger air taxi, it can only cover up to 19 km (30 miles) on a single charge while flying at 10,000 feet (around 3,000 meters). In 2023, it was awarded the world's first type certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOLs from China's Civil Aviation Administration.
It's the result of a collaboration between Chinese eVTOL maker EHang and AirX, a Japanese air mobility digital platform developer. The new center was also built with the help of Tsukuba Airlines, and it includes a landing area of around 30,000 square meters (323,000 square feet). Merging the old with the new, the facility was built on the former Helicopter Control and Command Center site operated by local authorities and is designed to house both eVTOLs and conventional helicopters.
The hangar that is dedicated to air taxis will have the capacity to house up to 25 aircraft. This is where the first eVTOL flight experiences for the public will be organized and launched. EHang's EH216-S will be first in line to provide pilot-free aerial sightseeing services.
This will only be the beginning. The same fully electric and fully autonomous aircraft will demonstrate its abilities in emergency services, cargo operations, and island commuting. AirX also intends to open and operate several other similar centers in Tokyo.
The Chinese aircraft maker has a special partnership with Japan. Back in 2022, EHang completed an impressive four-city tour in the country, establishing itself as a record-setting player in the industry. The EH216-S flew over the cities of Amagasaki, Fukuyama, Sakaide, and Oita. The multiple breakthroughs along the way included the first use of a pilot-free eVTOL for aerial sightseeing over the sea, Japan's first eVTOL point-to-point demo flight, and EHang's demo flight with the largest payload to date (80 kg/176 lbs).
Last year, EHang officially became part of the Public-Private Committee for Advanced Air Mobility in Japan, and it's the only member that provides pilotless eVTOL aircraft.
In early 2023, the Chinese air mobility company also accomplished what was considered the first autonomous flight with passengers on board in Japan, marking another industry first for this country. The EH216-S transported two passengers along the coastline of Tanoura Beach with no pilot onboard.
The EH12-S aims to be an ultra-compact, lightweight alternative to existing air taxis. Configured as a two-passenger air taxi, it can only cover up to 19 km (30 miles) on a single charge while flying at 10,000 feet (around 3,000 meters). In 2023, it was awarded the world's first type certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOLs from China's Civil Aviation Administration.
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