EHang 184 autonomous aerial vehicle

EHang, a Chinese manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also commonly referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones, has introduced what is being called the first personal, all-electric autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV). (Images courtesy EHang.)

Designed for short-to-medium distances and developed independently by EHang, the AAV can carry a passenger through the air simply by entering a destination into its accompanying smartphone app. EHang's 24/7, real-time flight command center boasts automated navigation, removing the need for passengers to have a pilot's license. “They simply sit back and let the drone take over from there,” company officials explain. “This first realization of automated flight signifies a major turning point not only for the transportation industry, but also for a huge swath of other fields such as shipping, medical care, and retail.”

The EHang 184 -- named for 'one' passenger, 'eight' propellers, and 'four' arms -- is intended to be a disruptive and innovative technology helping propel the world toward the future of solo human transport.

Standing 1.64 yards (1.5 meters) tall and weighing 440 pounds (200 kilograms), the EHang 184 AAV has a load capacity of 220 pounds (100 kilograms), with the maximum output of 106 watts powered by eight motors. It's designed to have the capability to carry a single passenger for a 23-minute duration flight at sea level at average cruising speed of 100 km/h.

The EHang 184 AAV body consists of a cabin for single passenger with a gull-wing door, a trunk and the power system composed of four arms and eight propellers on the bottom. The four arms, when folded, allow the AAV to occupy the same size parking space as consumer cars.

Inside the cabin is a single seat, with a design similar to an F1 racing car seat. In front of the seat is a tablet console, through which passengers can easily input commands. The cabin's built-in air conditioner automatically adjusts the in-cabin temperature, while 4G Wi-Fi Internet enables connectivity, communications, and more.

EHANG Inc. is a technology innovation oriented company specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles.

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