JAKARTA - The autonomous aerial vehicle EHang 216 on Sunday conducted a demo flight by taking two routes and transporting human dolls or mannequins at the 2022 Perikliindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS), parking lot Hall B3 JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta.
Executive Chairman of Prestige Aviation Rudy Salim said the test route with this route was carried out for the first time in Jakarta. Previously, the EHang 216 flight test in Jakarta only flew up and down the runway at one point (hovering).
“This time we performed two operations. The first is the flight from point A to point B which is here (parking lot). The second flight is from point B (then airs with a route) and returns to point B. So this is different from the flying demo, which is usually just hovering," said Rudy as quoted from Antara.
In addition, this trial has used a doll with a size and weight resembling a human, so according to Rudy, this reflects the EHang 216 unit that can transport humans.
According to him, until now his party has not been able to test the EHang 216 with human passengers considering that they are still waiting for the permit process to officially fly in Indonesia.
"Hopefully in the future (trials with mannequins) can be a reflection that the EHang 216 is ready to fly with humans," said Rudy.
The EHang 216 flying taxi is capable of flying at a height of up to 300 meters. Powered by electric technology and battery power, the EHang 216 can cover a distance of 35 kilometers in 21 minutes. This taxi is capable of transporting two people and goods weighing up to 240 kilograms.
According to Rudy, the EHang 216 flying taxi can be said to be the future of urban transportation that can be used en masse because of its relatively cheap price. A single electric charge, said Rudy, is cheaper than other conventional air vehicles such as helicopters with the same distance and travel time.
“The goal (EHang 216) is for mass transportation. We hope that users will use a paid application or payment gateway, the price is only tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands to fly. So (individuals or communities) do not have to buy (units)," he explained.
Besides being relatively cheap, Rudy said that the EHang 216 is also easy and safe to operate. This flying taxi is controlled remotely or from the ground control room and does not require a pilot in it.
Meanwhile, Vice President of EHang Zhejun Tang also appreciated the success of the flight test of the EHang 216 unit, which puts forward advanced, practical, and environmentally friendly technology. He hopes that the trials that can carry passengers will be carried out soon.
Tang also said that his party would continue to cooperate with PT Prestisius Aviasi Indonesia or Prestige Aviation and the Indonesian government to encourage the development of activities in the transportation sector and to find a meeting point or better solution.
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