The EH216-S, an Electric Vertical Take Off & Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from EHang, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for commercial flights. This signifies the EH216-S's compliance with CAAC's safety and airworthiness standards, making it eligible for passenger-carrying UAV commercial operations.
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Following CAAC's formal acceptance of EHang's EH216-S TC application in January 2021, the EHang team collaborated closely with CAAC to validate the aircraft's cutting-edge technologies. After more than 1,000 days of dedicated efforts, they successfully overcame various challenges to meet all certification objectives, showcasing EHang's capability to independently design, develop, and manufacture mature unmanned eVTOL products.
This approval marks a global first, distinguishing the EH216-S as not only electric but also autonomous.
EHang's trailblazing efforts in the industry required adherence to both traditional and newly formed aircraft regulations, given the innovative nature of the EH216-S. The aircraft stands as a pioneer in technological and product innovation, differing significantly from conventional aircraft in technical architecture, configuration, performance, functionality, operational mode, and flight environment.
For EH216-S type certification, CAAC and EHang combined conventional aviation principles with an innovation-centric approach, formulating a specific certification basis and means of compliance tailored to the aircraft's distinctive technical features. This approach was crucial in conducting the type certification work.
1. It can carry two passengers across 20 miles
2. It has 60 mph cruising speed
3. It is capable of 81 mph full-tilt speed
4. It is equipped with a 17 kWh battery
5. It has 16 propellers powered by 16 different electric motors.
