China-based eVTOL aircraft manufacturer EHang said it is collaborating with the Spanish National Police to explore potential use cases for autonomous air vehicles (AAVs) for emergency and security missions. The company made the announcement at World Air Traffic Management Congress in Madrid where it is also exhibiting its EHang 216 passenger-grade AAV at the Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome. Working with the Polytechnic University of Valencia, EHang and the Spanish National Police plan to flight test the AAV for prospective emergency situations such as rescue and surveillance.
AAV technology reportedly promises to significantly improve the Spanish National Police's capability in emergency and security missions, such as firefighting; accessing contaminated areas with nuclear, radiological, bacteriological or chemical risks; landing in confined areas; transporting material; and [performing] other police services that may require agile mobility.