China-based eVTOL aircraft developer EHang has been supporting the response to the COVID-19 outbreak by using its 216 autonomous aerial vehicle to deliver medical supplies. Working with local authorities in the city of Hezhou in Guangxi province, the two-seat aircraft flew supplies almost three miles to the rooftop of the 25-floor Hezhou People’s Hospital.
The flight trial demonstrated the value of having unmanned aircraft available in a situation in which authorities are trying to minimize human contact that may spread the virus. EHang also has proposed that the 216 could be used to carry emergency medical personnel.
The company also has been conducting more passenger-carrying flight trials, including some operations at night, on flights of up to around 10 miles and at speeds of up to around almost 60 mph. In one flight, an aircraft carried EHang’s chief strategy officer on a flight across Hezhou.
