EHang gets approval for uncrewed trial operations

EHang’s Unmanned Aircraft Cloud System (UACS) has been officially approved by the Chinese regulator for trial operations. 

With the trials approved the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), EHang said they represent “a vital foundation” for commercial operations. Increasing low-altitude use of uncrewed aircraft make UACS technology more important to safeguard operations. EHang’s software allows the management of multiple aircraft within the same airspace.

The news follows this month’s announcement that the firm has completed the last phase of demonstration and verification of compliance as well as the definitive type certification flight test for CAAC. This is the last milestone before obtaining the type certificate (TC). After finishing some remaining procedures, EHang expects to obtain the type certificate of its EH216-S from the CAAC soon.

Over the past two years, EHang has carried out trial operations under the CAAC’s guidance alongside its type certification. During that it has conducted over 9,300 low-altitude tourism flight trials in 20 locations across 18 cities in China.

Huazhi Hu, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang said: “EHang UACS trial operation has received official approval from the CAAC, indicating that EHang has been recognised by the authority of the national regulator. From unmanned aerial vehicle system to the UACS, as well as operating teams and service platforms, EHang has made comprehensive and sufficient preparation for the upcoming commercial operations after years of planning. With EHang’s long-term accumulated advantages, we are confident and well-positioned to embark on a new chapter of UAM operations with our partners.”

Also, in recent years, the Chinese State Council has enacted a number of favourable policies intto support the development of the low-altitude economy. In July 2023, EHang formed a strategic partnership with the Bao’an District Government of Shenzhen City to devise UAM use cases and systems and to develop routes for low-altitude demonstration.