Chinese company unveils world’s first passenger drone
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A Chinese company has unveiled the world’s first drone capable of carrying a passenger.
Guangzhou-based EHANG used this week’s CES 2016 technology show in Las Vegas to unveil the EHANG 184, which features a temperature-controlled cabin with one seat, a reading light and luggage space for a small bag.
The electric drone is powered using four propellers and can fly for 23 minutes at a maximum attitude of 3.5km, with a top speed of 100kph. The drone weighs just 200kg.
“EHANG 184… is the safest, eco-est and smartest low-altitude autonomous aerial vehicle, aiming on providing medium-short distance communication and transportation solution,” EHANG’s sales pitch states. “The vehicle can… operate a normal flight plan and ensure the safety of the passenger together with the vehicle,” it adds.
The Guardian reported Shang Hsiao, EHANG’s co-founder and chief financial officer, as saying that his company hoped to sell the device for US$200,000-US$300,000, although he acknowledged that the aircraft occupies a legal grey area.
“The whole world never had something like this before,” Shang said.
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