Chinese Autonomous eVTOL EH216-S Takes to the Sky in Brazil

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Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) maker EHang adds another country to its impressive list of partners for pilotless air taxi operations. Brazil is not only one of the biggest UAM (urban air mobility) markets but also a leader in Latin America's aeronautical industry.

The EH216-S autonomous eVTOL took to the sky for the first time in Brazil. It happened in Quadra, Sao Paolo, with the help of local operator Gohobby Future Technologies. It was only a trial flight, but one that's intended to open the door for autonomous eVTOL flights across Brazil. Aviation authorities and media representatives attended the special event that marked the beginning of EHang operations in the country. The pioneering flight came after EHang was granted authorization (CAVE/Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate) by Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Further trial and test campaigns will follow, in collaboration with EHang's local partner Gohobby and the Brazilian Airspace Control Department (DECEA).

With Brazil added to the list of flight locations, the Chinese eVTOL manufacturer now counts more than 50,000 successful flights carried out in 17 countries. These locations span across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America. EHang seems determined to conquer the world with its pilotless passenger aircraft, the first of its kind to become officially certified in October 2023.

The EH216-S was introduced as a lightweight, short-range alternative to bigger eVTOLs. As a two-seat UAV, it can cover up to 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge, operating at an altitude of 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) with 80.7 mph (130 kph). With its batteries fully charged in two hours, it also enables faster turnaround.

This Chinese EH216-S also became famous for being the first eVTOL to be added to the formal fleet of a law enforcement unit in the European Union, namely the Spanish Police.

As for Brazil, its aeronautical region is renowned not only in the region but worldwide. Plus, in recent years, Brazil has positioned itself as one of the UAM (Urban Air Mobility) leaders in Latin America and beyond. The reputable aircraft manufacturer Embraer has turned its UAM branch into a globally successful brand – Eve Air Mobility, known for the Eve passenger air taxi. On the other hand, the Moya aircraft designed by Moya Aero became the first autonomous cargo eVTOL in Latin America.

One of the most important global partners for EHang is located in the UAE. A few months ago, the Chinese AAM company carried out one of its most spectacular flight demonstrations, with three different aircraft operating pilot-free in Abu Dhabi. The EH216-S, which is the passenger version, was accompanied by the EH216-L (the aerial logistics configuration of the company's flagship eVTOL) and the EH216-F (the firefighting configuration). These special flights confirmed the immense potential of pilotless, emission-free operations in strategic sectors.

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