Self-flying air taxis coming to Dubai

Dubai is planning to launch the world’s first aerial taxi service using pilotless quadcopter drones manufactured by Chinese firm EHang

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EHang 184: Dubai’s transportation authority to begin using air taxis in July. Cost per ride unknown

Cabin: Accommodation for one passenger and small item of luggage. Maximum payload
weight: 100kg

Arms: Fold for storage

Length 3.9m

Top speed 100km/h

Altitude 
Up to 500m

Power: Eight motors output 106kW to eight propellers. Vehicle can complete journey even if one propeller fails

Passenger 
Requests pickup from designated zones using smartphone app. Drone cannot be piloted manually

Touchscreen
Used to select pre-programmed destination and tell drone to take off or land

Batteries
14.4kWh, give 23-minute flight. Charge in 2-4 hours

Safety: In event of malfunction, taxi lands in nearest safe place. All flights monitored by ground station via encrypted network

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Source / Picture: EHang 

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