EHang, one of the leaders in urban air mobility (UAM), has been awarded type certificate for its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This accolade underscores compliance with CAAC’s stringent safety and airworthiness protocols, positioning it for commercial operations.
The certification was officially conferred upon EHang at a ceremony held in Beijing's CAMIC International Convention Center on October 13. This comes after an extensive collaboration between EHang and CAAC that spanned over 1,000 days, during which the eVTOL's underwent rigorous testing.
EHang and CAAC crafted a bespoke certification strategy for the eVTOL, harmonizing long-established aviation standards with a forward-looking approach. This method was devised to address the aircraft's unique technical characteristics.
In February 2022, CAAC unveiled the "Special Conditions for the EH216-S UAV System", a testament to China's pioneering spirit in eVTOL aviation airworthiness. This set of regulations, the first of its kind globally, was crafted with insights from top-tier aviation experts and professionals, laying a solid groundwork for the certification of similar aircraft in the future.
The certification journey encompassed meticulous lab, ground, and flight tests across various sites in China. This exhaustive validation process, covering a gamut from software simulations to flight stability evaluations, ensures the aircraft's safety, functionality, and reliability.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, EHang's Founder, Chairman, and CEO, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the eVTOL's monumental achievement in securing the premier Type Certification in the eVTOL domain. He affirmed EHang's commitment to prioritizing safety as they prepare to initiate commercial operations of their eVTOLs. He said,
"This certification propels us towards our goal of becoming a leading UAM platform operator, and we're dedicated to making autonomous and eco-conscious air travel a reality for all."
This certification not only cements EHang’s position in the global eVTOL landscape but also sets a pivotal standard for the global aviation community.
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