EHang flying ‘car’ debuts at consumer electronics show
This year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there was at least one standout product. No, it wasn’t one of the 10 billion bluetooth-enabled speakers, or one of the endless sea of new, somehow improved, flatscreen televisions.
It was the less-than-affordable drone that a person can ride in.
The EHang 184, an 8-bladed flying vehicle the size of a small car, is currently being commercialized in China for all of us would-be George Jetsons.
It’s a one-seater aerial vehicle powered by electricity and steered by a tablet computer, so there won’t be piloting ability required (the FAA may differ on this point).
It is not available for purchase yet, according to Tingting Liu, EHang’s marketing manager for North America, who said the retail price is not set, but the estimate would be in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.
Just a matter of time
For anyone who has flown the current models of drones, it’s easy to understand just how simple it would be to fly the 184. For most drones, flight stability is controlled by chips the size of the nail on your pinky. They fly flat and smooth, even in the face of high winds. It hasn’t taken very long for someone to deliver on the promise of riding a drone; it’s a thought that passes through the mind of everyone who has ever flown one. There are several inventors who have created their own versions but the 184 is the first to be stylishly sculpted and made for the consumer market. How long will it take the FAA to catch up to this trend? It’s definitely going to be popular.
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Safety first
It’s a scary thought, getting into what’s essentially a mini-helicopter and buzzing off into the sky. However, the idea of a smooth, computer-controlled flight from place to place with minimal chance of pilot error seems attractive. The 184 has eight motors and propellers so if one or two fail, a rider would still be able to land safely. Design of the 184 began after the lead designer lost two good friends in flying accidents. He set out to design the safest flying machine possible, one which removes any kind of pilot error and has several backup systems in the event of failure.
How it works
Flying the EHang 184 is simple, mostly because the “pilot” doesn’t do any flying. A destination is chosen on the flight computer by placing your finger on a map. The flying unit powers up and takes you there — if it’s within 23 minutes of flying time, at about 60 mph, although that will probably change in later models. The 184 coordinates with local flight authorities and other flying craft, then scans for suitable landing areas. The “pilot” can work the air-conditioning if they wish, but that’s about all there is to do.
Electric flight
The Ehang 184 is all electric and can be charged up and ready to go in two hours. This means there is no fuel to catch fire and is completely green and eco-friendly. One of the big benefits of electric flight is the simplicity. As with other drones, the motors are directly attached to the propellers and all flight control, including rising, descending, turning and stability, is controlled by the motors. This means far less controls and control surfaces than a typical plane or helicopter, which also means less to go wrong. Another huge benefit of this kind of electric flight is the helicopter-like performance. The 184 will land anywhere, no runway or landing pad necessary.
Low altitude
The EHang 184 is designed to be a low-altitude, short-range transport. It has a maximum altitude of about 11,000 feet and currently a range of about 20 miles. It doesn’t carry much luggage, a good-size backpack will fill up the trunk. The passenger/pilot weight is set at 220 pounds so I may have to run off some weight if I want to get one.
Meet George Jetson
While it doesn’t fold up into a briefcase like George Jetson’s flying car, the EHang 184 does present a very disruptive possibility of a new way to travel. This vehicle may just be the forerunner of a new kind of vehicle altogether. Previous flying car designs all suffered from the same problem — trying to be both an aircraft and a car. But why do you need a car if you have a flying vehicle that will land in your driveway and fit in your garage? Once something like this is done, competitors won’t be far behind.
For more information, visit www.ehang.com/ehang184.
Tell us about your high tech toys. Email eabreu@gannettnj.com.
Prentiss Gray’s weekly column provides tips and advice on how to make your life better in Morris County. Read “Domestitech” every Thursday in The Good Life.