EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL Demonstrates Advanced Capabilities in European Airspace
Global leader in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology, EHang, has announced the successful completion of a series of flights by its autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, EH216-S, utilizing the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS)—a European Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). These flights took place at EHang’s European UAM center located at Lleida-Alguaire Airport (LEDA) in Spain, as part of the European Union Space Program Agency (EUSPA) SAMVA project.
The SBAS Applications for Multirotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Project (referred to as the “SAMVA project”) focuses on deploying EGNOS satellite applications on eVTOLs to enhance advanced air traffic services and the integration of U-Space airspace. EGNOS provides more precise positioning and an additional layer of safety for EHang’s EH216-S autonomous eVTOL operations in Europe.
EH216-S autonomous eVTOL performing EGNOS-based flights at EHang’s European UAM center
Under the SAMVA project, EGNOS services were tested and validated through various flight activities using EHang’s EH216-S autonomous eVTOL. These tests incorporated specific Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight procedures and navigation integrity concepts, fully leveraging the technical, performance, and integrity features of EGNOS.
EHang’s European Urban Air Mobility Center was officially launched in October 2023. This center sets a global benchmark for the effective integration of eVTOL aircraft operations with airport infrastructure, air traffic management systems, operational procedures, and other information technologies.
EH216-S autonomous eVTOL conducting SAMVA project flights at EHang’s European UAM center
EHang’s Chief Operating Officer for Europe and Latin America, Victoria Xiang, stated, “The autonomous flights of EH216-S under the SAMVA project demonstrate how the precise and comprehensive navigation guidance capabilities of the EGNOS system support and enhance unmanned aircraft system traffic management missions and the operations of autonomous eVTOL aircraft, achieving safe and efficient advanced air mobility.”
