Unmanned eVTOL takes flight in Xi'an

An unmanned eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) soared into the sky on Dec 17 at Xi'an Space Base Airport in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

After circling once, it landed smoothly at its departure point, symbolizing a major milestone in Shaanxi's burgeoning low-altitude economy.

The featured aircraft, EH216-S, developed by EHang, boasts a maximum take-off weight of 620 kilograms, a range of 30 kilometers, and a cruising speed of 130 km per hour. Its sleek black-and-white design, 16 rotors, and futuristic cockpit exude cutting-edge technology. The interior features a display showing flight paths, enhancing its appeal as a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.

During the demonstration, attendees experienced the aircraft up close, marveling at its electric propulsion, runway-free operations, and potential to bypass ground traffic. The unmanned eVTOL operates autonomously, following pre-set routes and responding to challenges like bad weather or obstacles with automated safety protocols.

This demonstration highlights eVTOL's role in short-distance transport, such as business trips and tourism, significantly reducing travel times. For instance, a 50-km car journey from Xi'an Space Base Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport takes about an hour; eVTOL promises to cut this to just 10–15 minutes.

Shaanxi is actively building a network of eVTOL landing zones across key locations, aiming to commercialize low-altitude transport. The aircraft is expected to obtain operational certification by year-end, and full commercialization is projected for 2025.

This achievement paves the way for innovative tourism and smart urban transit applications, positioning Shaanxi as a leader in the low-altitude economy.