SPAIN: EHANG 216 COMPLETES INAUGURAL FLIGHT BY SPANISH NATIONAL POLICE AND BEGINS TRIAL OPERATIONS

EHang announced last week that its EH216 AAV completed its inaugural flight by the Spanish National Police (SNP) at the National Academy in Ávila, Spain, reports a press release. Trial operations by the SNP will now begin. 

The public maiden flight was attended and watched by officials and guests from the Spanish State for Security, SNP, the Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), members of academia institutions, as well as the media. 

Since joining forces with EHang in October 2021, SNP aims to use the EH216 for emergency and public safety missions, including accessing contaminated areas with nuclear, radiological, bacteriological or chemical risks; landing in confined areas; as well as general aerial logistics police services.

The ceremony was presided over by Rafael Pérez, the Secretary of the Spanish State for Security, who commented, “The SNP is the first security institution in the European Union to operate an AAV. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) constitute an alternative technological asset for multiple purposes, such as deployment in dangerous areas following a natural disaster or an accident, without endangering human lives.” Adding, “The lower operating costs of UAS and their constant new applications show great advantages over traditional aerial means.”

Pedro Prieto, the Director of Aerial Operations for the Spanish National Police, said, “The capability to operate the EH216 AAV from a remote command and control station, which may be hundreds of kilometres away, reflects the National Police’s commitment to fulfil its digital transformation objectives.” 

While Victoria Jing Xiang, CEO of EHang Europe and Latin America, added, “EHang is proud to partner with a law enforcement agency and support SNP with our AAV technologies to fulfil emergency response and public safety missions. SNP’s entry into trial operation of EH216 AAV lays a foundation for the deployment of Urban Air Mobility in Europe and sets an excellent example of commitment to public safety through advancing technology.