The World’s First Passenger Drone – Breaking News

Unlike unmanned aerial vehicles, it is time to increase the utility of the passenger drone, which nowadays are mostly known for photography, videography, analysis, research, and surveillance. Drones are also launched in the market as passenger drones, in other words, real-time human-carrying drones.

EHang Set to Break World Record as First Passenger Drone 2023

The first passenger drone was launched in Guangzhou, China, named Ehang 184. Later on, in the early 2000s, drones played a role in air transportation facilities and were used to deliver products and transport passengers. Along with the advancement in technology and the urge to build up a reliable service facility, many modern countries have launched their passenger drones. It is estimated that a single-person aircraft costs about $200,000.

Day-by-day advancement in the field of aerial vehicles triggers a question: why not a personal passenger drone instead of a personal car? It can be a dream come true where there are no traffic signals, no long-lasting traffic jams, and no crowded roads, yet a beautiful sky and an easy-going pathway.

Let’s dive in and talk about the facts that bring passenger drones into the spotlight as a commute for transportation.

What Is a Passenger Drone and Where Did They Come From?

Passenger drones in a self-driving version can brush out the unpleasant experiences of slow and unreliable road transportation that goes through the sea of the human population, imposing endangerment and discomfort. Including its part in reducing traffic accidents, a passenger drone at this very moment can be safer, faster, and more efficient than other means of transportation.

Since a passenger-carrying drone emits the least amount of hazardous emissions, it has almost zero impact on air pollution. It is an environment-friendly mode of transportation with no threats to the environment.

Airways are the fastest routes to opt for when traveling around. However, in an emergency, we are still bound to the local ambulances, but what if a passenger drone is there to be used as an air ambulance? Now you reach the hospital not just right on time, but right before time. This way, we can deal with emergencies and do rescue operations more efficiently.

In today’s world, every neighborhood has a vehicle that is busy carrying passengers or their stuff most of the time through the roads. This amount of traffic causes serious congestion and results in traffic jams, road traffic accidents, and slowed pathways that hinder efficient transportation.

All these headaches can definitely be solved with the persistent utilization of passenger drones, as they are automated to assess and trespass obstacles and make a precise landing. Moreover, they don’t require any specialized infrastructure to cover distances like railway tracks, bridges, underpasses, airports, etc.

The Race for the Emerging Passenger Drone Market

Newly launched passenger drones offer a fail-safe technical system and a multi-rotor system that ensure a safe flight and a safe landing, even if one or more rotors fail. Flying in space means no industrial developments, no residential areas, and no boards marking such as; please drive slow, school ahead. Yes, all a passenger drone needs is a skilled driver, and the sky will give you smooth ways to get anywhere around.

The emerging passenger drone market represents an exciting frontier in the world of urban air mobility. As the demand for efficient, environmentally friendly urban transportation continues to rise, companies like Boeing are seizing the opportunity to become major players in this industry.

This section explores Boeing’s involvement and investment in air mobility projects, with a focus on their collaboration with EHang, a leading player in the field.

Boeing’s Interest in Short-Distance Passenger Transport

Boeing, primarily known for its commercial aircraft and aerospace innovations, has been diversifying its portfolio in recent years to include short-distance passenger transport solutions.

With the increasing need to alleviate urban congestion, Boeing recognizes the potential of air mobility and has set its sights on developing innovative, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to address these challenges.

Boeing’s involvement in air mobility projects includes collaboration with various startups and established companies. One noteworthy partnership is their association with EHang, a pioneering autonomous aerial vehicle manufacturer.

EHang and Their Developments

EHang is a Chinese drone company that specializes in the development of autonomous aerial vehicles. Their flagship product, the EHang 216, is an eVTOL aircraft designed for short-distance passenger transport. This electric-powered aircraft has multiple rotors, exceptional stability, and a user-friendly interface, making it a promising contender in the emerging passenger drone market.

The race for dominance in the emerging passenger drone market is gaining momentum, with industry giants like Boeing diversifying their focus towards short-distance passenger transport.

Boeing’s strategic involvement and investment in air mobility projects, particularly their collaboration with EHang, exemplify the growing interest in this promising industry. As urban air mobility continues to evolve, innovative solutions from companies like Boeing and EHang are set to reshape urban transportation in the coming years.

Key Design Features of Air Mobility Passenger Drones

Air mobility passenger drones, also known as urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are a rapidly developing transportation technology. These vehicles are designed to transport passengers within urban environments and provide an alternative to traditional ground transportation.

The biggest stimulant of stress and depression nowadays is the poor street environment, and the major component of it is noise pollution. However, if you own a personal passenger drone, you are no longer peaceless; it will take off from your rooftop in silence and will fly in the calm skies without any noise. Hence, 90 percent of the time of your flight will be free of noise pollution. More key design features of air mobility passenger drones include:

Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL)

UAM vehicles are capable of vertical take-off and landing, allowing them to operate in densely populated urban areas with limited runway space. This feature eliminates the need for traditional airports.

Electric Propulsion

Most air mobility passenger drones use electric propulsion systems, including electric motors and batteries. This design is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional combustion engines.

Multiple Rotors

UAM vehicles often use multiple rotors or propellers to achieve stability and control during flight. Some designs use quadcopters, while others may employ more complex multi-rotor configurations.

Autonomy

Autonomous flight capabilities are a crucial feature of air mobility passenger drones. They use advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and flight control systems to navigate safely and efficiently. These systems enable pilotless operation in some cases.

Hybrid Designs

Some UAM vehicles feature hybrid designs, combining electric and conventional propulsion systems to extend their range and endurance. This hybrid approach aims to address the limitations of battery technology.

These design elements work together to provide a secure, efficient, and ecologically beneficial means of urban transit, addressing the challenges of traffic congestion and reducing the overall environmental impact of transportation.

17 Topmost Passenger Drones You Must Know About

1. DCL Big Drone

An inescapable innovation in the field of racing games, where you can experience stomach-churning loops and rolls performed by the first aerobatic drone named Big drone and launched by DCL.

Being the world’s largest drone racing league, enduring the platform with massive expertise and a high potential of bringing in unique and challenging motorsports, they have launched the world’s first manned stunt drone.

The main objective of this manned drone is to race an adventurous and exciting flight, setting apart the safety issues of the driver.

2.  Workhorse SureFly

The Workhorse Surefly can be considered one of the safest manned passenger drones that has maintained the safety first rule while it was put together. It is a unique launch as it operates on both the electric motors and the gasoline generator. The electric motors fulfill their purpose as the backup plan if the generators malfunction during the flight.

There are eight propellers, and each one of them operates with a separate motor. In an emergency, the algorithm allows a safe flight with up to four propellers. It also includes a ballistic parachute, taking into account an emergency evacuation.

It made its debut in 2017 very successfully and took the attention of a hot figure in the market of passenger drones.

3. Ehang 184

Ehang 184 is the first passenger drone to take flight and has completed the exhaustive testification of over 1,000 flights. Each of which was successive. The Autonomous Aerial vehicle was expected in the sky as a single-passenger drone air taxi in 2017. Still, later on, the plan was extended by the CEO, who claimed that a two-passenger drone would fly in 2018 as an air taxi, but the approval is still pending.

Ehang has been thoroughly involved in the development, launch, and advancement of unmanned air vehicles. It has used similar algorithms for Ehang 184, which can cover a range of almost 10 miles. It consists of 8 propellers and is electrically driven. It can also be called one of the most compact drones that have been seen so far.

Ehang184 can provide you with one of the rarest experiences where the pilot has no part to play once the flight is set to take off. Ehang 184 can be idealized as the first Taxi aircraft that can definitely compensate for the toxic traffic jams and busy roads in the mornings and afternoons.

4. Kittyhawk Flyer

Suppose you are looking for a personal passenger drone, which is a single-passenger flying car and allows self-driving passenger drones with meticulous control. In that case, the Kittyhawk Flyer must be your consideration. It is more of a self-driving flying car than a hundred percent autonomous air vehicle.

It was launched by the co-founder of Google, Larry Page. Electric motors solely drive it and cover a range of flight time for 20 minutes. It has very handy and comfortable control of inputs that accompanies a steady flight.

It has FAA-approved ultralight controls, which makes more prompt accessibility of interaction with the public down on the streets.

5. Kittyhawk Cora

This air vehicle drone was designed explicitly as an air Taxi. Kittyhawk cora is the offshoot of the Kittyhawk flyer, which sought the attention of the New Zealand government that is trying to nullify the emission from gasoline engines of motor vehicles and put the burden on electric vehicles.

The Kitthawk Cora consists of 12 propellers that supply for vertical take-off and landing, but for horizontal flight, it consists of a pair of rearward-facing thrusters and high-lift wings.

However, Kittyhawk has some troubles with its regulatory system, due to which it is still not a hot topic in the US aerial market. Still, New Zealand is ready to work with Kittyhawk to achieve environmental protection.

6. Volocopter 2X

Volocopter 2X is a two-seater passenger drone launched by a German company. It completed its various test flights in Dubai and took its official flight as an air Taxi in North America.

It resembles a conventional helicopter, consisting of 18 propellers that are mounted at the top of the airframe. It can be autonomous or self-driven, with the facility of evacuation providing a parachute in case of an emergency.

Its system is manufactured with optic fiber cables. It consists of a joystick to control the regulatory system, which can also be turned as completely autonomous once the settings have been made.

It can cover a range of almost 17 miles, hence can travel for almost 30 mins. It has been given the permit to fly in Germany, yet in 2017, it was expected to be considered a commercial flight by 2020 in Dubai.

7. Boeing/AFS Passenger Air Vehicle

One of the impressive flying cars with a versatile design and a modern look was launched by Aurora Flight Sciences, which is a Boeing Company.

They have introduced two and four-seater passenger drones, and they have completed their flight test, ensuring their safety and reliability. Electric motors solely drive these passenger drones. They can travel through the range of 50 miles in a single flight.

They consist of unique “Falcon wings” style doors that make a spacious and well-grounded portal of entry and exit for the passengers.

8. City Airbus Passenger Drone

CityAirbus came out in the market with the plan that they will introduce their passenger drone, fueled by an electric motor, by 2018, and they hoped to make it operational in early 2023.

The aircraft was supposed to be a typical vertical take-off and landing craft, and it consisted of four passengers who would be driven on the basis of 4 propellers. The pilot would control the regulators, yet the flight could be operated in a fully autonomous mode. Withstanding their plans, CityAirbus also addressed a flight of an electric aircraft for 53 seconds that stayed 16 feet above the ground.

CityAirbus has been a big name in the aerial industry for a long time now, and there is no doubt they have the experience and potential to bring the ideology of the flying car into a reality.

9. Uber Elevate

After becoming the king of the taxi services in the world, uber is not putting breaks in this journey anyway. Uber has envisioned a city where there would be Uber elevated platforms, and the passengers would approach it from the nearby location and enjoy the rides offered by the passenger drones.

Uber drones are conventional take-off and landing vehicles. Uber is working with NASA and has the aim of commercializing Uber Elevate. Their program was expected to become operational with the companionship of Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Dubai in 2020. They were planning to select and operate exclusive stops for Uber elevates, taking into consideration the local population and other hazards.

Uber believes that soon, with the increased availability of passenger drones, air taxis will become affordable, and there is no doubt that Uber has the capital to back their plans and goals.

10. Astro Aerospace Passenger Drone

If you want to hear about a real-time passenger drone, then it’s most probably the one brought to the launch by Astro Airspace because it was the first company to launch the flight officially as a passenger drone.

The company hired the CEO of Uavionix to demonstrate perfect developmental plans. They used carbon fiber for the regulatory system and had a special emphasis on the driver’s or the passenger’s comfort.

The flight was boosted by 16 rotors that would function as an alternative to each other if any of them failed during a flight. It makes the AstroAirspace passenger drone more safer.

Astro Airspace had been approved to operate their commercial flight in Canada by Transport Canada. So yes, Astro Airspace is an exciting part of passenger drones flying cars.

11.   Tactical Robotics Cormorant Drone

The Cormorant has been brought into reality by non-profit institutions and is especially called for emergencies. At the time, electric drones were driving cargo and equipment that weighed around 500 Kg.

The developmental team came up with the idea of manned drones for special operations. It consists of electric motors that are ducted fan-style and add to the safety of the flight, which makes it safer for flight in crowded areas.

Moreover, its parachute system can lower the drone and decrease the load of the shipments if there is a system failure, thus ensuring a safe landing.

12. Lilium Jet

Lilium is another company that has a similar vision that Uber Elevates possesses; they want to launch a passenger drone taxi service that people will book through their mobiles.

Lilium Jet is so called because of its incredible speed, which enables it to cover a range of 300 km per hour, and not just this, the company claims that it will be able to cover another range of 70 km in 15 minutes. The company launched its first flight in Munich in April 2017 and was expected to become operational in the near future.

The Lilium jet has an atypical flight of Vertical-Take off and landing. After taking off vertically in the skies, the Lilium jet leans for its forward flight like a jet. It is operated solely on electric motors.

13. Omni Hoverboard Drone

Omni Hoverboard drones are so-called because they appear as a cross between a hoverboard and a skateboard. It was first observed flying through traffic, and the manufacturer claims that it can land safely even if two of its electric motors fail during a flight.

The regulatory system installed in Omni Hoverboard Drones is very simple and reliable, making it driver-friendly and highly customized than any other typical passenger drone.

14. Kenyan Passenger Drone

This drone is special and has a specific, unique background as it is not manufactured elsewhere but in Africa. It proves that Africa can introduce its aircraft, which represents Thor’s advancement in the field of technology.

Morris Mbets made the Kenyan Passenger drone, and it is specially designed for wild African Urban areas, preferably Western cities. It can be used as a passenger flight for Nairobi tourists. With a Kenyan Passenger Drone, one can deal with search operations or an emergency.

In May 2018, the Passenger drone completed its test flight and was expected to complete its first manned flight in June 2018. A pilot can operate this drone through a joystick, or it may be an autonomous flight or a remote-controlled flight. 

15. Bell Nexus Air Taxi

The Bell Nexus is a groundbreaking autonomous electric air taxi known as an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing). It’s designed to tackle traffic congestion, noise pollution, and environmental issues while significantly reducing travel time. With its vertical take-off and landing capabilities and six tilting electric ducts for lift, it can swiftly navigate crowded urban areas, often surpassing car speeds.

The Nexus achieved widespread attention during its debut at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, marking another impressive chapter in Bell’s history of pioneering vertical flight. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum also recognizes Bell’s legacy, housing the Bell X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, and the Bell 47B, the first helicopter to receive civil certification.

The Bell Nexus is a five-seater electric passenger drone that was built with the concept of reducing noise pollution and crowded environments. It made its first debut in 2019 with the general public at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Consisting of six electric rotors, it is enabled to land and take off vertically. With the so-called appearance of a versatile helicopter, it can easily go through the traffic and crowded cities, serving the purpose of both the passenger drone and the noise barrier.

16. V.MO Passenger Drone

Volkswagen is manufactured in China by Volkswagen Group. It is nicknamed the “Flying Tiger.” It’s half like a helicopter and half like a drone, and its human-carrying capacity is up to four persons. It consists of eight rotors that power the vertical take-off and landing with two additional propellers, making it highly protected and safe.

It is 36.7 meters in height and has a wing span of 10.6 meters, having “X-wing Configuration.” The Flying tiger can cover a range of 124 miles.

17.Airbus Vahana

Vahana electric passenger drone doesn’t take too long to come into reality from the mere Saturn and plans on paper. It was built by a break-off group from the Vahana company that was fully equipped and experienced to turn it into a reality.

Airbus Vahana consists of eight electric motors and a tandem-tilt algorithm that enables it to perform vertical take-off and landing. It can cover a range of about 50 km with a battery power of 38kWh. It has completed 138 test flights and has entered the arena of flying cars officially.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Passenger Drones vs. Commercial Aircraft

Passenger drones and commercial aircraft serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Advantages of Passenger Drones

• Urban Mobility: Passenger drones are designed for short-distance urban transportation. They can help alleviate traffic congestion in cities and provide rapid point-to-point transportation within urban areas.
• Reduced Congestion: These drones can operate from vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), eliminating the need for runways and reducing pressure on congested airports.
• Quick Turnaround: Passenger drones can have quicker turnaround times, as they don’t require traditional airport infrastructure and security procedures, making them a more time-efficient mode of transportation for short trips.
• Lower Operating Costs: Electric passenger drones typically have lower operating costs than traditional commercial aircraft, especially for short flights. They use electric propulsion, which can be more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
• Environmental Benefits: Electric drones produce fewer emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution and a lower carbon footprint. They align with the goal of transitioning to more sustainable transportation.

Disadvantages of Passenger Drones

• Limited Range: Passenger drones are designed for short-distance travel and have limited range compared to commercial aircraft. They are not suitable for long-haul journeys.
• Limited Passenger Capacity: Most passenger drones have limited seating capacity, often accommodating only a few passengers, which may not be cost-effective for mass transportation.
• Safety Concerns: The safety of passenger drones is a significant concern, especially in densely populated urban areas. Ensuring safety in the event of technical failures or accidents is a priority.
• Noise and Nuisance: Drones can be noisy, and the constant presence of multiple drones in urban airspace may create noise pollution and disturbance for residents.
• Infrastructure Requirements: The development of vertiports and landing facilities is necessary to accommodate passenger drones. It requires significant investment and space within urban environments.

Advantages of Commercial Aircraft

• Long-Range Travel: Commercial aircraft can cover vast distances, making them suitable for international and long-haul flights, connecting cities and countries across the world.
• High Passenger Capacity: Commercial airliners can carry a large number of passengers, which makes them cost-effective for mass transportation.
• Proven Safety Record: Commercial aviation has a strong safety track record thanks to rigorous safety standards, well-established regulations, and well-trained pilots and crew.
• Sophisticated Infrastructure: Airports and air traffic control systems are already well-established, providing a network for efficient and safe air travel.
• Economies of Scale: The large scale of commercial aviation helps reduce costs per passenger mile, making air travel affordable for a broader range of people.

Disadvantages of Commercial Aircraft

• Airport Congestion: Major airports can experience congestion, leading to delays, longer wait times and crowded terminals.
• Environmental Impact: Commercial aviation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and air traffic congestion, raising environmental concerns.
• Security Procedures: Commercial air travel involves extensive security procedures and regulations, which can be time-consuming for passengers.
• Limited Accessibility: Airports are often located outside city centers, requiring additional ground transportation to reach final destinations.

In all, passenger drones are well-suited for short-distance urban transportation, offering advantages in terms of reduced congestion and lower operating costs. However, they have limitations in terms of range, passenger capacity, and safety concerns.

Commercial aircraft, on the other hand, are designed for long-haul travel and have established safety records but come with environmental concerns and congestion at major airports. The choice between the two depends on the specific travel needs and the distance of the journey.

The Outlook for Passenger Drones 2024 and Beyond

Overall, the advancement in this field is no doubt a great achievement as flying cars has been man’s dream for a hundred years now, and we have been successful in putting it together. There is a race in the market where every other company is launching a passenger drone that is safer, unique, and more efficient than most of the others.

There may come a point when there will be official approvals, and we can see the flying cars in our daily routine in developed and under-developed countries.

These companies are mentioned in the list of the largest manufacturers of Passenger Drones 2022 and Passenger Drones 2023. They include AeroMobil, Airbus, Boeing, Cartivator, EHANG, Joby Aviation, Lilium, Terrafugia, Uber Technologies, and Volocopter.

Manned drones are a reality now! The question is, can a drone carry a person anymore? However, the question is,  which drone is the best for carrying a passenger? Many enthusiasts around the world are ready to do horrendous experiences for the sake of crazy homemade passenger drones. For instance;

Flyt Cycle

It is an unbelievable flying motorcycle with an auto hover and GPS of a typical drone. It can cover a range of 60 miles in an hour.

Zero-G

It is another impressive prototype with an enclosed chamber, and it looks like a barrel with a bunch of trapped motors. However, the driver has already done the test drive, and it seems like its features are pretty wholesome, and it is one of the best homemade passenger drones to be considered commercially.

Aerobatic Drone

One of the most spectacular drones available is capable of completing loops and rolls. Drone Champs constructed it to promote its league video game, and it is a full carbon airframe with six arms and twelve motors. The craft has over 300 kilograms of static thrust and can reach speeds of over 140 kilometers per hour.

It is worth noting that this drone is externally controlled, so you will need one brave and obedient volunteer to sit in the seat while you control this drone from the ground.

There is a likelihood that in the near future, you will see many ads saying “personal plane drone for sale.”

Bottom Line

There was once a time we could hardly imagine an automobile in the near future, but now we have electric trains that buzzed through the populated streets. So, there is no doubt that passenger drones can be life-changing aerial vehicles. They may bring many uncertainties along them, yet they can be highly efficient and beneficial in terms of their utility in this fast-growing world.

Passenger drones represent an exciting innovation in urban transportation. This electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft promise to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and offer quick point-to-point travel within cities. Major companies like Boeing, EHang, Uber, and Airbus, along with several startups, are actively developing passenger drones. Notable models include EHang 184, Kittyhawk Flyer, Volocopter 2X, Bell Nexus, and many others.

Passenger drones offer advantages like urban mobility, reduced congestion, and lower operating costs. However, they have limited range, passenger capacity, and safety concerns and require new infrastructure. In contrast, commercial aircraft excel in long-range travel and high passenger capacity but face issues with congestion and environmental impact.

The outlook for passenger drones beyond 2024 is promising, with increased competition and technological advancements. Official approvals may lead to their integration into daily life, primarily in developed countries. However, challenges remain in ensuring safety, addressing regulatory issues, and overcoming environmental concerns.Additionally, there are homemade passenger drone prototypes such as Flyt Cycle, Zero G, and Aerobatic Drones, which show the enthusiasm and creativity of individuals in this emerging field. These prototypes offer a glimpse of the potential for personal drone ownership in the future.