'Taxi Drone 'against traffic jams in Dubai

dubai - Oil state of Dubai has the first 'taxi drone tested in the rapidly growing metropolis. This pilot-less EHang 184 made in China has room for one passenger. The electric device with eight propellers fly automatically, but a control center on the ground monitors.

'Even this summer we will start rolling out the newest transport. In 2030, a quarter of the urban transport in Dubai should by car, bus, boat, metro and air taxi without driver. Trials show that it works, 'said a spokesman for the Roads \u0026 amp; Transport Authority (RTA).

The taxi drone can just be ordered as Uber with an app on the smartphone. The passenger is picked up at the desired location. He tests aboard on display at its destination, and rises the unit. It also automatically paid.

The EHang 184 measured according to the manufacturer 4 by 3.9 by 1.6 meters, weighs 250 kg and no passenger can fly up to a kilometer in height with a maximum speed of 160 km / h. The battery has up to two hours of power, but for the safety of the flight should not take longer than half an hour.

The taxi drone is called AAV, Autonomous Aerial Vehicle, and is day and night flying in all weather, except during a storm. Dubai wants to combat congestion and pollution with this kind of innovation. 'Our goal is to be the smartest city,' said RTA.

Not only the Chinese are busy developing and producing drones for passenger transport, including the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has thus far already. Final find the first test this year with a similar air taxi without driver.