North America’s first demonstration of an autonomous air taxi took flight this week in North Carolina, showing off the viability of a new chapter in air travel in the state where it all began.
The demonstration took place at the State Highway Patrol Facility/Aviation Hangar in Raleigh, North Carolina. Notably, the vehicle is capable of hosting two adult, non-pilots, but for the case of the demonstration, it was unmanned. The autonomous aerial vehicle — the EH 216 — is meant to deliver people via pre-programmed routes, the success of which has already been demonstrated outside of North America.
“Flight started in North Carolina over 100 years ago,” North Carolina Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon said. “So, it is appropriate the demonstration of this cutting-edge, disruptive technology takes place in North Carolina.”
Trogdon and Gov. Roy Cooper were among the more than 100 spectators on hand for the demonstration. It preceded the 2020 North Carolina Transportation Summit, which is ongoing. That summit will gather transportation stakeholders to address safety, funding, as well as new and disruptive technologies, like the EH 216.