Listen
The Airbus subsidiary behind a self-flying, battery-powered passenger drone says the prototype has made its first flight at Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton.
According to the Airbus Vahana Project blog, the pilotless single-seat aircraft lifted off vertically, ascended about 16 feet before slowly descending and landing. The short-but-sweet first flight last Wednesday lasted all of 53 seconds.
Since then, the electric shuttlecraft has flown more. The next milestone will be transitioning the tilting wings and eight propellers to horizontal flight and following pre-set routes over Pendleton’s unmanned aircraft test range.
Airbus has said the aircraft certification process should take about three years. The company says a two-passenger variant may eventually be the primary production model for urban commuting and autonomous air taxi markets.
Vahana - Passenger Experience from Vahana on Vimeo.
Copyright 2018 Northwest News Network
Related Stories:
Mind Your Boat Speed, Leave Drone At Home Around Endangered Killer Whales
In Olympia, state lawmakers are considering stronger protections for the critically endangered population of resident killer whales. Continue Reading Mind Your Boat Speed, Leave Drone At Home Around Endangered Killer Whales Read More » Tom Banse January 24, 2018
Australian Drone Engine Maker To Open Factory In Hood River
Insitu uses engines built by Orbital Corporation to power its ScanEagle UAV. INSITU Listen The unmanned aircraft industry cluster in the Columbia River Gorge… Continue Reading Australian Drone Engine Maker To Open Factory In Hood River Read More » Kanale Rhoden December 14, 2017
Airbus Beats Boeing in Airplane Sales
Year-end sales numbers are in and, in the corporate battle of the skies, Airbus has once again beaten Boeing. The European jet maker said this… Continue Reading Airbus Beats Boeing in Airplane Sales Read More » Sueann Ramella January 17, 2012