Ehang is to participate in an EU-funded project, the SBAS Adoption in Multicopter VTOL Aircraft (SAMVA) project, for deploying European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) on eVTOL aircraft operations, such as its EH216 AAVs, across the continent.

Under an initiative of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the SAMVA project focuses on the implementation of EGNOS satellite-based operations on eVTOLs to enhance advanced air mobility services and U-Space airspace integration. The project consortium is composed of highly recognised partners across the industry, including Aeroports de Catalunya, EHang, Pildo Labs, the Airports Regional Council, Thales-Alenia Space and Spanish helicopter operator Eliance.

For the SAMVA project, Aeroports de Catalunya and EHang plan to establish an AAV operational centre at Lleida-Alguaire airport to conduct EH216 flight demonstrations with EGNOS deployment, and showcase how EGNOS can support and enhance unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) tasks and AAV urban operations.

Participation in the SAMVA project will enable EHang to explore and expand AAV application in airport environments, which will contribute towards a more integrated and sustainable airspace and further advocate for safe, autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility solutions in Europe.

EHang Europe and Latin America chief operating officer Victoria Jing Xiang says: “The SAMVA project will unleash EGNOS capabilities aboard EHang's EH216 AAV to provide precise and integer navigation guidance and support U-Space airspace integration. Our participation in this project reflects the meaningful progress we've made overseas with our strong industry-leading technologies as our global footprint expands. With that, EHang will continue to move further forward in the innovative development of safe and sustainable advanced air mobility with global partners and create a better life for all.”