Passenger drone

First Electric Passenger Drone: Ehang 184

A Passenger drone is a type of Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that carries passengers. The first passenger drone was introduced at the Computer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 by Chinese entrepreneurs and is called the Ehang 184.[1][2]

Overview

The use of UAVs, or drones, has been popular in recent years.[3] Once used primarily for recreation via remote control airplanes, drones are now used in military operations and for conducting research. Recently, commercial companies have explored using drones for the transport of merchandise. In January 2016, the first drone capable of carrying human cargo was introduced by Chinese entrepreneurs at CES 2016.[4]

History

Drones have been around since the beginning of the 20th century.[5] While popular in recreational settings though the use of remote control airplanes in the 1970s and 1980s, drones gained in popularity during military war campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Though the use of drones has been controversial at times, especially when drone use is tied to the loss of innocent lives, the strategic value of drones used in conducting military operations throughout the Middle East is apparent. Preceding the Ehang 1841 passenger drone, there were many concepts developed surrounding flight as a primary means of human transportation. The Aeromobil flying car concept of the early 1990s, Terrafugia flying vehicle concept of 2006, and personal jetpack introduced in the 1960s were all precursors to the passenger drone of today.[6]

Future Use of Passenger Drones

The future of passenger drones is uncertain since this technology is so new. Passenger drones may be used to carry soldiers into battle.[7] Alternatively, they may also be used to do harm by terrorists or nation states wanting to advance their agenda.[8] The possibilities for passenger drone use are endless and the future of this technology is limitless.

References

  1. ↑ "First passenger drone makes its debut at CES". The Associated Press. The Guardian. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  2. ↑ "World's first passenger drone unveiled at CES". Reuters. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  3. ↑ Henshon, M; Whittemore, G. "Drones on the Horizon! Getting Ready for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)". The American Bar Association. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  4. ↑ McCoy, S. "Passenger 'Drones' To Carry People Thru The Sky". GearJunkie. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  5. ↑ Henshon, M; Whittemore, G. "Drones on the Horizon! Getting Ready for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)". The American Bar Association. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  6. ↑ Priestley, T. "Flying Cars, JetPacks, And Passenger Drones - Which One Will Rule The Skies?". Forbes. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  7. ↑ Peck, M (January 2016). "Will China's new passenger drone carry soldiers into battle?". Asia Times. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  8. ↑ Katoch, P. "Passenger Drone – new platform for terror?". SP's Aviation. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
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