Autonomous Aerial Vehicle technology company EHang is participating in the EU-funded SBAS (EGNOS) Adoption in Multicopter VTOL Aircraft (SAMVA) project, for deploying European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) on electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations, such as 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 involves highly recognized partners across the industry, including Aeroports de Catalunya, EHang, Pildo Labs, the Airports Regional Council, Thales-Alenia Space, and Eliance.
Victoria Jing Xiang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang Europe and Latin America, said: “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.”
An AAV operational site will be established by Aeroports de Catalunya and EHang as part of the SAMVA project, 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.
EHang believes participation in the SAMVA project will enable the company 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.
