World’s first passenger drone makes its maiden flight

We have seen drones. Various ones at that- ones that support your phone, a camera, many different kinds.

But what about a drone in which a human can travel?

The world’s first passenger drone, capable of speeds up to 100kms/h, has made its first public flight in China.

The electric-powered vehicle made by Chinese tech manufacturer EHang Inc can carry a single passenger weighing up to 100 kilograms.

Known as EHang184, it is operated by an automated flight system, leaving the passenger to simply fasten their safety belt and enjoy the ride, reports an international news agency.

On Tuesday, it was shown off to the world in a test flight over the southern city of Guangzhou.

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The drone can fly for 23 minutes and reach speeds of 100kms/h.

“None of the traditional flying vehicles can achieve the goal of fully autonomous flying, so they are still far away from common people. But our successful flight today means the scenes that we used to only see in sci-fi movies are now very close to common people,” said Hu Huazhi, CEO of EHang, Inc.

The company says the drone has the potential to be used in emergency rescues, hospital transfers, and tourism.

The drone has been tested over 1,000 times and is designed to withstand moderate gales with winds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

The drones will reportedly cost between $US200,000 ($253,000) and $300,000 ($380,000).

Last year the city of Dubai announced a plan to cooperate with EHang to develop self-flying taxis taking people across the city.

The company is eyeing a broader market.