According to the Asahi news agency, a demonstration flight of an EHang EH-216 will take place on September 21 at the the Nanki Kumano Geopark Center in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, as a precursor to more widespread eVTOL flights in the city.
Kushimoto is a marine diving and fishing haven located at the southernmost tip of the Kii Pensinsula in Wakayama.
According to the news source:“In preparation for commercialization, the prefecture signed an agreement in February with three companies: IHI ( Koto Ward, Tokyo ), a major heavy industry company; Chodai ( Chuo Ward, Tokyo ), a general construction consultant with expertise in developing flying car landing sites ; and Nankai Electric Railway ( Naniwa Ward , Osaka City ). While operation will be mainly handled by the private sector, the prefecture will be involved in selecting and developing the site for the landing site.
“Two unmanned flights of about five minutes each are planned, but related personnel may also be on board. In the event of bad weather, the flight will be postponed until the following day. A viewing space will be set up, and related events will also be held.
“The prefecture is looking forward to future uses for flying cars in areas such as tourism and disaster prevention. Governor Shuhei Kishimoto said at a regular press conference on the 26th, “We would like to develop takeoff and landing sites to enable commercial operations. I think there are several suitable locations for takeoff and landing sites within the prefecture, such as along the coast. The first trial will be to have flying cars visit tourist spots within the prefecture.”
For more information
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS8Z3QQGS8ZPXLB006M.html
(Image: EHang)