It turns out that Malaysia’s first flying vehicle prototype, which was supposed to take to the air in a test session tomorrow, will not be doing so, because it has not been cleared for flight. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) today announced in a statement that the planned test flight of the Chinese-made EHang 216 passenger drone that was scheduled for November 21 has not been authorised.
Earlier this week, entrepreneur development minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof had announced the event and said that he would be a passenger in the two-seater during its maiden flight here.
The CAAM stated that while it supports the development of the aerospace industry in Malaysia, it said that all test and demonstration flights must be carried out in accordance with the Malaysian Civil Aviation Regulation 2016 (MCAR 2016) to ensure safety.
The agency said that the planned location of the test flight at the UNIKL MIAT Hangar Subang is less than 200 metres away from commercial airline and helicopter traffic and clearly within the Subang Airport terminal control zone, which is under strict supervision by air traffic control.
“In addition to this, the EHang 216 was only issued a special flight permit (SFP) by its State of Design (Civil Aviation Administration of China), which is limited to conduct Research & Development Flights in Grand World Science Park, Guangzhou,” it said in its statement. It added that it is open to consider the request for a test flight of the EHang 216 at an appropriate location, and with the support of the aircraft’s State of Design.
The agency said it is also carrying out an investigation into the unauthorised demonstration flight involving the passenger drone – which is made by Chinese company Beijing Yi-Hang Creation Science & Technology Co – on November 15 at the same area within Subang Airport.
The EHang 216 is a passenger drone with eight arms, each mounting two electric motors that are connected to propellers, making for 16 rotors in all. The 360 kg unit features an aero-cab structure capable of accomodating two passengers, with payload rated at 260 kg. Performance figures include a cruising speed of 130 km/h and a flight range of around 35 km.
News reports indicate that the project, which will see the EHang 216 being introduced here as the Super Dron, is a joint venture between local company EastCap Berhad and two Chinese companies, EHang Intelligent Equipment (Guangzhou) and Strong Rich Holdings. The strategic partnership is set to handle the marketing, operation and maintenance of the Super Dron in the country.
GALLERY: EHang 216 passenger drone
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we malaysians are really being taken for a ride
My nose is bleeding again..
this happen when people believe everything politician said……now everywhere rakyat goes, smell “hancing”
Flight range of 35 km, PJ – Klcc – PJ.
This is not a car, this an aeroplane. They should arrange with CAAM for a permit to fly first. Even new Airbus or Boeing aircraft is fall under this requirements.
Everything is from China nowadays. Food container from China. Fashion shoes from China. Christmas trees from China. Car from China. Even flying car from China.
Hope that we really learn something from China, no must learn a lot from China. But not only using China’s goods.
Wait, didnt our brilliant minister told us this is a flying car, emphasizing CARS, eh?! So why need CAAM to be involved? This should just need the go ahead from Loke and RTD Director General… if we are to believe our minister, that is.
What a shame. I am not Chinese ( car), I am Malaysian ( car).
why are we so obsessed with the damn flying car?
i thought autonomous/driverless car is the ‘in’ thing?
You are talking without actually knowing the law?
Hahaha….Knew it!
If a driver required a driving license to drive, so logically a flying car pilot should have one too. Not to mention attending mandatory piloting courses and pass competency tests. There’s still a long and winding road ahead before this flying car can be legalized in Malaysia.
Wayang je this administration. Sendiri announce, sendiri invite, sendiri not authorised.
Malaysia’s flying vehicle? it’s Chinese lah…same old story like Proton, just put a Malaysian badge on it and start calling it Malaysian. Never bother to start from ground up. No IP at all in Malaysia.
Most of these tech companies from China, like DJI started making toys and step by step improve on it. Malaysia don’t even make their own toys anymore, maybe just assemble for someone else, just like Proton. How to become a high income country?
Sembang babi boleh terbang punya menteri!
It looks more like a Zombie Slaughtering Machine to me. It might be useful during the apocalypse.
After the by election loss,PH better insaf…STOP all these money pit 3rd national car thing.
If PH,really cares,LOWER CAR TAXES gradually.Now,fresh graduates cant buy condos,they r stuck with 9 year car bondage loans.
Just a rebadge project..Mr.Menteri…stop this damned project.
entrepreneur development minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof had announced the event and said that he would be a passenger in the two-seater during its maiden flight here.
I thought the test flight the minister will participate in is the Vector by Aerodyne Group, not the EHang passenger drone?
One of the ministers who will disappear under the cabinet reshuffle. Good luck
Looks like a giant grass cutter machine.
We can’t even make a motorcycle all by ourselves, let alone a flying car.
EHang is made in China – EHang is 宇航 in Chinese if you know what it means.
Why is this minister keep pursuing this? Why? Some vested interest ke?
There are many other things he can do to help more people.
This dumb arse really is a classic case of why we have such bad leaders in the country. His English is so poor that he doesn’t know what a drone or car is? Nut job
I’m so ashamed with this government for calling this “Malaysia” flying vehicle.
Malu la..
it’s ok. Take-off can always be scheduled next day, next week, next month, next year, until cows come back…..
Dont really expect much from this oversize toy anyway….
im just waiting for the comments…*popcorn*
Minister of terbang
hahahahahahahaha….
Excuses, excuses.
When in does happen I hope this Minister will be on the maiden test flight. If it is not him then who?
hahahahaha…joke on this idiot minister…
Hahahaha…basir basir basir…lawa gaguh sedunia…ahahahaha kesia msia..asyik kena je
Redzuan kantoi again. Time for Cabinet reshuffle. Put someone with some otak as Minister.
Oh how I miss 3.85 Maslan. At least his nasi goreng ada logic.
Cnn see PH vote flying far far away in next PRU
There goes the RM1 mil.. paid to get the drone instead of R&D for the real thing.. Sighhh
Joke for end of 2019…akakakkakaka!!!!
Hahaha…..menteri bodoh yang syiok sendiri,real ball carrier & licker clown.
A rich man buying a Benz or BMW will not claim that he developed a car. So why did you Mr Minister claim Malaysia is developing a ‘flying car’ when we are using money to buy one from China?? Don’t take Malaysia as stupid fools, and please think before you speak. If you do not know, don’t try to act smart. Such a shameless nincomPOOP.