On 22 January, Boeing had the opportunity to test its latest innovation: a autonomous and electric aerial vehicle. Developed by the subsidiary Aurora Flight SciencesThe prototype took off, hovered and landed safely in Manassas, Virginia. Future tests will focus on forward flight. The vehicle, whose dimensions reach 9 metres long and 8.50 metres widehas a range of 80 kilometres. "Certifiable autonomy will make quiet, clean and safe urban mobility possible," says John Langford, CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences.
Ultimately, the vehicle will be used to transport passengers on demand. Greg Hyslop, Boeing's chief technology officer, is already delighted with the trajectory of the Boeing NeXt programme: "In one year, we have gone from a conceptual project to a flying prototype." To enable both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles to travel safely, the Boeing NeXt division, which is in charge of the group's urban air mobility initiatives, is already working with companies and regulatory bodies.
Alongside this prototype, Boeing has also developed an unmanned aerial vehicle dedicated to the freight transport. It can carry up to 226 kilos and the first outdoor tests are scheduled for 2019.
