Israel launched a Chinese drone taxi on Wednesday that flew over Jerusalem as part of the government's experiment to build a network of air taxis offering transport services to reduce traffic congestion in the country.
Developed by a Chinese company, the autonomous electric-powered aircraft took off from the premises of Hadassah hospital, showcasing its capabilities for a few minutes with empty passenger seats, according to AFP.
With its distinctive white cockpit and propellers, the drone has two passenger seats and boasts an impressive range of over 35 kilometers (around 20 miles).
Daniella Partem, a senior director at Israel Innovation Authority, emphasized the potential of this air taxi, envisioning it as a mode of transportation in the future.
Israel's National Air Drone Initiative (INDI) unveils a drone air taxi at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem on September 13, 2023. An air taxi flew over Jerusalem on September 13, as part of an Israeli experiment to develop a network of drones to offer transport services and ease traffic congestion.
The Israel National Drone Initiative
Israel has been committed to the Israel National Drone Initiative since 2019, a high-profile venture focused on creating air taxis for both passengers and cargo.
Over 20,000 test flights of drones in various sizes have been conducted, making Wednesday's public experiment a significant milestone. The drone program, backed by public and private entities, involves an investment of approximately 60 million Israeli shekels ($16 million).
Partem highlighted the program's potential to accommodate multiple operators simultaneously, allowing for diverse applications such as medical drone flights and food deliveries, all from the exact location.
Libby Bahat from the Israel Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that safety remains the foremost concern. He stressed the need for stringent safety parameters considering factors like roads, buildings, and railways.
When fully realized, the drone network could play a vital role in transporting medicines, offering a potential solution for urgent medical deliveries. Test flights have even successfully transported blood samples.
Determining the cost of such flights remains a complex task. Bahat noted that, for instance, it would remain relatively expensive for drones to handle a delivery of a $5 plate of sushi, according to the AFP report.
Israel Leveraging Drone Technology
This initiative aligns with Israel's effort to leverage drone technology for various purposes, including easing traffic congestion.
The National Drone Initiative is working towards developing a regulatory framework and a supportive ecosystem to facilitate drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations within the country.
The Israeli airspace, characterized by strict controls and limited commercial flying zones, has posed challenges for civil applications of drone technology.
The National Drone Initiative, in collaboration with key partners, seeks to address these challenges and promote a vibrant drone ecosystem.
The program aims to demonstrate the agility of collaborative regulation, ensuring a resilient regulatory framework for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations.
Additionally, it seeks to highlight vital commercial applications, particularly in the medical sector, where drones can revolutionize supply chain logistics, especially for time-sensitive medical supplies.
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