First Unmanned Passenger Transportation to Begin in 3-4 Years

The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation named the small battery capacity as the main technological problem of unmanned vehicles

Unmanned flights with passengers may begin in the next 3-4 years. First, the technologies will be tested on cargo delivery, and then they will be extended to the transportation of people. This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Transport of Russia, Andrey Nikitin.

Nikitin recalled that in 2025, the government introduced a new class of airspace "H" for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It operates at an altitude of up to 150 m (and higher - on some special routes).

As soon as we understand that it is safe, we will already move on to some passenger technologies. I think it's about 3-4 years until the start of the first experimental flights with people.
Andrey Nikitin, Minister of Transport of Russia

The development of unmanned transportation is constrained by technological barriers, including the small battery capacity, the minister explained. For example, on some UAS prototypes, the battery charge lasts up to 1 hour. In addition, engineers have not yet found a solution to the problem of icing and snow getting on the drone.

We do not want thoughtless risk, as is happening in other countries.
Andrey Nikitin, Minister of Transport of Russia

The technology needs to be improved, its safety needs to be ensured, and only then it should be implemented, he concluded.

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Sources
Rossiya 24

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