Wisk Aero, an air mobility company, has revealed what it describes as the world’s first self-flying, all-electric, four-passenger vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi.
This model, the Generation 6, reportedly represents the first-ever candidate for type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of an autonomous eVTOL.
“In 2010, we set out to find a way to skip traffic and get to our destination faster,” said Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk.
“That inspiration evolved into a mission to deliver safe, everyday flight for everyone.
“Over the past 12 years, we’ve pursued that mission through the development of five different generations of full-scale aircraft.
“Our sixth generation aircraft is the culmination of years of hard work from our industry-leading team, learnings from our previous generations of aircraft, commitment from our investors, and the evolution and advancement of technology.”
Wisk has received backing from by both The Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation, with Wisk suggesting Boeing’s eVTOL and autonomous engineering expertise and resources have supported the further advancement of its self-flying vehicles.
This newest model prioritises safety, according to Wisk, with features including autonomous flight with human oversight, a streamlined design with fewer moving parts, fully redundant systems and no single point of failure.
Wisk claims it is one of the only autonomous air mobility (AAM) companies to pursue a ‘self-flying first approach’, which includes: leveraging new technology, such as improved detect and avoid capabilities, sensors and more; ‘logic-driven’ decision-making software; and multi-vehicle supervisors that provide human oversight of every flight, with capability of manual intervention if needed.
The newest generation of aircraft reportedly builds on insights from the previous five versions of eVTOL, with Wisk claiming the sixth generation can reach a cruising speed of 120 knots (138mph), 90 miles (144km) of range with reserves, altitudes of 2,500-4,000ft, four seats and an electric power source.
Wisk has said its price target for air taxi rides is US$3 (£2.71) per passenger, per mile.
The sixth generation was also designed to support improved accessibility, including features such as entry and exit points designed for individuals across the mobility spectrum and user interfaces built to accommodate passengers with hearing, vision and other impairments.
