Photo: Wisk Aero
It's been a busy year for Wisk Aero, the California-based company that is developing a revolutionary autonomous aircraft. While working on the certification process, it also showed off its air taxi at several prestigious events. The next stop is Washington, DC.
A sixth-generation autonomous eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) is coming to Washington, DC, this month. It will be proudly displayed in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center from September 12 to September 13.
The 2023 US Chamber of Commerce Global Aerospace Summit is the perfect opportunity for Wisk to present its advanced autonomous technology and for further discussions with industry members.
This event comes after Wisk's recent success at EAA's AirVenture/Oshkosh Air Show. Its sixth-generation aircraft successfully completed what was considered to be the first public demonstration of a fully autonomous, fixed-wing air taxi flight. It was a memorable sight for those attending and a pivotal achievement for the industry.
The trailblazing aircraft is also the first of its kind (a passenger aircraft that's both electric and autonomous) to be on track for formal FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification. Back in 2017, Wisk was also the first aviation company in the US to conduct the autonomous flight of an eVTOL for passenger transportation.
Configured as a four-seat air taxi, this eVTOL can cover up to 90 miles (144 km, with reserves) at a cruising speed of 110 knots (126.5 mph/203 kph). In terms of altitude, it can reach between 2,500 to 4,000 feet (762 to 1,219 meters) above ground level.
The most recent prototype combines a wingspan under 50 feet (15.2 meters) with a wider, more comfortable cabin that increases room for passengers and luggage.
Although fully autonomous, the future Wisk aircraft is meant to operate safely and efficiently by mixing autonomy in the air with human supervision on the ground. With safety as the primary focus, this operational concept is set to offer "the best of both worlds." And, with the FAA certification on the way, this could indeed become the first electric air taxi authorized for autonomous flight.
At the beginning of last year, Wisk also became one of the most well-funded AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) companies worldwide after the aviation giant Boeing confirmed a $450 million investment. In early 2023, it officially became a fully-owned Boeing subsidiary.
The Boeing-backed company has big plans for its autonomous air taxi. Once its sixth-generation aircraft is officially certified, it intends to bring to life one of the largest eVTOL fleets based on autonomous flight technology. This will translate to nearly four million flights every year across 20 markets across the globe.
Wisk has already secured hefty deals with operators outside the US, from Australia to Japan.
The 2023 US Chamber of Commerce Global Aerospace Summit is the perfect opportunity for Wisk to present its advanced autonomous technology and for further discussions with industry members.
This event comes after Wisk's recent success at EAA's AirVenture/Oshkosh Air Show. Its sixth-generation aircraft successfully completed what was considered to be the first public demonstration of a fully autonomous, fixed-wing air taxi flight. It was a memorable sight for those attending and a pivotal achievement for the industry.
The trailblazing aircraft is also the first of its kind (a passenger aircraft that's both electric and autonomous) to be on track for formal FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification. Back in 2017, Wisk was also the first aviation company in the US to conduct the autonomous flight of an eVTOL for passenger transportation.
Configured as a four-seat air taxi, this eVTOL can cover up to 90 miles (144 km, with reserves) at a cruising speed of 110 knots (126.5 mph/203 kph). In terms of altitude, it can reach between 2,500 to 4,000 feet (762 to 1,219 meters) above ground level.
The most recent prototype combines a wingspan under 50 feet (15.2 meters) with a wider, more comfortable cabin that increases room for passengers and luggage.
Although fully autonomous, the future Wisk aircraft is meant to operate safely and efficiently by mixing autonomy in the air with human supervision on the ground. With safety as the primary focus, this operational concept is set to offer "the best of both worlds." And, with the FAA certification on the way, this could indeed become the first electric air taxi authorized for autonomous flight.
At the beginning of last year, Wisk also became one of the most well-funded AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) companies worldwide after the aviation giant Boeing confirmed a $450 million investment. In early 2023, it officially became a fully-owned Boeing subsidiary.
The Boeing-backed company has big plans for its autonomous air taxi. Once its sixth-generation aircraft is officially certified, it intends to bring to life one of the largest eVTOL fleets based on autonomous flight technology. This will translate to nearly four million flights every year across 20 markets across the globe.
Wisk has already secured hefty deals with operators outside the US, from Australia to Japan.
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