Wisk Aero has announced what it hopes will be the world's first self-flying, all-electric, four-passenger vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. "As Wisk's go-to-market aircraft, Generation 6 represents the first-ever candidate for type certification by the FAA of an autonomous eVTOL," the company says.

The Generation 6 combines autonomous technology and software, human oversight of every flight and an overall simplified design to deliver one of the safest passenger transport systems in commercial aviation.

“In 2010, we set out to find a way to skip traffic and get to our destination faster,” says 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 is backed by two aviation leaders, The Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation. Additionally, through its strategic partnership with Boeing, Wisk has a competitive advantage leveraging more than 100 years of Boeing expertise in aircraft development, scale manufacturing and certification. In addition, Boeing's eVTOL and autonomy engineering resources help further advance Wisk's development.

With this aircraft, Wisk aims to redefine long-standing concepts of flight and usher in a safer, scalable and more accessible era in aviation.

Through a multifaceted approach, including autonomous flight with human oversight, a simplified design with fewer moving parts, fully redundant systems and no single point of failure, Wisk's aircraft is being designed to exceed today's rigorous aviation safety standards of a one-in-a-billion chance of an accident.

Wisk is one of the only AAM companies to pursue a self-flying first approach. This approach is core to the company's overall strategy and is most importantly a critical element in bringing one of the safest systems to market in aviation. It is also the key to unlocking the scale and the full potential for the broader AAM industry. Wisk's multi-faceted self-flying first approach includes:

- Leveraging the same proven technology that accounts for more than 93% of automated pilot functions on today's commercial flights

- New, innovative technology such as improved detect and avoid capabilities, sensors and more

- Wisk's logic-driven, procedural-based, decision-making software, which provides reliable, deterministic outcomes

- Multi-vehicle supervisors that provide human oversight of every flight and have the ability to intervene when needed

Specifications and Performance:

Wisk's sixth generation aircraft leverages key learnings and insights from its previous five generations of eVTOL aircraft to deliver a new level of performance.

- Cruising speed: 120 knots

- Range: 90 miles with reserves (˜144 kilometres with reserves)

- Altitude: 2,500 - 4,000 ft above ground

- Seats: four

- Dimensions: <50 foot wingspan

- Power: electric

- Operation: Autonomous with human oversight

Design and Configuration:

Wisk's sixth generation aircraft design and configuration includes:

- Proprietary 12 propeller design and boom configuration with improved propulsion systems. Tilting propulsion units in front of the wing and fixed lift units aft of the wing are optimised for range, improved aircraft control and performance, and efficient energy management.

- A raised wing design, extended booms and increased size and number of propeller blades to improve safety, stability and the passenger experience, while reducing both in-cabin noise and the aircraft's overall noise footprint.

- A larger passenger cabin with four seats and ample storage for baggage and personal carry-on items, making it one of the most versatile air taxis in the market.

Wisk's design is informed by direct feedback from future passengers. By incorporating an automotive-like interior design, Generation 6 brings an elevated passenger experience. With optimal visibility, a spacious layout, comfortable seats and productivity features like wifi and charging, passengers will have the flexibility to enjoy the view, be productive or simply relax.

It has a price target of $3 per passenger per mile. In addition to affordability, Wisk has made accessibility a cornerstone of its design process. Generation 6 incorporates a number of accessibility features, from an entry and exit designed for individuals across the mobility spectrum to user interfaces that seamlessly accommodate people living with hearing, vision and other impairments. Wisk is one of the few industry players that have prioritised catering to such a wide demographic of passengers.