An all-electric, self-flying taxi is coming to a sky near you.
This latest advancement in aviation is presented by Wisk Aero, a joint venture between the Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation. The bright yellow self-flying taxi is set to become the first candidate for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification of an autonomous, passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi, or eVTOL as it is most widely known.
Wisk began production on the flying vehicle in 2010 with the goal of bypassing traffic in a safe and efficient way. Using the same trusted technology that accounts for the majority of automated pilot functions on commercial flights, the company has found a way to achieve quality assurance and give riders a less stressful means of transportation.
“Over the past 12 years, we have pursued that mission through the development of five different generations of full-scale aircraft,” said Gary Gysin, chief executive of Wisk.
The air taxi has an hour cruising speed of 222 kilometers and can fly from 762 meters to about 1,220 meters. However, the aircraft can only hold four people at a time, plus baggage. Decision-making software allows the air taxi to fly independently, though human oversight will monitor the flights and intervene when necessary. Wi-Fi and charging stations will be available on board. For these reasons, among others, this sixth-generation eVTOL is considered the most advanced air taxi in the world.
As of now, there is no date for the air taxi’s official takeoff.
