Wisk Aero has taken a defining step toward the future of urban air mobility with the successful Wisk Generation 6 eVTOL first flight, marking a historic milestone in autonomous aviation. The Boeing-backed company’s latest electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft completed its maiden hover test in California, positioning it as the first-ever candidate for FAA-certified commercial autonomous flight.
A Historic Moment for Autonomous Flight
The test flight took place on December 16 at Wisk’s Hollister, California facility, where the bright yellow Generation 6 aircraft lifted off, hovered steadily, executed stabilization maneuvers, and landed smoothly after approximately one minute in the air. While brief, the flight confirmed the functionality of the aircraft’s core systems and represents the opening chapter of an extensive testing campaign.
Wisk has now become the only company to design, build, and fly six generations of eVTOL aircraft, supported by more than 1,750 test flights across its previous prototypes.
Designed Without a Pilot—By Design
Unlike competitors such as Joby and Archer, Wisk’s Generation 6 follows an autonomous-first philosophy. The aircraft is built without traditional flight controls, relying instead on a ground-based Multi-Vehicle Supervisor system, where a single human operator oversees up to three aircraft simultaneously.
This pilotless configuration enables a more spacious cabin, allowing the aircraft to accommodate four passengers plus carry-on luggage, making it a practical solution for short urban and regional trips.
Advanced Engineering and Performance
The Generation 6 eVTOL features a 50-foot wingspan equipped with 12 rotors—six dedicated lift rotors and six convertible rotors that handle both lift and horizontal propulsion. This configuration allows the aircraft to transition from vertical takeoff to forward flight in just 30 seconds.
Key performance highlights include:
- Cruise speed: Up to 120 knots (138 mph)
- Maximum altitude: 4,000 feet
- Range: Approximately 90 miles
- Charging time: As little as 15 minutes
These specifications place the aircraft firmly within the practical requirements for urban air taxi operations.
Toward FAA Certification and Urban Air Taxis
According to Wisk, the successful hover test makes Generation 6 the first autonomous eVTOL designed specifically to pursue FAA certification for commercial passenger service. If certified, the aircraft is expected to launch in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston, although an official service timeline has yet to be announced.
The Future of Air Mobility Takes Shape
Wisk’s Generation 6 represents more than a technological breakthrough—it signals a fundamental shift in how cities may move people through the skies. With autonomy, electric propulsion, and rapid recharge times, the aircraft embodies a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient vision for future transportation.
As testing progresses, the aviation world will be watching closely. The Wisk Generation 6 eVTOL first flight may well be remembered as the moment autonomous air taxis truly left the ground.