Wisk Aero’s Autonomous Air Taxi Soars in First Public Demo at Oshkosh 2023

Wisk Aero, a pioneer in Advanced Air Mobility, accomplished a remarkable feat in aviation history as it publicly demonstrated the world’s first fully autonomous, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) fixed-wing air taxi. This demonstration took place at EAA AirVenture, a renowned aviation event in Oshkosh, and included a flight of the company’s 5th Generation autonomous eVTOL technology demonstrator, Cora.

The air taxi’s journey involved multiple transitions from hovering to wing-borne flight, emphasizing the unique capabilities of the aircraft, including 360-degree turns in place. Wisk has made the flight’s video footage available on their YouTube channel for public viewing.

Wisk’s CEO, Brian Yutko, voiced his pride in the demonstration, stating, “This demonstration showcases the state of readiness for autonomous technology and electric propulsion. Combined with the progress we’re making on Type Certification for our 6th Generation air taxi, we’re proving that autonomy is possible and it’s happening today.”

Wisk’s achievement signifies a remarkable advancement in autonomous, electric aviation, revealing the potential for passenger services using all-electric, autonomous air taxis within the current decade.

“We’ve shared something that is really special,” said Jim Tighe, Chief Technology Officer at Wisk. “For the first time, we have publicly demonstrated fully autonomous flight, conducted by an all-electric, fly-by-wire, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. There was no pilot on board, no pilot controls in the aircraft, and no stick-and-rudder on the ground. The entire flight was operated with the push of a button.”

Wisk’s public demonstration builds upon the company’s rich history of trailblazing aviation achievements. These include the world’s first full transition of an eVTOL aircraft and the world’s first piloted flight of a fly-by-wire, all-electric, human-rated aircraft. With this recent public demonstration, Wisk Aero continues to shape the future of autonomous and electric aviation.

Wisk Air Taxi

• Mission: Passenger air taxi
• Power: All-electric
• Aircraft Classification: eVTOL (electric, vertical take-off and landing)
• Configuration: Lift + lift/cruise
• Operation: Autonomous (self-flying) with human oversight
• Cruising Altitude: 2500 – 4000 feet above ground level
• Dimensions: <50 foot wingspan
• Range: 90 miles (with reserves) / 144 kilometers
• Cruising Speed: 110-120 knots
• Charge Time: 15 minutes
• Seats: 4 + room for carry-on luggage items