Well here is some big news. In a step (or leap) that gets us much closer to flying cars in our skies, Wisk Aero has completed its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi test flights in the greater Los Angeles area.
The advanced air mobility company decided to add a bit of excitement to Long Beach Airport by sending its test flights into the mix of regular airport hustle and bustle.
Meanwhile, Wisk is having some chats with the local bigwigs about turning the neighborhood into a flying car-friendly neighborhood.
Brian Yutko, the CEO of Wisk, chimed in with, “Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in L.A. Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry, and we are extremely proud to be the first air taxi company to fly in L.A. – and to have done so with an autonomous aircraft. We are fortunate to have the partnership and support of Boeing throughout the area to help build relationships and advance our mission. We are thankful to Long Beach for their ongoing partnership and support as we make safe, everyday, autonomous flight a reality for Southern California and the world.”
On a more serious note, the company got cozy with the Long Beach Economic Partnership last year, sealing the deal and paving the way for better air mobility in the area.
Mayor Rex Richard (awesome name) chimed in, “I am proud to see the future of flight becoming a reality in Long Beach. Long Beach has been a leader in aviation for decades, and those careers helped build and sustain the middle class here for generations. I am looking forward to working with Wisk and Boeing to create good jobs and integrating a safe, quiet and environmentally responsible transportation option in Long Beach.”
Oh, btw, Boeing dropped $450 million into Wisk's piggy bank last year, in case you didn’t think any of this was serious. Buckle up, Long Beach, because the sky's the limit, and the air is about to be buzzin’ with flying cars.
Just for the hell of it, here are some Wisky specs:
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
Check em out: https://wisk.aero/aircraft/