Wisk and Liebherr Partner to Develop Actuation System for Gen 6 eVTOL

Wisk and Liebherr Forge Alliance to Advance Autonomous Flight

The landscape of urban air mobility is rapidly evolving, moving from conceptual designs to tangible, production-ready aircraft. In a significant step toward this future, Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing, has announced a strategic partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace. This collaboration centers on the development and supply of the critical actuation system for Wisk’s Generation 6 eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. The agreement isn’t just a simple supplier contract, it represents a long-term commitment that spans the entire lifecycle of the aircraft, from initial development and rigorous certification processes to full-scale production. This move signals a maturing of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, where pioneering companies are now forging alliances with established aerospace titans to ensure the safety, reliability, and certifiability of their innovative designs.

At its core, this partnership is about de-risking the path to market for autonomous, all-electric air taxis. The actuation system is akin to the muscles and nerves of an aircraft, translating pilot or computer commands into physical movement of the flight control surfaces. For an autonomous aircraft, the integrity and reliability of this system are paramount. By selecting Liebherr, a company with a long and proven track record in developing and certifying flight control systems for commercial airliners, Wisk is building a foundation of trust and safety into its Gen 6 aircraft. This collaboration marries Wisk’s agile, forward-thinking approach to autonomous flight with Liebherr’s deep-seated expertise in creating robust, certifiable aerospace hardware, a combination deemed essential for navigating the novel and complex regulatory pathways of eVTOL Certification.

A Partnership Built on Precision and Trust

The agreement tasks Liebherr-Aerospace with providing a comprehensive electro-mechanical actuation system for Wisk’s 6th Generation aircraft. This system is responsible for the precise control of the aircraft’s primary flight surfaces, which include the flaperons, elevators, and rudders. Furthermore, it governs the critical tilting function of the propulsion system, a key mechanism that allows the aircraft to transition seamlessly from vertical takeoff to forward flight. The scope of this partnership underscores the complexity of the technology involved and the high degree of integration required between the hardware and the aircraft’s autonomous flight control software.

Liebherr is not simply providing an off-the-shelf solution. The company is adapting its proprietary modular flight control system, known as LiVCAS®, specifically for the unique architecture of Wisk’s smaller, all-electric aircraft. This customization process involves close collaboration between Wisk’s Avionics and Flight Control System teams and Liebherr’s engineers to ensure a seamless and flawless integration. The manufacturing of these highly specialized components, including the electro-mechanical actuators and their associated electronic units, will take place at Liebherr’s centers of competence in Lindenberg and Lindau, Germany, facilities known for their precision engineering in the aerospace sector.

The emphasis on safety is a recurring theme in this partnership. The actuation system is being designed with inherent redundancy to meet the most stringent aviation safety standards required for certification. This is a non-negotiable aspect of bringing any new aircraft to market, especially one designed for autonomous operation in urban environments. The collaboration leverages Liebherr’s extensive experience in certifying flight control systems for commercial aircraft, a body of knowledge that is invaluable as Wisk works with regulatory bodies like the FAA to certify novel systems for which precedents are still being set.

“The actuation system is one of the most critical systems on our aircraft. Selecting Liebherr, a well-established, world-class aerospace company, as our long-term supplier for this system is a major milestone for the program.” – Eric Haugen, Head of Supply Chain Management at Wisk.

The Broader Implications for Advanced Air Mobility

This strategic agreement between Wisk and Liebherr is more than just a headline for the two companies, it’s a barometer for the health and trajectory of the entire AAM industry. It demonstrates a clear shift from speculative designs and prototypes to the establishment of a robust, certifiable supply chain. For the AAM sector to succeed, it must prove that its aircraft are as safe, if not safer, than traditional commercial aviation. Partnering with established Tier 1 suppliers like Liebherr is a critical step in building that case and gaining the trust of regulators and the public alike.

The collaboration model itself sets a powerful precedent. It showcases how innovative, software-driven companies like Wisk can effectively partner with legacy hardware experts to accelerate development without compromising on safety or quality. This symbiotic relationship allows each party to focus on its core competencies. Wisk can continue to pioneer its autonomous flight systems, while Liebherr provides the certified, reliable hardware backbone. This approach mitigates risk and leverages decades of institutional knowledge in aerospace manufacturing and certification.

Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will be a key enabler for Wisk’s goal of launching one of the industry’s first autonomous, all-electric air taxi services. As the Gen 6 aircraft moves closer to certification and production, the reliability of components like the Liebherr actuation system will be under intense scrutiny. A successful outcome will not only pave the way for Wisk but will also provide a valuable roadmap for other eVTOL companies navigating the complex journey from concept to commercial operation.

A Glimpse into the Future of Flight

The alliance between Wisk Aero and Liebherr-Aerospace is a foundational piece in the puzzle of future urban air mobility. It represents a pragmatic and safety-conscious approach to realizing a technology that promises to reshape how we move through our cities. By securing a long-term Partnerships for one of the most critical systems on its aircraft, Wisk has taken a significant leap forward, solidifying its supply chain and reinforcing its commitment to meeting the highest standards of aviation safety. This move is indicative of a broader industry trend, where the pioneers of AAM are increasingly turning to the established giants of aerospace to bring their visions to life.

Ultimately, the journey to autonomous air taxis flying over our cities will be built on a series of such deliberate, strategic collaborations. The integration of Liebherr’s proven hardware with Wisk’s innovative autonomous systems is a testament to the idea that the future of flight will be co-authored by both the disruptors and the established leaders of the aerospace industry. As these partnerships mature and the technology is proven through rigorous testing and certification, the prospect of safe, everyday autonomous flight for everyone moves one step closer to reality.

FAQ

Question: What is the significance of the partnership between Wisk Aero and Liebherr-Aerospace?
Answer: This long-term strategic partnership is significant because it pairs Wisk, an innovator in autonomous electric aircraft, with Liebherr, a world-class aerospace supplier with deep experience in certifying critical flight control systems. It’s a major step in de-risking the development and certification of Wisk’s Generation 6 eVTOL aircraft.

Question: What specific system is Liebherr-Aerospace providing?
Answer: Liebherr is developing and supplying the complete electro-mechanical actuation system. This system controls the aircraft’s primary flight surfaces (flaperons, elevators, rudders) and the tilting of its propulsion units, which is essential for transitioning between vertical and forward flight.

Question: Why is the actuation system so critical for an autonomous aircraft?
Answer: In any aircraft, the actuation system is vital for control. In an autonomous, pilotless aircraft like Wisk’s, its reliability and redundancy are even more critical. The system must flawlessly execute commands from the flight computer to ensure the aircraft’s stability and safety at all times, meeting the highest aviation safety standards for certification.

Sources: Wisk Aero Press Release