Technology & Innovation
Wisk and Liebherr Partner to Develop Actuation System for Gen 6 eVTOL
Wisk Aero partners with Liebherr to develop and certify critical actuation systems for its autonomous Gen 6 eVTOL aircraft, advancing urban air mobility.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Question: What is the significance of the partnership between Wisk Aero and Liebherr-Aerospace? Question: What specific system is Liebherr-Aerospace providing? Question: Why is the actuation system so critical for an autonomous aircraft? Sources: Wisk Aero Press Release
Wisk and Liebherr Forge Alliance to Advance Autonomous Flight
A Partnership Built on Precision and Trust
The Broader Implications for Advanced Air Mobility
A Glimpse into the Future of Flight
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero – Montage
Technology & Innovation
H55 Completes First EASA Battery Certification Tests in Aviation
H55 successfully passes all EASA-required propulsion battery certification tests, advancing electric aviation safety and production readiness.
This article is based on an official press release from H55.
H55, the Swiss electric aviation company spun off from the Solar Impulse project, announced it has successfully completed the full sequence of propulsion battery module certification tests required by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The milestone, achieved on December 19, 2025, marks a significant step forward for the sector, addressing the critical safety challenge of thermal runaway containment in high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
According to the company, this is the first time in the aviation industry that a propulsion battery module has passed these rigorous, authority-witnessed tests using serial-conforming hardware. The successful campaign clears the path for H55 to submit final test reports to EASA in the first quarter of 2026, with commercial entry-into-service projected for early 2027.
The primary hurdle for certifying electric-aviation has long been the safety of high-energy density batteries. Regulators require proof that if a single cell catches fire (a process known as thermal runaway), the failure will not propagate to neighboring cells or cause a catastrophic explosion. H55 reports that its “Adagio” battery module successfully demonstrated this containment capability under EASA supervision.
Instead of relying on heavy containment boxes, which add prohibitive weight to airframes, H55 utilizes a patented encapsulation technology. This system manages each cell individually, directing released energy and hot gases out of the module through a specific venting path. This approach prevents heat from triggering adjacent cells, effectively neutralizing the risk of propagation.
“Electric aviation has faced a single, unresolved bottleneck: proving to regulators that high-energy propulsion batteries can safely contain worst-case failures. Rather than attempting to contain a thermal runaway by shielding… H55 opts for a different approach, preventing fire propagation at the cell level.”
, André Borschberg, Co-Founder of H55
The tests were conducted on H55’s Adagio battery modules, which utilize commercial 21700 lithium-ion cells, a standard cylindrical format adapted for aviation safety. The company states the modules achieve an energy density of approximately 200 Wh/kg. Crucially, the tests utilized production-grade units rather than experimental prototypes, signaling that H55’s manufacturing lines in Sion, Switzerland, are ready for mass production.
In addition to the physical battery architecture, the system includes a redundant Battery Management System (BMS) capable of monitoring the voltage, temperature, and health of every single cell in real-time. While major eVTOL developers like Joby Aviation and Beta Technologies have made significant progress with flight testing, much of the industry has operated under experimental permits or is currently navigating the earlier stages of certification. H55’s completion of the specific battery module test sequence positions it as a critical supplier for airframers who prefer to integrate certified components rather than developing proprietary battery systems. Furthermore, the move from theoretical safety models to empirical, regulator-witnessed data is expected to assist insurers in transitioning from estimated risk models to actuarial data, potentially lowering premiums for electric fleets.
H55 holds both Design Organization Approval (DOA) and Production Organization Approval (POA) from EASA. The company is currently working with a joint Certification Management Team involving EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under mutual recognition agreements, the data generated from the EASA tests is intended to support “fast-track” approval for operations in North America.
To demonstrate the technology’s reliability to the North American market, H55 has announced an “Across America” tour for 2025. The company will fly its Bristell B23 Energic, a two-seater electric trainer aircraft equipped with the Adagio system, across the United States to engage with flight schools and operators.
H55 is also establishing a new production facility in Montreal, Canada, to serve customers in the region.
Sources: PR Newswire / H55
H55 Completes Aviation Industry’s First EASA-Required Battery Certification Tests
Solving the Thermal Runaway Challenge
Technical Specifications and Production Readiness
AirPro News analysis
Regulatory Pathway and North American Expansion
Sources
Photo Credit: H55
Technology & Innovation
Horizon Aircraft Selects RAMPF for Cavorite X7 Fuselage Production
Horizon Aircraft chooses RAMPF Composite Solutions to manufacture the fuselage of the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric eVTOL, targeting prototype assembly in 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Horizon Aircraft.
Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) has officially selected RAMPF Composite Solutions to manufacture the fuselage for its full-scale Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric eVTOL. Announced on January 29, 2026, this Partnerships marks a critical transition from design to physical production for the Canadian aerospace company.
The agreement tasks RAMPF with constructing the main body of the aircraft using advanced lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. According to the company’s statement, this collaboration is a prerequisite for meeting Horizon’s aggressive timeline: assembling the full-scale prototype in 2026 and commencing flight testing in early 2027.
A key factor in this selection appears to be geographic proximity. Both Horizon Aircraft and RAMPF Composite Solutions are based in Ontario, Canada, with RAMPF operating out of Burlington. Horizon CEO Brandon Robinson noted that this localization allows for tighter quality control and real-time engineering collaboration, which are often logistical bottlenecks in aerospace development.
RAMPF Composite Solutions, a subsidiary of the German-based RAMPF Group, specializes in manufacturing complex composite parts for the aerospace and defense sectors. Their scope of work involves creating a fuselage capable of withstanding high-impact forces and harsh environmental conditions while adhering to the strict weight limits required for electric flight.
“We are thrilled to partner with Horizon Aircraft on this revolutionary new aircraft. This opportunity allows us to demonstrate how our high-performance composite materials and Manufacturing processes can push the boundaries of engineering.”
Larry Fitzgerald, CEO of RAMPF Composite Solutions
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, emphasized the importance of RAMPF’s track record in the industry:
“RAMPF’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities are industry-leading, and we are excited to see the fuselage of our Cavorite X7 coming to life.”
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft
The Cavorite X7 is designed to operate in the Regional Air Mobility (RAM) market rather than the intra-city air taxi market targeted by many competitors. The aircraft features a seven-seat configuration (one pilot and six passengers) and utilizes a hybrid-electric Propulsion system. This system employs a gasoline engine to generate electricity, which powers the flight fans and recharges the battery pack, effectively mitigating the range anxiety associated with pure electric platforms.
According to Horizon’s official specifications, the aircraft targets a range of approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) and a top speed of 450 km/h (280 mph). The design utilizes a patented “Fan-in-Wing” system, where vertical lift fans are covered by sliding panels during forward flight, allowing the vehicle to fly efficiently like a traditional fixed-wing airplane.
The move to commission fuselage manufacturing is a significant indicator of technical maturity. In aerospace engineering, committing to hard tooling and physical production of the primary structure, the fuselage, typically signals that the outer mold line (OML) and internal structural architecture are “frozen.”
Furthermore, by securing a partner with defense and aerospace pedigree like RAMPF, Horizon is likely positioning itself to meet the rigorous Certification standards of Transport Canada and the FAA. The choice of a hybrid system also differentiates Horizon in a crowded market; while competitors struggle with battery density limits, the Cavorite X7’s hybrid architecture allows it to utilize existing aviation infrastructure immediately upon entry into service.
This manufacturing announcement follows a recent financial update from Horizon Aircraft on January 14, 2026. The company reported a cash position of over $24 million, which management states is sufficient to fund operations through 2026. Additionally, the company was recently awarded a grant of approximately $10.5 million from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) to support the development of all-weather flight systems.
With funding secured for the near term and the supply chain for major components now activating, Horizon appears on track to meet its goal of a flying full-scale prototype by early 2027.
Horizon Aircraft Taps RAMPF Composite Solutions for Cavorite X7 Fuselage Manufacturing
Strategic Localization of the Supply Chain
The Cavorite X7: Technical Context
AirPro News Analysis: Maturity of Design
Financial and Operational Outlook
Sources
Photo Credit: Horizon Aircraft
Technology & Innovation
AutoFlight Completes Transition Flight for 5-Ton Matrix eVTOL
AutoFlight’s V5000 Matrix eVTOL completed a full transition flight, marking a milestone for heavy-lift electric aircraft with 10-passenger capacity.
This article summarizes reporting by AeroTime.
AutoFlight has successfully completed a full transition flight with its V5000 “Matrix” aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of heavy-lift electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. According to reporting by AeroTime, the demonstration took place at the company’s test center in Kunshan, China, around February 5, 2026.
The event represents a major technical breakthrough for the sector. While several manufacturers have achieved transition flights with smaller air taxis, the Matrix is reportedly the world’s first 5-ton class eVTOL to perform the complex maneuver. The flight profile involved a vertical takeoff, a transition to wing-borne horizontal flight, and a return to vertical mode for landing.
The transition phase, switching from rotor-supported lift to wing-supported lift, is widely regarded as the most critical aerodynamic challenge for eVTOL aircraft. Successfully executing this phase with a heavy airframe validates the scalability of AutoFlight’s electric-aviation propulsion technology.
According to manufacturer specifications cited in the report, the V5000 “Matrix” is significantly larger than the 4-to-5-seat air taxis currently being developed by Western competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. The aircraft features a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 5,700 kilograms (5.7 tons) and a wingspan of roughly 20 meters.
AutoFlight has designed the Matrix to serve both passenger and cargo-aircraft markets with a focus on regional connectivity rather than just intra-city hops. Key specifications include:
The successful flight of the Matrix distinguishes AutoFlight in a crowded market. While U.S. and European firms are largely focused on the 1.5-to-2-ton class of aircraft intended for urban air mobility, AutoFlight is pursuing a “heavy-lift” strategy.
Industry data indicates that the larger capacity of the Matrix could allow for different economic models. By carrying 10 passengers instead of four, the aircraft may offer a lower cost-per-seat-mile, potentially making regional air travel more accessible. Additionally, the cargo variant targets heavy logistics and offshore supply chains, sectors that smaller eVTOLs cannot efficiently serve.
AutoFlight, founded by Tian Yu, operates R&D centers in Shanghai, Kunshan, and Augsburg, Germany. The company previously secured type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its smaller “CarryAll” cargo drone in 2024. The Shift Toward Regional Mobility
AutoFlight’s achievement with the V5000 Matrix suggests a potential pivot in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Until now, the dominant narrative has focused on “air taxis” replacing cars for short city trips. However, the physics and economics of a 5-ton, 10-passenger aircraft point toward a “regional shuttle” model, replacing buses or trains for inter-city travel.
We observe that by targeting the heavy-lift segment, AutoFlight is effectively creating a new vehicle class that sits between a helicopter and a regional turboprop. If the company can certify this platform, it may bypass the intense competition for urban vertiport space that smaller competitors face, instead utilizing existing regional airports and industrial hubs.
What is a transition flight? How does the Matrix compare to other eVTOLs? When did this flight occur? Sources: AeroTime, AutoFlight
AutoFlight Completes Transition Flight for 5-Ton “Matrix” eVTOL
Breaking the Weight Barrier
Technical Specifications
Strategic Positioning in the AAM Market
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
A transition flight is when an eVTOL aircraft switches from vertical flight (using rotors like a helicopter) to horizontal flight (using wings like an airplane). It is considered the most technically difficult phase of flight.
Most leading competitors, such as Joby or Archer, are building aircraft in the 2-ton class with 4-5 seats. The AutoFlight Matrix is a 5-ton class aircraft designed for 10 passengers or heavy cargo.
The demonstration was reported to have occurred around February 5, 2026.
Photo Credit: Sergio Cecutta – SMG Consulting
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