Technology & Innovation
Wisk Aero Adds Second Gen 6 Autonomous eVTOL to Test Fleet
Wisk Aero expands its flight test fleet with a second autonomous Gen 6 eVTOL aircraft, advancing testing for a 2030 commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Wisk Aero.
Wisk Aero has officially expanded its flight test fleet, handing over its second Generation 6 autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to its Flight Test Operations team. According to a company statement released on LinkedIn, the addition of this second aircraft aims to generate more flights, data, and learnings to ensure a safer introduction of autonomous air taxis for the general public.
The rollout of the second prototype, officially registered as N607WA, marks a significant milestone for the Boeing-owned aviation company. Based at Wisk’s flight test facility in Hollister, California, the new aircraft provides crucial redundancy. Industry research indicates this will allow the company to accelerate its testing cadence alongside the first prototype, N606WA, as it pushes toward a full transition flight later this year.
As the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector races toward commercialization, Wisk maintains a unique “autonomy-first” approach. While several major competitors focus on piloted models for near-term launch, Wisk is targeting a 2030 commercial entry into service with a fully autonomous, four-passenger aircraft, initially planned for markets in Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Flight testing an entirely new category of aircraft requires rigorous data collection and often results in downtime for maintenance or reconfiguration. By introducing a second company-conforming prototype, Wisk ensures that testing can continue uninterrupted. If one aircraft is grounded for instrumentation adjustments, the other can execute the exact same mission profile.
Guillaume Beauchamp, Head of Aircraft Development at Wisk Aero, highlighted the operational advantage of the dual-fleet system in recent industry reports.
If we ever have an issue with one, the other one has the same instrumentation. It’s built so that it can do the same mission.
Although N607WA is functionally interchangeable with the first prototype, Wisk engineers have incorporated minor design refinements based on lessons learned since N606WA’s maiden flight in December 2025. Notably, the second aircraft features more exposed rear pylons, removing the aerodynamic fairings seen on the initial model. According to Beauchamp, these changes were implemented to save weight and improve structural stiffness rather than to boost range.
We wanted to save some weight so that we can actually make sure we can hit all the different corners of the test [envelope].
The Gen 6 represents Wisk’s production-intent design, culminating from over a decade of research and more than 1,750 test flights across previous generations. According to technical specifications provided in industry research, the aircraft features a 50-foot wingspan equipped with 12 independent rotors. The rear six rotors are fixed to provide vertical lift, while the front six can tilt to enable both vertical lift and forward thrust. Performance-wise, the Gen 6 is designed to cruise at 120 knots (138 mph) with a range of approximately 90 miles, operating at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 feet. It boasts a payload capacity of roughly 900 pounds, accommodating four passengers alongside light luggage.
Unlike traditional aircraft, the Gen 6 has no pilot on board and no traditional cockpit controls. It relies on logic-driven, procedural-based algorithms and a comprehensive suite of Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) sensors to fly itself. Human oversight remains in the loop via a ground-based “Multi-Vehicle Supervisor,” who can monitor up to three aircraft simultaneously and intervene only if necessary.
Sebastien Vigneron, CEO of Wisk Aero, emphasized the company’s commitment to this pilotless model following the initial successes of the Gen 6 program.
It reaffirms our belief in autonomy, and we are even more energized to continue the journey to bring safe, everyday flight to everyone.
Wisk has maintained a steady pace of regulatory and testing milestones. Following the successful Maiden-Flight of N606WA in December 2025, which included vertical takeoff, hover, and stabilized maneuvers, the company has completed at least 10 additional flights. The immediate goal for 2026 is to achieve a “transition flight,” the complex maneuver where the aircraft shifts from vertical hover to horizontal, wing-borne flight.
In March 2026, Wisk achieved another significant step when it was selected, alongside the Texas Department of Transportation, for the White House and FAA‘s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This multi-year initiative will facilitate the testing of autonomous systems within the U.S. National Airspace, paving the way for high-frequency operations in Texas.
We observe that Wisk’s strategy represents a distinct divergence from the broader advanced air mobility market. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are pursuing piloted eVTOLs to align with existing FAA frameworks, targeting commercial launches as early as 2025 or 2026.
By skipping the piloted phase entirely, Wisk faces a longer and more complex Certification pathway. However, this long game could ultimately solve the industry’s most pressing bottlenecks. Removing the pilot not only frees up a revenue-generating seat but also circumvents the looming challenge of recruiting and training thousands of specialized eVTOL pilots. Backed by Boeing’s deep aerospace expertise and a $450 million investment secured in 2022, the addition of a second test aircraft signals that Wisk is methodically accelerating its timeline to make scalable, autonomous flight a reality.
The Gen 6 is a fully autonomous, all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed by Wisk Aero. It is built to carry four passengers without an onboard pilot, utilizing advanced sensors and ground-based supervision. Wisk is currently targeting a commercial entry into service by 2030, with initial launch markets planned for Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Wisk Aero is a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing. It was originally founded in 2019 as a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, before Boeing acquired full ownership in June 2023.
Expanding the Fleet for Continuous Testing
Redundancy and Design Refinements
The Generation 6 Aircraft and Autonomy
Technical Specifications
The Pilotless Approach
Regulatory Milestones and the Road Ahead
Recent Achievements
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wisk Gen 6 aircraft?
When will Wisk air taxis be available to the public?
Who owns Wisk Aero?
Sources
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero