Aircraft Specifications - The autonomous aircraft, named Whisk, resembles an SUV with four seats and four doors [1] - The aircraft's maximum speed is 120 knots (approximately 222 km/h), with a range of 90 miles (approximately 145 kilometers) [2] Operational Timeline and Locations - The company anticipates potential FAA certification and takeoff by 2030 [2] - Initial launch cities for the aircraft are Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami, operating from designated "Vertaort" locations [2] Future Expansion - The company plans to expand operations to more locations in the future [3]

Company Overview - Whisk 是一家致力于开发全电动、全自动空中出租车的公司，目标是大幅缩短出行时间 [1] - Boeing 在作为投资人多年后，于 2023 年收购了 Whisk [1] - Whisk 的空中出租车可以飞行 90 英里（约 144.8 千米）的距离，速度高达 120 节（约 222 公里/小时） [1] - Whisk 已经进行了近 2000 次测试飞行 [1] Aircraft Features - Whisk 的第六代空中出租车是该公司建造的最大的飞机，拥有宽敞的改进型内饰，可容纳四名乘客 [3][5] - 该飞机翼展为 50 英尺（约 15.2 米），配备 12 个升力风扇，前排风扇可倾斜以提供升力和巡航飞行 [5] - 飞机前部设有行李舱（frunk），可容纳四个滚轮包，机舱内有储物箱 [6][7] - 飞机采用垂直起降方式，配备直升机认证座椅，具有特殊的能量吸收机制，以确保硬着陆时的安全 [10] Autonomous Technology & Safety - Whisk 的飞机采用预编程路线飞行，能够检测并避开潜在危险，并在紧急情况下有备用地点 [19] - 飞机配备冗余系统、软件、电池和推进装置，以确保没有单点故障，从而提高安全性 [21] - 地面人员（多车辆主管）会监控飞行，并在出现问题时进行干预 [16] - 飞机配备摄像头，持续监控机舱和乘客的安全，并通过机上和移动应用程序提供呼叫按钮 [13] Passenger Experience - 飞机内部设计类似于汽车，配备扶手、杯架和充电器，以及用于存放小型随身物品的隔间 [9] - 飞机还注重可访问性，在安全视频中提供手语，并在楼梯扶手上添加盲文和凸起字母，以及用于轮椅的装载平台 [14] - 每位乘客都有独立的门，方便进出 [7] Service & Cost - Whisk 计划与其它公司合作，通过一个应用程序提供完整的出行方案，包括到达飞机、飞行以及从着陆点到达最终目的地 [22] - 预计服务初期价格类似于 Uber Black，随着规模扩大，价格将逐渐降低 [24] - Whisk 计划在交通便利的中心位置建立垂直起降场（vertaports），配备充电基础设施和乘客便利设施 [25] - 飞机充电仅需 15 分钟 [26] Launch & Future Plans - Whisk 的目标是在 2030 年前推出服务，首先在休斯顿、洛杉矶和迈阿密推出，具体时间取决于 FAA 的认证 [27]

Industry Collaboration - Joby Aviation 与国防承包商 L3Harris 合作测试自动驾驶混合动力飞机 [1] Technological Advancement - 行业关注 Joby Aviation 在自动驾驶混合动力飞机领域的测试进展 [1]

Core Concept - The article discusses the emerging air taxi industry, focusing on companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, which are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to provide efficient urban transportation solutions [2][4][8]. Company Developments - Joby Aviation is testing its eVTOL aircraft and aims to begin passenger transport in Dubai next year [5]. - Archer Aviation plans to sell its first aircraft for use in Abu Dhabi later this year, with a partnership for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to transport dignitaries and athletes [6][21]. - Joby is doubling its aircraft production capacity at its California plant to support flight tests and aims to manufacture hundreds of aircraft per year [20]. - Archer has completed a 400,000-square-foot factory in Georgia for initial test versions of its aircraft [21]. Industry Challenges - The eVTOL industry faces significant hurdles, including the need for improved lithium-ion batteries, real-world testing for various environmental conditions, and the establishment of ground infrastructure like chargers and vertiports [8][9][10]. - Air traffic control systems specifically for air taxis must be developed, as the existing federal system is already overburdened [10]. - A new workforce of pilots and maintenance workers will be necessary to support eVTOL operations [10]. Regulatory Environment - The FAA is working on design, production, and operational certifications for eVTOL companies to ensure safety for passenger transport [12]. - An executive order signed by President Trump aims to accelerate the testing and approval process for "flying cars" [12][13]. Future Prospects - The air taxi market is expected to grow, with potential for eVTOLs to serve as transportation between cities and to create new routes not profitable for traditional airlines [15]. - The defense sector may see substantial demand for eVTOL aircraft, with Joby and Archer developing military versions of their aircraft [16][18]. - Major automotive companies like Toyota and Stellantis are investing heavily in eVTOL firms, providing financial and operational support [19].