What is this. A plane for ants. I'm about to hop into a fully electric autonomous aircraft called Whisk.Let me take you inside with me. So, you get in here and honestly, it feels a lot like I'm in an SUV or something. We've got four seats here, four doors, so you don't have to climb over anybody to get inside.I've also have a screen here that shows my arrival time and the route, so I can know what's happening. This thing can go up to 120 knots and it can go as far as 90 mi. This should hopefully take off so ...

This might look like an ordinary aircraft, but it's kind of anything but. It's fully electric and also fully autonomous. It's from a company called Whisk, and the idea is to get you to your destination in a fraction of the time.Whisk was started in 2010 and has since carried out nearly 2,000 test flights. Boeing acquired the startup in 2023 after having been an investor for several years. Whisk's air taxis can fly a distance of 90 m at up to 120 knots.The idea is to quickly get you from point A to point B, ...

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].