Archer Aviation and Wisk Aero, prominent developers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have successfully settled a federal and state litigation that had been ongoing between them. The lawsuit, originally filed by Wisk in April 2021, alleged trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement by Archer. While the specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, both companies have embraced a new collaborative direction, focusing on the advancement of the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
In a joint effort to foster the growth of the AAM industry, Archer and Wisk have entered a partnership that envisions a harmonious future. As a significant aspect of this collaboration, Wisk is set to become the exclusive provider of autonomy technology for forthcoming iterations of Archer's eVTOL design. Additionally, Boeing, the parent company of Wisk, will invest a confidential sum to facilitate the seamless integration of Wisk's technology into Archer's aircraft.
Archer introduced the production version of its Midnight eVTOL in November 2022. Designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, Midnight boasts a range of up to 100 miles, a cruising speed of up to 150 MPH, and a payload capacity of approximately 1,000 pounds. The earlier model, known as Maker, achieved its inaugural hover flight milestone in December 2021.
Wisk unveiled its sixth-generation autonomous air taxi in October 2022. This four-seat iteration is anticipated to achieve a cruising speed of 120 knots and cover a range of 90 miles, including reserves. Wisk has conducted a remarkable 1,600 test flights to date to refine its eVTOL designs, signifying their dedication to advancing aerial mobility solutions.
