Wisk Aero has rolled out the second flight-test example of its sixth-generation autonomous eVTOL aircraft. The full-scale prototype, registered as N607WA, is expected to make its first flight in the coming weeks. The Boeing subsidiary said it remains on track to bring the pilotless, four-passenger electric air taxi into commercial service by 2030. 

Collins Aerospace and partners including Safran, Airbus Defence and Space, Leonardo, and several universities have completed the EU-backed HECATE project to progress plans for future hybrid-electric programs. The RTX group subsidiary reported on March 17 that the initiative achieved the TRL5 stage of technology readiness and included trials with a powertrain that produced more than 500 kilowatts of power.

Rear-facing propfans have replaced the earlier ducted fan engines in the updated design for Beyond Aero’s in-development hydrogen-electric business airplane. On March 17, the French start-up released new drawings when it announced the completion of the preliminary design review for the eight-seat model.

Autonomous flight technology developer Merlin has raised $200 million by closing its SPAC-backed business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV. The Boston-based start-up’s stock started trading on New York’s Nasdaq market on March 17.

Joby Aviation has begun flying the first of five “FAA-conforming” eVTOL prototypes that it intends to use for type inspection authorization testing later this year, the company announced on March 11. According to Joby, TIA represents the final step in the type certification process that will pave the way for commercial operations with the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft.

Regent Craft has resumed trials with a full-scale prototype of the electric 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider it aims to bring to market in 2027. The company reported that its 2026 test campaign will include both the Viceroy and the smaller Squire Seaglider drone.

Pivotal is partnering with a North Carolina emergency services agency to test whether ultralight eVTOL aircraft such as its single-seat Helix model could accelerate response times for emergency medical services in rural areas. The California-based aircraft developer says it has launched a proof-of-concept project with Hyde County Emergency Services and Code Blue Resources.