Wisk Aero, a Boeing subsidiary specializing in advanced air mobility (AAM), has acquired Verocel, a company specializing in software verification and validation (V&V) for high-integrity aerospace applications. The acquisition is expected to bolster Wisk’s efforts in certifying autonomous electric aircraft.
Wisk Aero’s vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, designed to accommodate four passengers with a fixed wingspan of 50 feet, operates autonomously under human supervision. The acquisition of Verocel is seen as pivotal in advancing Wisk’s certification process for autonomous flight.
“High-integrity software development is critical for our mission to certify an autonomous, electric aircraft with V&V being a significant portion of the total software certification effort,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Verocel’s specialized and talented team will bring with them deep experience and rigor, helping to accelerate our autonomous certification project that is already well underway.”
Verocel’s technology supports software certification through tools that define requirements, track progress, and facilitate submissions to regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Boeing’s continued investment in Wisk, including a recent $70 million injection, underscores its commitment to advancing innovation in the aerospace sector, particularly in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. Wisk’s expansion includes establishing vertiport infrastructure in Texas and collaborating on autonomous flight initiatives with industry partners like Archer Aviation.
The global development of infrastructure for electric aerial vehicles (EAVs), including charging stations and vertiports, reflects growing interest and investment in the future of urban air mobility worldwide.
