A recent milestone from Wisk Aero demonstrates how permanent magnet technology is a critical part of electric aviation as the industry gains momentum.

According to a recent article from Magnetics Magazine, Boeing-owned Wisk Aero successfully completed the first flight of its second Generation 6 autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The achievement expands the company's flight testing capabilities as it works toward FAA certification of its autonomous air taxi platform.

Permanent Magnet Motors at the Heart of Electric Flight

One detail that stands out for manufacturers and engineers is Wisk's propulsion system.

The Generation 6 aircraft uses a distributed propulsion design featuring 12 independent electric motors that power 12 propellers. During takeoff and landing, all 12 motors provide vertical lift. Once airborne, the front six motors tilt forward to transition the aircraft into efficient wingborne flight.

Wisk designs and manufactures its own air-cooled brushless permanent magnet synchronous motors, selecting this motor technology for its combination of:

  • High power-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent torque density
  • Mechanical simplicity
  • Built-in redundancy for improved reliability

Each motor is designed with a single moving part, reducing complexity while supporting the high reliability required for commercial aviation.

Magnets Meet Industry Needs for Lightweight Aircraft

The rapid development of eVTOL aircraft illustrates how critical high-performance permanent magnets have become in next-generation transportation systems.

Unlike traditional aircraft propulsion systems, electric aircraft rely on lightweight, highly efficient electric motors to maximize flight performance while minimizing weight and energy consumption. Permanent magnets play a central role in achieving those goals, making them an enabling technology for electric aviation, robotics, electric vehicles, and many other advanced manufacturing applications.

Apex Magnets 

At Apex Magnets, we continue to follow advancements across aerospace and advanced manufacturing to help customers identify the right magnetic solutions for today's applications and tomorrow's innovations.

Have questions about rare-earth magnets? Contact us any time!