Joby Aviation Delivers its First Electric Air Taxi to the US Air Force

Joby Aviation, Inc., a US company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, has delivered its first aircraft to to the US Air Force approximately six months ahead of the expected 2024 delivery date. With a range of up to 100 miles plus energy reserves and a top speed of 200 mph, the Joby aircraft is capable of transporting a pilot and four passengers quickly and quietly with zero operating emissions.

Joby’s current and previously completed work with the US Department of Defense (DOD) represents a total potential contract value of $163 million, the largest in the industry.

On-base operations with Joby aircraft will be used to demonstrate a range of logistics missions, including cargo and passenger transportation, and will be operated by both Joby and US Air Force personnel.

In partnership with the US Air Force, NASA will also use the aircraft for research focused on how these aircraft could fit into the national airspace.

The aircraft, which was the first built on Joby’s Pilot Production Line in Marina, California, will be stationed at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) for at least the next year, with charging and ground support equipment provided on-base by Joby in a facility purpose-built by the Air Force for joint flight test operations.

The aircraft, which has already begun flying at Edwards AFB, is the first electric air taxi to be stationed on a US military base, is part of Joby’s $131 million AFWERX Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force.

Joby’s partnership with the DOD dates back to its 2016 engagement with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which granted the company early funding as well as access to test ranges and expertise that have aided its aircraft development program.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, says: “We’re proud to join the ranks of revolutionary aircraft that first demonstrated their capabilities at Edwards Air Force Base, including the first American jet fighter, the first supersonic aircraft, and many others that have pushed the boundaries of aviation technology.” 

He adds: “The longstanding support of the DOD and NASA has been critical to the rapid development of electric aviation and eVTOL aircraft, and demonstrates how successful public-private partnerships can bring new technology to life at speed. Their work will have profound implications for continued American leadership in both commercial and defense aerospace technology.” 

“NASA’s participation in the Joby and AFWERX project will provide our researchers with hands-on experience with a representative eVTOL vehicle, concentrated on how these types of aircraft could fit into the national airspace for everyday use, that will inform NASA’s effort in supporting the entire eVTOL industry,” comments NASA research pilot Wayne Ringelberg. “The research will include a focus on handling qualities evaluation tools, autonomy, and airspace integration, which is all needed research to push the industry forward.”

Joby Aviation, Inc. is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world.