Joby Aviation, a leading company in the field of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has recently revealed a contract extension worth $55 million with the United States Air Force, resulting in a total contract value of $131 million. Under this extended agreement, Joby will supply the U.S. military with a maximum of nine aircraft, with the initial deployment of two electric air taxis scheduled at Edwards Air Force Base by early 2024. This milestone not only signifies a major advancement in the progress of advanced air mobility but also underscores the immense potential of these aircraft for both military and civilian purposes.
The deployment of Joby’s eVTOL aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base will offer firsthand experience for military personnel, allowing them to evaluate the aircraft’s performance and explore its potential applications. This includes logistics use cases such as cargo and passenger transportation. As the first electric air taxis to be stationed at a U.S. military base, Joby’s aircraft will pave the way for future advancements in air mobility.
Air Force pilots take the controls
Recently, four Air Force pilots became the first military personnel to fly an eVTOL aircraft as sole pilot-in-command. This significant event, held at Joby’s manufacturing facility in Marina, California, marks a critical step in integrating eVTOL technology into military operations. The Air Force’s comprehensive approach to studying eVTOL aircraft and their potential future role will help drive innovation in the sector.
Strong public-private partnership
The Agility Prime program serves as a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can deliver groundbreaking technology rapidly. With the support of the U.S. government, Joby Aviation has the backing necessary to explore a wide range of potential use cases and prepare for commercial operations set to begin in 2025.
Edwards Air Force Base: history of aviation innovation
As the second largest base in the Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base has long been a site for significant aviation milestones, including the first breaking of the sound barrier and the first landing of the space shuttle. The introduction of Joby’s eVTOL aircraft will add to this rich history of innovation and advancement in aviation technology.
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The future of advanced air mobility
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to leading the way on the adoption of advanced air mobility. With bipartisan support from Congress and the White House, the development and implementation of eVTOL technology is poised to revolutionize both military and civilian transportation.
The partnership between Joby Aviation and the Department of Defense signifies a promising future for eVTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility. With military and civilian applications on the horizon, this groundbreaking technology has the potential to transform transportation, offering faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly options for cargo and passenger transport.
