Joby has just delivered its first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base as part of the company’s contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Joby Aviation, Inc, a developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, delivered its electric air cab to Edwards Air Force Base approximately six months ahead of its scheduled delivery date of 2024. Operations at the base with Joby aircraft will be used to test a range of logistics missions, including cargo and passenger transport, and will be operated by both Joby and USAF personnel. NASA will also use these eVTOLs for research focused on how these aircraft could fit into the national airspace, benefiting the entire air cab sector.
Joby’s aircraft, which has already begun flying at Edwards AFB, is the first electric air cab stationed at a U.S. military base as part of Joby’s $131 million AFWERX Agility Prime contract with the U.S. Air Force. Joby’s current and previous work with the Department of Defense represents a total potential contract value of $163 million, the largest in the industry.
The Agility Prime contract includes the delivery of up to nine aircraft to the USAF and other federal agencies, reinforcing the U.S. government’s continued leadership in the development and adoption of eVTOL technology, and ushering in a new era of electric aviation. A second aircraft is scheduled for delivery to Edwards in early 2024.
For at least one year, the U.S. Air Force and Joby will conduct flight tests and joint operations to demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities in realistic missions. Operations at the base will also include training Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel, providing the Department of Defense with valuable feedback on eVTOL aircraft performance and providing Joby with operational and field training experience as the company prepares to launch commercial passenger service in 2025.
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.
