Joby Aviation Partners with L3Harris to Test Autonomous Hybrid Aircraft

Joby Aviation and L3Harris team up to develop autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft for defense, aiming for future DoD contracts.
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Joby Aviation Partners with L3Harris to Test Autonomous Hybrid Aircraft
Joby Aviation's Shift Toward Autonomous Hybrid Aircraft Joby Aviation, widely recognized for its electric air taxis, is expanding its ambitions by testing autonomous hybrid aircraft for military use. The company recently announced a collaboration with defense contractor L3Harris Technologies to develop a gas-turbine hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of flying without a pilot onboard. This move signifies Joby's strategic pivot to not only serve the commercial air taxi market but also establish a strong foothold in defense aviation. The partnership is rooted in Joby’s decade-long relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), aiming to deliver cutting-edge aircraft that meet military standards and operational needs. Image Credits:Joby Aviation Joby’s new project will use the foundational S4 aircraft design, which was originally conceived with an all-electric powertrain. While the commercial version focuses on short-range urban air mobility, the hy…