Demonstrator Flies Just Three Months After Concept Revealed

Joby Aviation announced the first flight of its recently developed turbine-electric, autonomous VTOL aircraft. This comes just three months after the aircraft concept was announced in conjunction with L3Harris Technologies, who brings technologies and expertise to address defense applications for the U.S. military.

The demonstrator aircraft is modified to integrate a hybrid turbine powertrain with the fully-electric air taxi platform and Joby’s SuperPilot autonomy technology to deliver longer range air taxi service as well as for commercial, civilian, and defense customers.

The collaboration with L3Harris will bring missionization expertise including sensors, effectors, communications, and collaborative autonomy. The intent is to equip Joby’s hybrid aircraft for defense applications including contested logistics, loyal wingman operations, and low-altitude support. The U.S. government has requested $9 billion for the acquisition of next-generation, resilient, autonomous, and hybrid aircraft in the FY2026 budget.

The aircraft performed its first flight at Joby’s Marina, California, facility on November 7. The company will continue ground and flight testing prior to participating in operational demonstrations for government customers in 2026.

JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and Founder of Joby said, “It’s imperative that we find ways to deliver new technology into the hands of American troops more quickly and cost-efficiently than we have in the past. Our vertical integration puts us in a unique position to deliver on this goal, moving from concept to demonstration - and from demonstration to deployment - at a pace that is unprecedented in today’s aerospace and defense industry.”

Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris said, “The future battlefield relies on unmanned systems augmenting manned platforms, and our partnership with Joby accelerates missionized VTOL aircraft to directly support defense requirements. L3Harris has delivered thousands of missionized aircraft, and our focus is scaling rapidly to bring these commercial VTOL aircraft to the fight.”

FMI:  www.jobyaviation.com/ , www.l3harris.com/