To accelerate flight testing in 2022, Joby has added a second pre-production prototype eVTOL aircraft to their test fleet in support of FAA certification. The second aircraft received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate and USAF airworthiness approval in December 2021.
On Thursday (January 6, 2022), Joby Aviation announced the addition of a second pre-production eVTOL vehicle to increase 2022 flight testing capacity in support of the company’s FAA certification goal. The second aircraft received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate and US Air Force (USAF) airworthiness approval in December 2021, with USAF approval granted just six days after FAA approval. The California-based company is developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial service. The first pre-production prototype generated 65 terabytes of test data in 2021, flying over 5,300 miles, including a flight of 154.6 miles on a single charge, believed to be the longest test flight of an eVTOL aircraft to date. The added test capacity will support Joby’s goal to achieve FAA certification prior to their planned 2024 commercial launch.
In today’s announcement, Joby Aviation’s Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, said,
“Our 2021 flight test program delivered a wealth of information and experience to support our program. With two aircraft flying at the same time, we’ll be able to increase the speed of our learnings as planned, while continuing to fulfill the requirements of our Agility Prime contract. We’re grateful to the US Air Force for our ongoing relationship and support and to the FAA for continuing to foster innovation in the aviation industry.”
The second test aircraft is expected to begin flying later this month as part of Joby’s Agility Prime contract with the USAF. Joby’s eVTOL aircraft has been designed to carry four passengers and one pilot with zero emissions up to a range of 150 miles at a top speed of 200 mph. The company launched full-scale prototypes in 2017 and has since completed over 1,000 test flights. In 2020, Joby became the first and only eVTOL company to sign a G-1 (stage 4) certification with the FAA, having previously signed an initial G-1 (stage 2) certification in 2019.
California-based Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) is developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to operate as part of a fast, quiet and convenient air taxi service from 2024. The vehicle will help reduce urban congestion and accelerate the shift to sustainable transportation. Joby was founded in 2009 and currently employs approximately 1,000 team members across offices and facilities in Santa Cruz, San Carlos and Marina (California), as well as Washington D.C. and Munich, Germany.
Source: Joby Aviation