Joby and l3harris

Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies have announced a collaboration to develop a new class of hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for defense applications. This partnership combines Joby's commercial aircraft development program and manufacturing capabilities with L3Harris' expertise in platform missionization, including sensors, effectors, communication, and collaborative autonomy. The resulting aircraft is designed for low-altitude missions and offers the versatility of being optionally piloted, enabling both crewed and fully autonomous operations. 1. **Joby's Background**: - Joby Aviation, founded in 2009, has been developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transportation. - The company has a history of innovation, having explored electric motors, flight software, and lithium-ion batteries. - Joby has partnered with NASA and has received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force. - The company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities and has partnerships with companies like Toyota. 2. **L3Harris's Background**: - L3Harris Technologies is a leading provider of communications solutions with a focus on defense and aerospace. - The company has expertise in platform missionization, including sensors, effectors, communication, and collaborative autonomy. - L3Harris has a history of innovation and has been involved in breakthroughs in the defense industry. 3. **Collaboration and Next-Gen VTOL Aircraft**: - The partnership between Joby and L3Harris aims to develop a hybrid VTOL aircraft for defense applications. - The aircraft will be based on Joby's S4 platform and will feature a gas turbine hybrid powertrain. - The collaboration leverages Joby's commercial aircraft development program and L3Harris' missionization expertise to create a versatile aircraft for low-altitude missions. - Initial flight testing is expected to start in the fall of 2025, with operational demonstrations planned during government exercises in 2026. In conclusion, the collaboration between Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies represents a significant step in the development of advanced VTOL aircraft for defense applications. The partnership combines the strengths of both companies to create an innovative hybrid VTOL aircraft that offers a range of capabilities for low-altitude missions.