NASA, US Air Force Receive First Electric Air Taxi From Joby Aviation

The integration of air taxis into everyday airspace is taking a significant step forward, thanks to a collaboration between Joby Aviation and agencies like NASA and the US Air Force.

On September 25, Joby announced the delivery of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the US Air Force under its AFWERX Agility Prime program. This milestone marks an essential phase in evaluating the potential of these vehicles for both civilian and military applications.

NASA Pilots, Researchers to Test the Joby Aircraft

NASA reportedly has an interagency agreement with AFWERX to use the aircraft to test how such vehicles could fit into the national airspace.

NASA and AFWERX have a dynamic partnership focused on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an initiative poised to shape the future of this industry.

Parimal Kopardekar, integration manager for NASA's AAM mission, emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, saying, "This collaboration puts the best talent with the latest resources in the same place to accelerate the future of this industry."

Next year, NASA's cadre of pilots and researchers are set to initiate an extensive testing regime for the Joby aircraft. They will focus on pivotal elements like air traffic management, flight procedures, and ground-based infrastructure.

NASA will harness state-of-the-art equipment, notably the Mobile Operating Facility, a roving research laboratory. NASA's AAM research is pivotal in laying the groundwork for the future seamless integration of air transportation systems.

The versatility of air taxis and drones for emergency response, firefighting, and medical supply deliveries is on the horizon. This technology promises to enhance the connectivity and accessibility of communities.

NASA said it is committed to advancing these technologies, and findings will be shared with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to influence future policies.

This collaboration with Joby adds to NASA's extensive expertise in aeronautics research, bolstering the industry and informing regulatory practices.

Inaugural Step

The relationship between NASA and Joby Aviation has deep roots, with Joby being a recipient of NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program during the early stages of their technology development. This program is crucial in supporting small businesses to pioneer innovative technologies, bolstering the US economy.

The delivery of the Joby aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California heralds a new phase in the Agility Prime program. The Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force in the 412th Test Wing at Edwards will spearhead the flight test campaign.

Additionally, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, also in Edwards, provides an ideal setting for comprehensive flight research. NASA noted that this was just the inaugural step in the US Air Force's broader testing of Joby aircraft at various military bases.