Joby Aviation Inc., a California-based company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, today confirmed it received FAA Special Airworthiness Certification and US Air Force Airworthiness Approval for a second pre-production prototype aircraft in December 2021, as expected. The first pre-production prototype generated 65 terabytes of test data in 2021, flying more than 5,300 miles, including what is believed to be the longest flight of an eVTOL aircraft to date, at 154.6 miles on a single charge. As planned, the second aircraft will significantly accelerate Joby’s capacity for flight testing in 2022, further supporting the Company’s ambition to certify its aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) in time to launch commercial operations in 2024. The aircraft is expected to begin flying later this month and will be put into service as part of Joby’s Agility Prime contract with the US Air Force.
US Air Force airworthiness was received just six days after the FAA special airworthiness certification was granted. This approval timeline reflects joint work between Joby and the US Air Force to streamline certification requirements and demonstrates their commitment to introducing novel aviation technologies to the commercial market. With a maximum range of 150 miles and a top speed of 200 mph, Joby’s all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot with zero operating emissions. The Company began flying full-scale prototypes in 2017 and has completed more than 1,000 flight tests to date. Joby aims to launch a passenger service in 2024, offering a fast, clean, and quiet way for people to move within congested metropolitan areas and other communities.
Commenting on the milestone, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, 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.”
In 2020, Joby became the first and only eVTOL company to sign a G-1 (stage 4) certification basis with the FAA, having received an initial (stage 2) signed G-1 from the FAA in 2019. In parallel to this work, the Company continues to make progress with the FAA on defining the means of compliance that will apply to its aircraft as it progresses with certification efforts. Joby was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2021 under the ticker symbol “JOBY.” Joby Aviation, Inc. is a California-headquartered transportation company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service beginning in 2024. The aircraft, which has a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge, can transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. It is designed to help reduce urban congestion and accelerate the shift to sustainable modes of transit. Founded in 2009, Joby employs around 1,000 people, with offices in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Marina, California, as well as Washington, D.C. and Munich, Germany.
