Overview
- Joby completed the unmanned first flight of its hybrid VTOL demonstrator on Nov. 7 at Marina, California, using its SuperPilot autonomy software.
- The aircraft adapts Joby’s S4 platform with a gas‑turbine hybrid powertrain to extend range and payload beyond the limits of all‑electric designs.
- Under an agreement with L3Harris, a militarized version is being positioned for contested logistics, teaming with manned aircraft, and low‑altitude support.
- Joby says government agencies will begin testing the system next year, with government mission flight demonstrations planned for 2026.
- Separately, Joby signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s GACA to accelerate air‑taxi deployment in the Kingdom using FAA certification standards as the approval baseline.