Tail Structure Withstands For-Credit Static Load Testing

Joby Aviation announced its electric air taxi aircraft completed a series of major aerostructure tests for certification credit with the FAA as its tail structure was subject to static load testing with FAA representatives present.

The testing was conducted in Santa Cruz, California, as part of a series of rigorous testing of all structures, components, and systems to collect the data required for certification of the aircraft by the FAA.

The testing involved applying loads to the structure that far exceed the maximum forces it is expected to experience during flight. The FAA-conforming tail structure used in the testing, as well as the test procedure, instrumentation, and applied loads are specified in the documents submitted by Joby for certification. The documents have already been approved by the FAA as part of the process.

Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s President of Aircraft OEM said, “Completing for-credit static load testing on a major aircraft structure marks an important step towards certification of the Joby aircraft and we’re very pleased with the results. Reaching this milestone is the culmination of years of hard work across the engineering, testing, certification, and manufacturing teams at Joby.

“Our vertically-integrated approach to aircraft development gives us the capability to design, build, and test entire aerostructures in-house, providing Joby with a strong foundation to rapidly and efficiently continue to bring innovative technologies to market.”

FMI:  www.jobyaviation.com/