The Emperor’s New Toy
Joby Aviation, Inc., the Toyota-backed designer and builder of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has delivered its first production eVTOL to Edwards Air Force Base approximately six months ahead of the expected 2024 delivery date. The USAF, by way of on-base operations of subject aircraft conducted in cooperation with Joby, will endeavor to demonstrate the machine’s applicability to a range of logistics missions, including cargo and passenger transportation. Additionally, NASA, in partnership with the USAF, will utilize Joby aircraft to conduct research germane to the utilization of such machines within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).