Joby Aviation has received a $55 million Agility Prime contract extension to deliver electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the US Air Force.
The Agility Prime program supports US defense efforts to adopt advanced air mobility capabilities and pursue cleaner, more efficient aviation.
Part of the initiative seeks to provide the air force with up to nine five-seat eVTOL units, each featuring low noise and zero emissions. The extension brings program funding to $131 million.
Two aircraft will be delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in early 2024, the first electric-powered air taxis to be operated at a US military base.
They will be deployed for logistical tasks such as personnel and cargo transport.
Practicing With the New eVTOLS
The funding announcement comes after the US Air Force conducted its first pilot-in-command flight with an eVTOL, including vertical to windborne transition, at Joby’s facility in Marina, California.
Simulation and classroom-based practice was held to prepare pilots for eVTOL operation and its future roles before the demonstration.
“This next step of getting Air Force pilots trained and operating Joby aircraft at an Air Force installation is an incredibly important milestone for the program, providing key insights to actual operations and use case validation for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft,” AFWERX Prime Division Chief Lt. Col. Tom Meagher explained.
“Additionally, the Joby operations provide an outstanding opportunity for accelerated learning with the other Department of Defense services and government agencies, including NASA and the FAA.”
