Joby Aviation will deliver two additional electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems to the US Air Force in 2025 as part of a contract with the Pentagon.
The delivery supports AFWERX’s Agility Prime program, which seeks electric-powered taxis for cleaner and more efficient mobility capabilities across various installations.
The vehicles will be stationed at MacDill AFB in Florida for corresponding eVTOL evaluation and personnel training throughout the site and in the surrounding area.
It will be the first time the company works directly with operational units to facilitate logistics missions and trial use cases in personnel transport. Additional functionalities planned for the upcoming eVTOLS are security force support and casualty evacuation missions.
The latest order brings the potential value of the project to $163 million.
“The early investment and vision by the US government in this critical technology is proving foundational as we continue our path toward commercial passenger service,” Joby Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt stated.
“We’re grateful to our partners at the Department of Defense for their ongoing support and continued leadership in adopting eVTOL technology.”
“We’re looking forward to working with units at MacDill Air Force Base as we further explore the potential use cases for our aircraft, demonstrating its capabilities in realistic settings.”
Joby’s eVTOL System
According to Joby, each electric taxi ordered under the program has the capacity for up to four passengers (excluding the pilot) and a maximum speed of over 200 miles (322 kilometers) per hour.
The company claims that the aircraft flies with zero emissions and produces less noise than traditional helicopters.
Air Taxi Development
In February, Joby completed the third of a five-phase certification process required by the Federal Aviation Administration for commercial use.
The contract for the first eVTOL shipment was signed in April 2023. The company then delivered the aircraft to Edwards AFB in September, making the turnover six months earlier than the original timeline.
The US Defense Innovation Unit awarded Joby the initial funding to assemble and test the eVTOLS in 2016.