Joby Aviation and defense contractor L3Harris to test autonomous hybrid aircraft

Joby Aviation, a prominent electric aviation company, has partnered with defense contractor L3Harris to develop an autonomous, hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This collaboration aims to leverage Joby's expertise in electric aviation and the defense capabilities of L3Harris. The agreement will focus on designing and testing a gas-turbine hybrid VTOL system, which can operate autonomously, for potential defense applications. This move builds upon Joby's previous research and development work with the U.S. Department of Defense. The hybrid aircraft is expected to combine the advantages of both electric and traditional propulsion systems, potentially offering improved range, payload capacity, and operational flexibility compared to purely electric VTOL designs. The autonomous capabilities of the aircraft are also a key feature, allowing for enhanced mission flexibility and reduced human involvement. This partnership represents a significant step forward for Joby as it expands its reach into the defense sector, leveraging its technological advancements to address the needs of military and government agencies.