Here Comes the US Air Force’s Electric Flying Vehicle
The US Airforce’s Agility Prime programme was launched in 2020 to advance eVTOL aircraft for both military and commercial applications, enabling new forms of transportation and enhancing operational flexibility. The Air Force partnered with various aerospace companies and recently awarded Joby Aviation a $55 million contract extension as part of its participation efforts, increasing total funding to $131 million.
Joby’s additional funding comes after four Air Force pilots successfully steered the flight remotely from the ground after completing classroom-based and simulator training. In 2022 Joby set the record for the highest operational altitude to more than 11,000 feet at a speed of nearly 174 knots or 200 mile per hour.
While each company has its own eVTOL version some standard technical features include electric motors and batteries instead of internal combustion engines, capable of taking off and Landing vertically, generating less noise and fewer emissions and often having multiple rotors for redundancy. eVTOL companies have been ensuring they meet uncompromising safety standards set by the FAA.
In August 2022, Joby Aviation has announced the expansion of its existing contract with the US Air Force’s Agility Prime program that increases the contract’s potential value by more than $45 million.
