Watch Video: “Joby Completes Landmark U.S Defence Exercise with Autonomous Flight Technology”
Joby Aviation announced recently a landmark demonstration of its autonomous flight technology, as part of the Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), a Department-Level Exercise led by Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), reports a press release.
The eVTOL company conducted a successful demonstration and validation of its Superpilot autonomous flight technology over the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii, logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations across more than 40 flight hours.
The release explains, “The autonomous flights were managed from ground control stations at various locations throughout the exercise, primarily from more than 3,000 miles away at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.”
It continues, “A safety pilot was also onboard the aircraft to monitor the system’s performance. As part of Joby’s long-term strategy to develop dual-use technologies, Superpilot showcased its ability to provide an autonomous solution for the U.S. government’s urgent need for light intra-theatre airlift.”
In June 2024, Joby acquired the autonomy division of Xwing, including the Superpilot, with the goal of accelerating development of autonomous flight technology in defence and commercial applications.
Please Watch Video
This Superpilot, integrated into a Cessna Caravan 208 platform, was tasked with a variety of missions. Highlights included:-
Mission Readiness: Superpilot demonstrated the capability to execute rapid cargo deliveries, hub-and-spoke logistics, inter-island transport, dynamic retasking, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) profiles.
Operational Versatility: Flights were successfully conducted in all classes of airspace (B, C, D and uncontrolled) and under both visual and instrument flight rules.
Airlift Capabilities: Superpilot piloted a total of 7,342 miles over 43.7 hours. Within the exercise, the aircraft completed six sorties, flying for 14 hours covering 2,416 miles. The campaign also included a roundtrip ferry flight of 4,925 miles, with Superpilot successfully handling a Pacific Ocean crossing, landing and taxi at destination airports.
The successful REFORPAC exercise, positions Joby to compete for upcoming Department of Defence (DOD) programs. In addition, the work with defence partners can inform integration of autonomous capabilities into Joby’s commercial air taxi platform.
Greg Bowles, Chief Policy Officer at Joby, commented, “The exercise demonstrated Superpilot’s ability to operate in complex, real-world scenarios with the precision and reliability demanded by the U.S government. This is a testament to our decade-long collaboration with the DOD and a significant step toward deploying our dual-use technologies in the field.”
Lt. Col. Jonathan Gilbert
Lt. Col. Jonathan Gilbert, AFWERX Prime Division Chief, remarked, “REFORPAC was an opportunity to demonstrate the technology in a realistic environment and highlight the potential impact of these autonomous systems. The lessons learned from this exercise are vital to guiding our focus as we continue development of affordable technologies that support the needs of our Airmen.”
The release adds, “The USAF currently faces a challenge in efficiently supporting low-volume, high-urgency and high-risk deliveries in large operational theatres. The REFORPAC exercise validated that a light cargo aircraft, equipped with Superpilot, can meet this demand, while freeing up larger, more costly aircraft for other missions.”
The DOD has requested USD9.4 billion in its FY26 budget to advance autonomous and hybrid aircraft. Given President Donald Trump aims to strengthen the U.S military and is keen on developing new aviation technologies, it is highly likely this money will be granted.
For more information
(Top image: Autonomous Cessna Caravan 208)
For the latest news, insights and content regarding the global Advanced Air Mobility market, please join the following eVTOL Insights channels: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.
