L3Harris Technologies has partnered with Joby Aviation to develop a next-generation vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) defense aircraft with human-machine hybrid piloting technology.
The system will be built for a wide range of low-altitude support use-cases and be powered by a gas turbine to support options between crewed and fully autonomous tasks.
The consortium will fuse L3Harris’ expertise in sensors, communications, effectors, and collaborative unmanned systems with Joby’s experience in commercial airframe assembly.
L3Harris and Joby are scheduled to commence related testing this fall, with operational demonstrations next year.
“The next-generation of vertical lift technology enables long-range, crewed-uncrewed teaming for a range of missions,” L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems President Jon Rambeau commented on the partnership.
“We share a vision with Joby to deliver urgently-required innovation by missionizing VTOL aircraft for defense needs.”
Results After a Decade
During the project, the team is expected to base the hybrid VTOL aircraft on Joby’s S4 platform, CNBC reported.
Joby has supported US military efforts for nearly eight years, primarily through its work on electric-powered air taxis.
The enterprise is currently seeking Federal Aviation Administration certification for its flagship aircraft and recently expanded production at its California facility.
“We have worked closely with the Department of Defense over the past decade to give them a front row seat to the development of our dual-purpose technologies, and we’re now ready to demonstrate and deploy it,” Joby Aviation CEO and Founder JoeBen Bevirt stated.
“Our country depends on companies like ours moving at pace, and we have the team, the technology and the platform to do just that.”
