California-based Joby Aviation’s second pre-production prototype aircraft has been granted airworthiness approvals.
In December 2021, both the US Air Force (USAF) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave the Special Airworthiness Certificate and airworthiness approval, respectively, for the aircraft.
The new addition and approvals increase the capacity for the flight testing of the aircraft this year.
Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said:
“Our 2021 flight test programme delivered a wealth of information and experience to support our programme. With two aircraft flying at the same time, we’ll be able to increase the speed of our learnings as planned while continuing to fulfil the requirements of our Agility Prime contract.We’re grateful to the US Air Force for our ongoing relationship and support and to the FAA for continuing to foster innovation in the aviation industry.”
Joby’s second prototype is expected to start flying later this month, and will also be used as part of the Agility Prime Program, the Air Force’s initiative to accelerate development of the eVTOL industry.
The company aims to introduce its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into commercial passenger service in 2024.
Source: Press Release